On the occasion of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, Eberhard & Co. presents its latest creations: the "Chronographe 1887" collection, comprising two chronographs, one of which is limited to 250 pieces. A harmonious blend of aesthetics and technique, the collection is a contemporary synthesis of the rich history and DNA of the Brand whose founding date is celebrated.
The "Chronographe 1887" is the result of an in-depth "journey in time" undertaken by the Swiss Maison, which led to intensive research and study. Each element of the collection, whether technical or aesthetic, was motivated by the desire to reinterpret in a contemporary form the chronographs that have made the history of the Maison, which has always been known for its innovative and original choices.
The research focused on the study of chronographs from the 1930s and beyond, original models that will be on display at the Eberhard & Co. stand at Watches and Wonders. These historic timepieces are the reference for the "Chronographe 1887", a true source of formal and technical inspiration.
The element of the Shield plays a particularly prominent role in the collection and is also a central theme in the design of the Eberhard & Co. booth at Watches and Wonders. Originally deposited as a poinçon de maîtres (maker's mark) in 1892, the emblem of the Bouclier Pointu is a powerful symbol of authenticity, security and solidity, and has been a distinctive aesthetic element in the details of the Maison's collections since its beginnings.
Reference 31081 is a hand-wound mechanical chronograph, in a limited edition of 250 pieces part of the “Chronographe 1887” collection.
The timepiece is powered by an exclusive caliber, the EB280, characterised by technical specialisation and refinement. The movement is equipped with the "roue à colonnes" (column wheel) and “fly-back” complication, also known as a "retour en vol”. The latter originates in 1930s for use by aviators to time the various phases of a flight – a single push of the button produces three manipulations instead of the stop-start sequence in rapid succession.
For the chronograph, a sophisticated customisation intervention was carried out on the mechanical structure of the movement, with striking technical and aesthetic results, which can be admired through the vitré caseback. A particularly significant intervening feature is the creation of a special lever, which allows the resetting button to be displaced coaxially to the crown.
From an aesthetic point of view, the "Chronographe 1887" collection recalls the distinctive lines of the Eberhard & Co. chronographs of the 1930s. This character is reflected in details such as the vintage-style crown (in steel and water-resistant) with a coaxial button personalised with the letter "E" and the sinuous steel case (with a diameter of 41.50 millimetres). The combinations of colours, details and fine finishes are reminiscent of the historic models, giving the chronograph a particularly interesting and unique appeal.
This limited edition chronograph is proposed with dials with hour markers or Arabic numerals, a telemetric scale, a spiral tachymeter scale and a special circular diamond engraving between the telemetric scale and the 1/5th of a second. The reference is also presented in a precious edition with a copper and silver coloured dial obtained by a special metalworking process.
