Eberhard & Co. Marketing Coordinator Ginevra Ripamonti – the third generation of the Monti family running the brand – vividly remembers her first encounter with the watch that would inspire the Contodat collection, which was introduced in 2025.
“I immediately fell in love with it and had the chance to wear it for some time. This was long before we decided to bring it back to life – and I was struck by how contemporary its original design already felt. The colors were exceptional, the proportions compact, and every detail stood out. This combination of elements is exactly what makes the 1970s aesthetic so appealing today: a unique balance of character, functionality, and creative freedom,” she said of the model based on a 1970s Chronographe from the brand’s vintage catalogue. True to its origin, the two-counter Chronographe 31156 has a sporty, streamlined style with an integrated bracelet that seamlessly extends from the 39-millimetre stainless-steel case. A case given a contemporary update with a mix of sandblasted and polished finishes.
Dynamic orange – widely used during the 1970s in a plethora of products – is used on the chronograph to increase legibility on the subdials, tachymeter and chronograph second hand. This color is also used on the entry-level model of the collection, the Contodat Automatic. Here it highlights the peripheral numbers and the small seconds hand at 9 o’clock. This is symmetrically aligned with the trapezoidal-shaped date display. Both watches are water resistant to 100 meters thanks to the screw-down crown.
With the Contodat, as with the creation of each Eberhard & Co., the whole process is overseen by CEO Barbara Monti.
“This is one of the hallmarks of our company and our independence. She [Ms. Monti] is deeply knowledgeable both about Eberhard & Co.’s history and the world of watchmaking, with a unique ability to modernize insights and ideas from our historical heritage, without creating mere remakes. For the Contodat collection, she drew inspiration from a 1970s Chronographe, while the Automatic ‘time-only’ version was designed entirely from scratch,” said Ms. Ripamonti, adding another hallmark; a classic one. “The company’s history is deeply intertwined with chronographs – the first Eberhard & Co. wrist Chronographe dates back to 1919.”
The feedback has been very positive for the collection, since the preview at Watches and Wonders Geneva last spring. Case sizes have gone down in general, a trend in which the 39-millimeter size fits perfectly. The other trends into which the Contodat collection fits hand in glove are nouveau vintage style and integrated bracelets. “The dial design has been particularly appreciated, as well as the color options – ranging from bright, bold tones that highlight the sporty character of the watch, to more classic shades – all featuring eye-catching orange accents,” said Ms. Ripamonti. “Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the 1970s comes from the fact that certain design languages simply don’t age. Tastes may evolve and trends may come and go, but some forms remain timeless.”
