Eberhard & Co. grows with new novelties this year
The independent Maison Suisse d'Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. that looks back to almost 130 years of watchmaking history that began at La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1887 has revealed an exciting host of collections for the year 2016 including the Scafograf 300, Extra-fort Grande Taille and Aiglon Collection
With a brand that is rooted to tradition and innovation, it has risen to wide recognition as one of the largest Swiss watch Manufacture. In 1907, Eberhard & Co. inaugurated its headquarters which took an entire block at the very centre of Rue Leopold Robert, La Chaux-de-Fonds's main avenue. The Parisian-like five-stories building was designed in distinctive Beaux Arts style with a round tower topped by a large eagle sculpture, now one of the city's well known landmarks.
During the early 20th century, the business quickly developed into an industry powerhouse and had become synonymous to watchmaking ingenuity, excellence and creativity. The year 1919 saw various milestones for the company having had a change in management, welcoming Eberhard's sons, Georges and Maurice. It was also the year which saw the arrival of the most advanced wristwatch chronograph of its time and shortly afterwards in 1935, the company issued a totally unprecedented chronograph with two pushbuttons featuring stop and start functions without reset – a complication which became the Maison’s signature specialty. The brand’s timepieces amassed an elite international following, owing to their luxurious design and meticulously crafted mechanisms. Following the Second World War, as global trade recovered, the brand launched its iconic Extra-Fort line, which still enjoys contemporary success.
Under the leadership of a group of investors led by the entrepreneur Palmiro Monti, who took over Eberhard & Co. in the ‘70s, the company has continued its success especially with the release of the patented Chrono 4 (Registered Design), an exceptionally innovative model, in 2001. This year, Eberhard & Co. places its pride in a new set of exciting and remarkable novelties that add up to its already blossoming roster of outstanding collections.
Scafograf 300
In conjunction with the legendary Scafograf collection that was originally designed to be worn by the adventurous and sporty with a dynamic spirit and love of life, Eberhard & Co. unveils a contemporary reinterpretation of this fascinating piece that first saw a release in the 1950s.
Eberhard & Co. now presents a new edition of this model in a mechanical, self-winding diving watch, with a 43 mm steel case, and a unidirectional rotating bezel in ceramic with luminescent markings on the first 15 minutes scale, curved sapphire glass and a helium escape valve at 9 o’clock. The “galbé” black dial has luminescent applied indices and the date at 3 o'clock. The name of the model, the central seconds hand and the dots come either in white, light blue or yellow.
Water-resistant to 300 metres, the new SCAFOGRAF 300 has a screwed case-back personalised with an engraved starfish. The model comes with an integrated black rubber strap or a Chassis® steel bracelet with deployment clasp Déclic® (Patented).
Extra-fort Grande Taille
During Baselworld 2016, Eberhard & Co. presents an elegant new look for Grande Taille version of one of its most iconic models: the Extra-fort, a skilful blend of technique and class for a chronograph with great personality. Featuring “frappé” finishing and snailed counters, it is available in four new dial variants including silver/silver counters, blue/silver counters, grey/grey counters, and silver/black counters. All models have applied indices and Roman numerals.
Meanwhile, its elegant, harmonious lines reveal a 41 mm steel case containing a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement. Water resistant to 50 m, the caseback of the Extra-fort Grande Taille is fixed by 6 screws; the model comes with an alligator strap or a “Chalin” steel bracelet.
Aiglon Collection
Inspired by the vibrant spirit of women, Eberhard & Co. dedicates the Aiglon Dame that is perfect for everyday wear, at the same time sporty and refined. This exciting piece comes in a 35mm diameter steel case, framed by the bezel made in steel or 18k gold. Available in colours and materials designed to offer a sophisticated and versatile look, various versions of the dial are in offer: In white, blue or grey mother-of-pearl with a sunray design, a floral motif and cabochon diamond hourmarkers. Water-resistant up to 50 metres, Aiglon Dame is available with the Chablis wristband in steel or steel and gold with gold "cap" on the central links.
On hand, Eberhard & Co. has crafted a new interpretation of the existing gent’s version of the Aiglon collection. The new Aiglon Grande Taille now comes with new dials and a steel and gold declination. Designed for a dynamic and sporty male wrist, Aiglon Grande Taille has a 41 mm steel case and various different sunray dials – silver, blue or black – with luminescent hourmarkers and date at 6 o'clock. Water-resistant up to 50 metres and with a caseback held in place by 6 screws, the watch is equipped with an ostrich leather strap or the Chablis steel wristband. The masculine watch also comes in an elegant steel and gold version with a white or black dial and a polished bezel in 18k gold.
