Eberhard & Co. sets new standards for emblematic lines
Eberhard & Co. was founded at La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1887. Backed by a history of almost 130 years, the brand prides itself in its commitment to tradition and innovation. In 1907, after gaining recognition as one of the largest Swiss watch Manufacture, Eberhard & Co. inaugurated its new headquarters 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, and has become one of the city's well known landmarks. The company changed management in 1919, when Eberhard's sons, Georges and Maurice, took over the reins. 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. More recently, Eberhard & Co. has gained success with the 8 Days, which only required manual winding once every 8 days (Patented) and the 2001 launch of the Chrono 4, which dominated the horology market with the first and only chronograph in history to feature 4 counters that are all arranged in a single row (Patented – Registered Design). This year the brand has unveiled new editions to complement its already existing collections in the market.
Contograf Special Edition
The Contograf collection welcomes a new edition for the year 2015. The “camouflage” special edition boasts a striking aesthetic impact with a green hued dial with a camouflage style. The re-vamped edition of the 1960s classic, which became an emblem of its time due to its innovative characteristics, retains many of the original features except for new improvements such as the ceramic bezel with unidirectional rotation that is available in dark green or black, with an accompanying bracelet or strap in rep fabric.
Tazio Nuvolari 336 Edition limitée
The deep bond between Eberhard & Co. and the world of classic cars, and in particular the legend of Tazio Nuvolari, has been celebrated with a unique tribute. The Swiss watchmaker has once again taken inspiration from the superlative sporting history of the Mantuan driver, full of incredible anecdotes, unrepeatable performances and unbeatable records. The Tazio Nuvolari 336 pays homage to the incredible record set by the car-racing hero, Tazio Nuvolari, who re-wrote history with a new record in 1935. Figures show the racer achieved one kilometre in 11 seconds and a mile in 17 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 336 km/h whilst in control of a powerful Alfa Romeo 16C Twin-engine. Drawing inspiration from this famous episode, the Swiss Maison unveiled a limited edition of 336 timepieces that offers the reading of two different time zones, where the second zone is located at 12 o’clock, while the power reserve is displayed at 6 o’clock.
Gilda Ladies Watches
Two new models have been added to the Gilda Ladies Collection: the Gilda Grand Pavé and the Gilda Precious White. The prominent shape of the elliptical stainless steel case is encrusted with diamonds, adding a touch of romanticism to the wrist. Featuring a mother-of-pearl dial that boasts a delicate wave-like motif, the timepiece is driven by a quartz movement that powers the hours and minutes function. Protected by a patented domed sapphire glass, refined, with antiâ€reflective treatment, the back of the watch is personalised with a delicate floral engraving.
Extra-Fort
The Extra-fort collection was created in the 1940s and became one of the watchmaker's oldest and most emblematic lines. Since then various commemorative editions and reinterpretations have been produced, featuring sophisticated technical solutions such as the column wheel chronograph and the “rattrapante” (split-second) version. With a look seemingly unchanged in decades, the Extra-fort can be considered the forefather of the contemporary chronographs in the elegant-sports segment. At the beginning of this century, in response to specific market demand for smaller, more simple watches, the Extra-fort range was expanded to include a non-chronograph version with just time and date functions, the emblem of a classic look which has gained many admirers among lovers of fine horology. It is this version, the Extra-fort Automatic that Eberhard has updated, enriching the range with three new dials: “argenté”, black or grey which features Roman numerals with rhodiumâ€plated indices in the outer area. The Extraâ€fort Automatic has an automatic mechanical movement that is housed in a 40mm diameter steel case, and is waterproof to 50 metres. The new look is completed by an alligator strap – available in black or brown – or a “Chalin” steel bracelet.
