Eberhard & Co. CONTODAT

Eberhard & Co., a Swiss watch manufacturer with a history stretching back to 1887, has introduced a new collection drawing inspiration from its past while firmly planting its design language in the present. The CONTODAT collection emerges, comprising two distinct models: the CONTODAT Chronographe and the CONTODAT Automatic. These timepieces revive a historical name, first registered in 1955, and channel the spirit of a distinctive 1970s model, representing the brand's first current offerings designed exclusively with an integrated steel bracelet.

The genesis of the new CONTODAT collection lies not just in reviving a name, but in recapturing an attitude. During the challenging 1970s, when the traditional Swiss watch industry faced the disruptive rise of quartz technology, Eberhard & Co.'s then-President, Palmiro Monti, took a bold step. Soon after assuming leadership in 1969, Monti steered the design of a mechanical chronograph that defied the era's pressures. It wasn't a conservative retreat, but a forward-looking piece defined by striking lines and an adventurous use of color, notably a contrasting orange seconds hand.

This 1970s watch was an act of defiance and confidence in mechanical watchmaking. It embraced the future with originality and vibrancy, rather than simply reacting to the quartz phenomenon. Nearly five decades later, Eberhard & Co. taps into that same resilient spirit for the new CONTODAT line. The collection carries the energetic DNA of its predecessor, visually linked by the strategic use of orange – what the brand calls a "fil orange" or "orange thread" – connecting past inspiration with future aspirations.



Both the CONTODAT Automatic and the CONTODAT Chronographe share a foundational design centered around a 39mm steel case. This dimension offers a versatile presence suitable for a wide range of wrists, balancing modernity with a nod to classic proportions. The case construction masterfully alternates between satin-brushed surfaces and polished profiles, creating a dynamic interplay of light and texture that extends seamlessly into the integrated bracelet.

The case architecture is robust yet refined. Both models feature a solid steel construction. The Chronographe measures 13.90 mm in thickness, accommodating its complication, while the Automatic presents a slimmer profile at 11.30 mm. This difference ensures each watch feels appropriately balanced for its function. Attention to detail is evident in the polished steel bezel that frames the dial, adding a touch of brilliance against the predominantly brushed case surfaces.

Functionality underpins the design, with both watches boasting a water resistance of 100 meters, making them suitable for daily wear and recreational water activities. This capability is supported by a screw-down steel crown, which is carefully personalized with Eberhard & Co.'s signature "E" embossed in relief. The secure crown mechanism is essential for maintaining the case's integrity against water ingress.

Turning the watches over reveals a screw-in steel caseback, thoughtfully finished with a central satin-brushed area surrounded by a polished perimeter. Adding a layer of symbolic depth, the caseback features golden engravings, including the Latin phrase "UBI TU IBI EGO," translating to "WHERE YOU WILL BE, THERE I WILL BE." This inscription evokes a sense of permanence and companionship, reflecting the enduring nature of a well-crafted mechanical watch.

Protecting the intricate dials is a sculpted, domed sapphire crystal. This choice of material ensures high scratch resistance, maintaining clarity over time. The domed shape adds a vintage-inspired aesthetic curvature, while an anti-reflective treatment applied to the inside surface minimizes glare and enhances legibility under various lighting conditions, allowing the dial details to be appreciated without obstruction.



A defining feature of the CONTODAT collection is its exclusive offering on a newly designed integrated steel bracelet. This design choice creates a cohesive flow from the case lugs directly into the bracelet links, resulting in a unified and fluid appearance. The bracelet mirrors the case finishing, with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces on its links, reinforcing the collection's sophisticated yet sporty character.

Practicality and security are addressed with the inclusion of Eberhard & Co.'s proprietary 2CLICK® clasp. This two-button release system provides a secure closure, minimizing the risk of accidental opening during wear. The clasp itself is personalized with the Maison's emblem, the Shield, a symbol that is subtly echoed in the design of the clasp's inner folding blades, showcasing a consistent brand identity down to the smallest components.

Focusing on the CONTODAT Chronographe (Reference 31156), this model is powered by a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. Its complication provides time-telling alongside stopwatch functionality. The layout includes a central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter positioned at 3 o'clock, and a small continuous seconds display at 9 o'clock. A date aperture is neatly integrated at the 6 o'clock position.

The dial of the Chronographe is offered in three distinct colorways: a Deep Blue (.01), a rich green (.02), and a classic silvered "argenté" (.03). The central area of the dial features a radiant "soleil" or sunray finish, which catches and plays with light beautifully. Framing this is a perimeter area with a contrasting satin finish, housing a tachymeter scale calibrated in km/h based on 1000 units, useful for calculating speed over a fixed distance. Applied hour markers, filled with luminescent material, ensure readability in low light.

The chronograph counters stand out, often presented in contrasting colors depending on the dial variant. They feature an "azuré" finish – a pattern of fine concentric circles – on their central part, bordered by a circular satin-finished edge. A unique detail appears on the 3 o'clock minute counter: a special scale extension allows the user to track elapsed time up to 45 minutes, a direct homage to the functionality found in the 1970s Palmiro Monti-designed watch. The date window at 6 o'clock adopts a distinctive trapezoidal shape with an applied frame, another nod to its historical inspiration.

The hands on the Chronographe are a new design for Eberhard & Co. The hour and minute hands are "bâton" style but feature a "squelettes" or skeletonized structure. They are rhodium-plated and possess a unique multi-level construction with a central channel housing luminescent material for night-time visibility. The central chronograph seconds hand has a custom shape and is often rendered in the signature orange, matching the accent on the 30-minute counter scale. The small hands within the counters are "index conique" type, slender and pointed for precise reading.



Actuating the chronograph functions are two polished steel push-buttons flanking the crown. These cylindrical pushers maintain the case's clean lines. The pusher at 2 o'clock serves to start and stop the chronograph measurement, while the pusher at 4 o'clock resets the chronograph hands back to zero. Their polished finish provides a tactile and visual contrast to the brushed case sides.

Shifting to the CONTODAT Automatic (Reference 41156), this model offers a simpler, time-and-date display powered by a mechanical self-winding movement. Its primary functions include central hours and minutes, a small continuous seconds counter located at 9 o'clock, and a date display repositioned to the 3 o'clock position, distinguishing its layout from the Chronographe.

The dial of the CONTODAT Automatic comes in a wider array of colors: blue (.01), green (.02), "argenté" (.03), gray (.04), and black (.05). Similar to the Chronographe, the central area boasts a "soleil" finish, but the perimeter area features an "azuré" finish, offering a subtle textural contrast across the dial surface. Applied, luminescent hour markers ensure legibility.

The Automatic model features a single counter for the continuous small seconds at 9 o'clock. Where applicable, this counter uses contrasting coloring to stand out against the main dial. It shares the "azuré" finish on its central part and the circular satin edge seen on the Chronographe's counters. The date window, located at 3 o'clock in this version, retains the characteristic trapezoidal shape with an applied outline, maintaining a key design link within the collection.

The hands on the Automatic mirror the sophisticated design found on the Chronographe. The main hour and minute hands are the same rhodium-plated, multi-level "bâton squelettes" type with central luminescence. The small seconds hand within the 9 o'clock counter is the "index conique" type, often presented in a contrasting color. The vibrant orange accent appears on the tip of the seconds hand and the "60" marker on the seconds track, providing that signature "fil orange" link.



Barbara Monti, CEO of Eberhard & Co., reflected on the collection's origins: “The inspiration for the CONTODAT collection stems from the desire to bring to life, in the present day with contemporary features, the spirit of a watch that represented a pivotal moment for the brand. Just as Eberhard & Co. was able to embrace the challenge posed by quartz with a highly original mechanical watch featuring unexpected touches of colour, today, in uncertain times, the same spirit has led us to create a new collection, characterized by the same energetic colour contrasts, unique lines, and a case with compact dimensions.”

Mario Peserico, General Manager of Eberhard & Co., further elaborated on the connection to the past and future: “The origin of the CONTODAT collection is rooted in a 1970s model, initially only offered as a chronograph, but it is not a mere remake. In fact, it is a completely new collection, marked by a sporty style that still maintains an aura of classicism. A true 'act of loyalty' to mechanical watchmaking, in which the brand has believed from the very beginning and continues to guide us in our vision of the future.”

The Eberhard & Co. CONTODAT collection successfully bridges historical inspiration with contemporary watch design. Both the Chronographe and Automatic models offer a compelling package built around a well-proportioned 39mm steel case, intricate dial finishes, unique hand designs, and the notable exclusivity of an integrated steel bracelet. They represent Eberhard & Co.'s continued dedication to mechanical watchmaking, infused with a touch of historical resilience and distinctive style. These watches are available through Eberhard & Co.'s authorized dealer network, offering enthusiasts a piece that connects the brand's past challenges with its present vision.

CONTODAT Chronographe

Case: Steel with satin finish and polished profiles, 39 mm diameter, 13.90 mm thickness. Polished steel bezel. Screw-down crown with "E" relief. Sculpted, domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating. Steel screw-in caseback with central satin finish, polished perimeter, golden engravings including "UBI TU IBI EGO". Polished steel cylindrical pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. Water resistant to 100 m.

Movement: Self-winding mechanical chronograph. Functions: Central chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock (with 45-min extension scale), small continuous seconds at 9 o'clock, date at 6 o'clock.

Dial: Blue (.01), green (.02), or argenté (.03). Central area "soleil" finish, perimeter satin finish with km/h scale (base 1000). Applique hour markers with luminescence. Contrasting counters ("azuré" center, circular satin edge). Trapezoidal date window at 6 o'clock with applique outline. "Bâton squelettes" rhodium-plated hour/minute hands with luminescence. Custom-shaped central chronograph seconds hand (orange accent). "Index conique" counter hands. Orange accent on 30-min scale.

Strap: Integrated steel bracelet with alternating satin and polished finishes. Two-button 2CLICK® clasp personalized with Shield emblem.

Reference Number: 31156

Notes: Inspired by a 1970s Eberhard model. Features a unique 45-minute chronograph counter scale and distinctive trapezoidal date window. Caseback engraved with "UBI TU IBI EGO". "Fil orange" accent color used. First current Eberhard collection exclusively on an integrated bracelet.



CONTODAT Automatic

Case: Steel with satin finish and polished profiles, 39 mm diameter, 11.30 mm thickness. Polished steel bezel. Screw-down crown with "E" relief. Sculpted, domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating. Steel screw-in caseback with central satin finish, polished perimeter, golden engravings including "UBI TU IBI EGO". Water resistant to 100 m.

Movement: Mechanical self-winding. Functions: Central hours and minutes, small continuous seconds counter at 9 o'clock, date at 3 o'clock.

Dial: Blue (.01), green (.02), argenté (.03), gray (.04), or black (.05). Central area "soleil" finish, perimeter area "azuré" finish. Applique hour markers with luminescence. Small seconds counter at 9 o'clock (contrasting color option, "azuré" center, circular satin edge). Trapezoidal date window at 3 o'clock with applique outline. "Bâton squelettes" rhodium-plated hour/minute hands with luminescence. "Index conique" counter hand (contrasting color). Orange accent on seconds hand tip and "60" marker.

Strap: Integrated steel bracelet with alternating satin and polished finishes. Two-button 2CLICK® clasp personalized with Shield emblem.

Reference Number: 41156

Notes: Time-and-date version inspired by a 1970s Eberhard model. Features a distinctive trapezoidal date window at 3 o'clock. Caseback engraved with "UBI TU IBI EGO". "Fil orange" accent color used. First current Eberhard collection exclusively on an integrated bracelet.