In the world of luxury watches, heritage is everything. Eberhard & Co., a Swiss watchmaker with a rich history dating back to 1887, recently unveiled two new chronographs that pay homage to the brand's legacy. The Chronographe 1887 Limited Edition and Chronographe 1887 Automatique are not just timepieces, they are journeys through time.
Eberhard & Co. has been a pioneer in watchmaking for over 130 years. They are renowned for their innovative and original designs, and the Chronographe 1887 collection is no exception. The two new timepieces embody the spirit of Eberhard & Co. while also offering something fresh and exciting for watch collectors.
Courtesy of Eberhard & Co.
The design of the Chronographe 1887 draws inspiration from Eberhard & Co. chronographs from the 1930s and 1940s. The watches feature a stainless steel case with polished and satin finishes, a vintage-style crown with a co-axial pusher, and a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside. The dial is available in a variety of colors and configurations, all with a sophisticated and refined look.
One of the most striking features of the Chronographe 1887 is the movement. The watches are powered by exclusive Eberhard & Co. calibres, the EB 280 for the limited edition model and the EB 380 for the automatic model. Both movements are equipped with a column wheel and flyback complication, a technical marvel that allows the chronograph to be reset to zero with a single push of a button. The movements are also beautifully decorated, with Côtes de Genève stripes and a personalized oscillating weight.
Courtesy of Eberhard & Co.
The Chronographe 1887 is a watch that is steeped in history, but it is also a watch that is built for the future. The watches are water-resistant to 50 meters and feature a variety of modern amenities, making them perfect for everyday wear. Whether you are a collector of fine timepieces or simply looking for a stylish and sophisticated watch, the Chronographe 1887 is sure to impress.
At the core of these timepieces lie the exclusive Eberhard & Co. calibres EB 280 and EB 380. These movements aren't simply engines, they're meticulously constructed horological symphonies. A key element is the column wheel ("roue à colonnes"), a hallmark of high-end chronographs. This intricate wheel-like component coordinates the start, stop, and reset functions of the chronograph, ensuring smooth, precise operation. It's a testament to Eberhard & Co.'s dedication to traditional watchmaking artistry.
The flyback complication adds another layer of sophistication. Born from a need for efficiency in aviation timing, flyback allows the wearer to instantly reset the chronograph to zero with a single press of the button, even while it's running. Imagine an aerial navigator rapidly re-timing a flight maneuver without having to perform a full stop-reset-start sequence - that's the practical beauty of the flyback.
Courtesy of Eberhard & Co.
Eberhard & Co. didn't stop with technical prowess. Both calibres are visually stunning, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Unique bridges, adorned with Côtes de Genève finishing and personalized with the Eberhard & Co. shield emblem, offer a feast for the eyes. The oscillating weight on the automatic EB 380 caliber is a work of art in itself, boasting "Côtes de Genève" and "colimaçon papier” finishing techniques. It's these details that separate true luxury watches from mere time-tellers.
The Chronographe 1887's face is a canvas of contrasts and careful consideration, a nod to their historical predecessors. The dial options are diverse yet uniformly refined. White "coquille d'oeuf" (eggshell) with its semi-matte texture complements polished black hour markers. A matte black dial, paired with crisp white indices, offers a bolder aesthetic. Perhaps most intriguing is the dial with a central bronze-colored area, created through a special metal deposition process, surrounded by a silvered perimeter. This unique combination exudes warmth and a subtle vintage charm.
Courtesy of Eberhard & Co.
All variants feature a spiral tachymeter scale in a contrasting color, a tool for calculating speed over a known distance. This feature harkens back to the chronograph's racing heritage, where split-second timing meant the difference between victory and defeat. The telemetric scale, another throwback element, allows the wearer to estimate distances based on the speed of sound, a useful function in pre-radar military applications.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident across the Chronographe 1887. The vintage-inspired crown, with its polished finish and waterproof design, offers a satisfying tactile experience. Its coaxial pusher, personalized with an embossed "E", allows the chronograph reset function while maintaining design symmetry. Even the hands, a seemingly minor element, are thoughtfully curated. Diamond-cut hour and minute hands, baton-style for the chronograph seconds, and varying shapes for the subdial hands ensure legibility and add visual complexity.
The 41.50 mm stainless steel case, a perfect size for contemporary wrists, features both polished and satin finishes. This interplay of textures catches the light beautifully, enhancing the watch's presence without being overly ostentatious. The lugs curve gently, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on even smaller wrists.
Courtesy of Eberhard & Co.
An alligator leather strap with a steel buckle personalized with the Eberhard & Co. "E" shield completes the package. The straps' rich colors and textures perfectly complement the chosen dial variants, underscoring the brand's belief that every element should contribute to a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic experience.
The Eberhard & Co. Chronographe 1887 collection is more than just a set of watches. It's a testament to the brand's ability to honor its past while embracing contemporary watchmaking techniques. Whether you're a seasoned horological connoisseur or someone who simply appreciates fine craftsmanship, these timepieces are bound to capture your imagination.