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Eberhard & Co. are a successful independent watch brand that have created a legacy of excellence and precision for over a century. Having spent years under the radar, they are now drawing global attention as they redefine contemporary watchmaking with an unwavering commitment to innovation.
Eberhard & Co. were founded in 1887 by Georges Eberhard in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the cradle of Swiss watchmaking. In the early days, they garnered repute for their pocket watches that promised high ingenuity in design and mechanism. However, it was the foray into chronograph watches that truly propelled them to prominence, solidifying their position as a heavyweight in the industry during the 1930s. Eberhard created their first chronograph in 1919, a highly advanced single-button wristwatch. It was followed by a series of firsts for the maison — the launch of the first double-pusher chronograph in 1935, the first chronograph with an hour counter in 1938, and the first split-second chronograph in 1939. Despite the passage of time, chronograph watches remain the cornerstone of Eberhard & Co.'s identity.
In their uninterrupted journey of 135 years, Eberhard & Co. have marked each decade with iconic creations. The 1940s were dominated by the elegant and unique Extra-Fort timepieces, and the 50s celebrated the dive watch genre with the Scafograf. In 1969, Eberhard & Co. entered a new chapter as they were acquired by the Monti family, led by the visionary Palmiro Monti. Under his astute leadership spanning until his passing in 2005, the maison gained unparalleled heights of success, particularly within Italy. Monti's entrepreneurial acumen infused the brand with a fresh perspective. He spearheaded the creation of the beloved Tazio Nuvolari collection in 1992, which has since become a mainstay of the brand's legacy, cherished by enthusiasts worldwide. Among other milestone models by Eberhard include the 8 Jours introduced in 1997 and Chrono 4 launched in 2001. The legacy of the maison is now guided by Barbara Monti, the current CEO and her husband, Mario Peserico, who serves as the managing director of the house.
The Watches Of Eberhard & Co.
Eberhard’s collection of timepieces promises merit in every watchmaking requisite. It appeases the quest for form and function in a way that many known houses have not been able to achieve. Chrono 4 is one of the strongest examples of Eberhard’s design genius. It revolutionised the world of watchmaking with its never-seen-before placement of chronograph sub-dials. Extra-Fort was another line of watches that left a lasting impact on the maison’s legacy. Even after more than 80 years, the design brilliance of Extra-Fort watches continues to inspire newer models, underscoring their timeless appeal and enduring relevance. Other watches that trace Eberhard’s excellence in form and craftsmanship include the classic 1887, gracefully feminine Gilda, the mechanical marvels of 8 Jours, and more.
However, the watch that put Eberhard & Co. on the contemporary horological map is Scafograf. In 2016, this remarkable dive watch clinched watchmaking’s most prestigious award, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, in the Sports Watch category. Since its inception in the 1950s, the Scafograf has had an extraordinary journey marked by its exceptional craftsmanship, notable size, and elevated functionality. Complementing this flagship model, Eberhard's repertoire boasts other high-performance timepieces like the Scientigraf, Contograf, Scafo, and more.