Tropical 1940s Eberhard Pre Extra-Fort Chronograph 'Cal. 16000' Gilt "Snail" Dial

The Eberhard & Co. brand is firmly rooted in Swiss watchmaking history and was once the largest Swiss watch manufacturer in the early 1900s. The founder, George-Emile Eberhard, founded the company at the young age of 22 years old in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Though Eberhard & Co. greatly influenced the rise of the Swiss watchmaking history, the brand is most well-known for its post-war wristwatches, such as the elegant Extra-Fort chronograph and the Scafograph diving sports watch.

The chronographs colloquially dubbed "Pre Extra-Fort" refer to all Eberhard chronographs created before the Extra-Forts model debuted in the 1940s. This detail may seem self-explanatory, but it alludes to Eberhards' rich history with chronographs, as the brand was one of the first to adopt the 2-button configuration in 1935, with the caliber 16000, after Breitling introduced the concept in 1934.

The cal. 16000 was created by famed chronograph movement manufacturer Valjoux, using their base caliber 65, though it is understood the cal. 16000 was specifically designed for Eberhard to achieve the 2-button configuration. Operationally, the cal. 16000 is very similar to what you would expect from a modern 2-button design, however, there are some differences. The top button functions as you would expect– starting and resetting the chronograph- but the bottom button actually functions as a slide, which is used to both stop and reengage the chronograph.

While the movement is spectacular, it isn't the whole story of the watch, as what's incasing the movement is just as exciting. The huge for the era 40mm case features a charming stepped bezel design and houses one of the most impressive galvanic gilt dials we've seen of late. Commonly known as a "spiral" or "snail" dial, which is in reference to the layout of the tachymeter at the center of the dial. This particular example has achieved a beautiful speckled brown "tropical" patina, with minimal additional age present, remaining in remarkably well-preserved condition for its age.

SPECS

Stock # EBHPEF16000
Brand Eberhard & Co.
Style Pre Extra-Fort
Model Cal. 16000
Serial 17XXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Black Gilt "Snail Scale"
Millimeters 40
Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap
CASE & BRACELET

The impressive and oversized case is in beautifully preserved condition, showing minimal evidence of being previously polished, with no notable wear present. The original fixed spring bars also remain fully intact. The stepped bezel is also in exceptional condition, with only nominal elements of previous use present. The case retains its original oval-shaped chronograph button, along with the original unsigned crown. The snap-on case back shows minimal wear and age. The watch comes supplied on a fixed 2pc black pigskin leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original and truly inspiring black galvanic gilt dial is remarkably well-preserved, especially considering the age of the watch, and has achieved an aesthetically pleasing speckled brown "tropical" patina throughout the dial. There are some minor elements of age and wear, though they are not visible to the naked eye due to the nature of the dial patina. The original gilt syringe-style hands and gilt chronograph hands remain in exceptional condition.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch is running and functioning correctly, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

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