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Earlier this month at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, Eberhard & Co. unveiled two new chronographs, expanding its 1887 line-up, first developed in 2019. The Swiss brand unveiled both the Chronographe 1887 Édition Limitée and the Chronographe 1887 Automatique. These timepieces represent a fusion of tradition and modernity, paying homage to the brand’s founding date and its rich heritage that has made it a staple on the Swiss market for over 130 years.
According to the Maison, the development process of these chronographs was meticulous, involving extensive research and study of original Eberhard & Co. chronographs dating back to the 1930s. Preserved at the Eberhard & Co. Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, these timepieces served as the primary source of inspiration for the design and technical aspects of the new releases.
Both the Chronographe 1887 Édition Limitée and the Chronographe 1887 Automatique are powered by exclusive calibers developed in collaboration with Manufacture AMT. The movements (EB 280 and EB 380, respectively) feature a column wheel and the fly-back complication, a nod to the precision timing required in aviation during the 1930s. The EB 280 in the Limitée is manually wound, while the EB 380 in the Automatique is, as the name of the watch implies, self-winding. The primary aesthetic difference between the two references is the use of baton style hour markers on the Limtée and Breguet numerals on the Automatique. Each is available with white or black dials, with steel cases measuring 41.5mm.
A notable aspect of these chronographs is the customisation work applied to the movement structure. In both editions of the watch, a special lever allows the chronograph reset button to align coaxially with the crown, enhancing user experience and functionality. Additionally, both timepieces feature personalized engravings on the movement plates and oscillating weights, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. The Limitée is distinguished by a customized upper bridge on the chronograph’s gear train with a decorated rendition of Eberhard’s shield emblem.
From a design perspective, the Chronographe 1887 collection draws inspiration from historical Eberhard & Co. chronographs, featuring vintage-style elements such as the steel case, vintage-style crown, and intricate dial designs. The incorporation of spiral tachymeter and telemetric scales further enhances the aesthetic appeal of these timepieces, offering a blend of classic and contemporary design elements.
