DEFTLY BALANCING NEW IDEAS WITH THE REVIVAL OF HERITAGE CLASSICS, EBERHARD & CO. CHERISH THEIR PAST AND CONSTRUCT FOR THE FUTURE. HERE WE PROFILE THIS REMARKABLE MAISON AND SPEAKS TO ITS GENERAL MANAGER, MARIO PESERICO.

In the ever-evolving world of luxury watchmaking—an industry dominated by powerful conglomerates— Eberhard & Co. remains one of Switzerland’s few remaining independent, family-owned Maisons.
The brand was born in the historic epicentre of Swiss watchmaking, the mountain town of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Jura region—famously home to horological giants like Patek Philippe and Rolex.
Established as the Manufacture d’Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. in 1887 by Georges-Lucien Eberhard, who was only 22 at the time, Eberhard & Co. continues to build upon 137 years of history, always managing to both honour its rich heritage, and embrace new ideas. Throughout the company’s lifetime, its creations have been relevant to the times, forward thinking, marrying craftsmanship and ingenuity.
From producing the most advanced wristwatch chronograph of 1919 to launching the split-second chronograph in 1939, the Maison has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation.
Eberhard & Co.’s wristwatches have also made their mark in some of history’s more action-packed arenas. In the 1930s, the Royal Italian Navy relied on their chronographs to keep them on time, while
on land, Italian racing legend Tazio Nuvolari trusted Eberhard & Co. on the track. The partnership with Nuvolari became the stuff of watchmaking lore and the Tazio Nuvolari collection was launched in 1992.
Since then it has been enriched over the years with numerous evolutions and special collections, including the Nuvolari Legend model in 2018.

Whilst it’s important, and greatly appreciated by watch lovers, to pay homage to the past, Eberhard & Co. continually seek to expand their technical know-how. In 1997, they created the groundbreaking “8 Jours”—a watch that only needs winding once a week, thanks to a patented device that redefined convenience in luxury watches. Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, and Eberhard & Co. once again re-imagined time itself with the “Chrono 4,” the first and only chronograph in history with four aligned counters. And in 2010, they turned their attention to feminine elegance, debuting the Gilda collection—a line defined by its soft curves and delicate design, without sacrificing the brand’s technical prowess.

In the present era, where technological marvels dominate, Eberhard & Co.’s timepieces serve as reminders that artistry and precision still hold a revered place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts.
Their continued relevance is seen in the resurgence of classic models like the Extrafort chronograph, a masterpiece born in the 1940s and still in production today, as well as newer triumphs like the awardwinning Scafograf 300 diver’s watch, which captured the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2016. To celebrate and preserve this rich history, Eberhard & Co. Owner and President Barbara Monti made the decision to found the Maison Museum in 2019 at the UNESCO listed site where the company
began; the Maison de l’Aigle— the original headquarters.

Symbolising the continuity that is one of the brand’s greatest strengths, the museum marks a new chapter and showcases a century of horological history through a selection of a hundred iconic timepieces.
It is a fascinating physical manifestation of the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence. Eberhard & Co. is a testament to the enduring allure of true craftsmanship and ingenuity, and as it moves confidently into the future, its presence is felt globally, from partnerships with iconic names like Alfa Romeo to strategic expansions into Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and India. And with a successful first showing at Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2024, the Maison continues to master the balance between a rich and storied past and modern-day appeal and sophistication.

EBERHARD & CO. HAS TAKEN CUSTOMISATION TO AN ART FORM, WITH INTRICATE MODIFICATIONS
TO BOTH MOVEMENTS THAT ELEVATE BOTH THEIR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE AND VISUAL APPEAL

CHRONOGRAPHE 1887 ÉDITION LIMITÉE & THE CHRONOGRAPHE 1887 AUTOMATIQUE

EBERHARD & CO. unveiled two new chronographs during its first appearance at Watches and Wonders 2024—and what way to make an entrance! Both timepieces add new depth to the brand’s 1887 collection, which was first launched in 2019 to celebrate the founding year. The Chronographe 1887 Édition Limitée is particularly special. With a production of just 250 pieces, its rarity will ensure it’s a highly sought-after collector’s piece. The craftsmanship behind this chronograph reflects a journey into Eberhard & Co.’s past, as the brand conducted meticulous research, drawing inspiration from its iconic 1930s chronographs, preserved in their museum. It’s a timepiece that marries the elegance of classic design with the precision of modern mechanics, powered by an exclusive calibre that makes this watch
as much about performance as it is about heritage.

THE CHRONOGRAPHE 1887 Automatique takes the same DNA and translates it into a more accessible, everyday piece without sacrificing an ounce of craftsmanship This model features the same dedication to detail but with a streamlined, contemporary design that makes it a versatile addition to any collection. Both watches are powered by exclusive in-house calibres. At the heart of these two timepieces
lie exclusive calibres developed in collaboration with Manufacture AMT. The EB 280 powering the Édition Limitée is a handwound mechanical movement, while the EB 380 driving the Automatique is a self-winding mechanical chronograph.

BOTH MOVEMENTS ARE
precision-engineered marvels, featuring the everdesirable column wheel and a flyback complication—a nod to aviation chronographs of the 1930s. Originally designed to assist pilots in timing various phases of
flight, the flyback feature allows for rapid resetting and restarting with a single push—a hallmark of top-tier chronograph mechanics. But these are more than just functional timepieces. Eberhard & Co. has taken customisation to an art form, with intricate modifications to both movements that elevate both their technical performance and visual appeal. The sapphire caseback reveals the craftsmanship underneath, where you can admire details like the specially designed lever that aligns the chronograph reset button coaxially with the crown—a unique touch that combines innovation with vintage aesthetics.

WHAT STANDS OUT about these two chronographs is how they embody Eberhard & Co.’s approach to watchmaking: a deep respect for tradition paired with a commitment to forward-thinking innovation. By reinterpreting their iconic designs from the 1930s in a way that feels fresh and relevant today, Eberhard & Co. has once again proven that their legacy is not just something to admire from the past—it’s something they continue to build on, piece by piece.