210 Eberhard Oversized and Attractive, Split-second Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Two-Tone Silvered Dial, Tachymeter and Telemeter Scale, Reference 17 302

Estimate: €20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Model: Split-second Chronograph
Reference: 17 302
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1939
Movement: Manual
Caliber: Valjoux 86
Case N°: 1 000 034
Movement N°: 17 302
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Literature: Sold at Phillips “START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs, Geneva Auction 14 May 2016” as lot 79 for CHF 45,000

Eberhard & Co. launched its first chronograph in 1919 featuring a hinged case and single button. Sixteen years later, in 1935, the company presented the two-button chronograph. Only four years after the two-button chronograph was launched, the firm also dared itself in the creation of its first split-seconds chronograph, one of the most complex, and most coveted of all horological complications. Housed in an oversized 40 mm case, really huge at that time, the lot here offered has been manufactured in stainless steel and preserved in remarkable conditions with intact stepped bezel, reeded winding crown and oval pushers. The top pusher is responsible for the split-seconds function, meant to measure intermediate times without interrupting the timekeeping of an event. Appearing to look like a third chronograph pusher, the lower pusher at 4 o’clock instead works as a “stop and lock” mechanism controlled by simply sliding the bottom button up towards the crown. The two-tone silvered dial has a pretty much clean configuration allowing an easy reading with two subsidiary counters for 30 minutes and constant second registration, an external tachymeter scale, inner circle-snail tachymeter scale, painted baton and Arabic numbers and blue steel epèe hands. Possibly one of the nicest ever seen appearing on the market, this watch will surely be a great addition for a collector seeking an unusual yet exceptional stainless steel chronograph in great condition.