28 Eberhard An oversized, very rare and highly complex, Pre Extra-Fort Rattrapante, manual wristwatch in steel, with black dial.
Estimate: Fr. 24'000 – 48'000
- Model Pre Extra-Fort Rattrapante
- Year Circa 1940s
- Case Material Stainless steel
- Case Number 1'015'229
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, 17 jewels
- Movement Number 17'412
- Dimension 40mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
The Eberhard Pre Extra-Fort Rattrapante represents an extraordinary and seldom-seen chapter in the evolution of complicated chronographs: an exceptional synthesis of technical ingenuity, oversized proportions, and refined aesthetics that places it among the most fascinating Eberhard creations ever produced. Building on a legacy that began in 1919 with its first chronograph, Eberhard rapidly established itself as a pioneer in the field. By 1935, it introduced the two-pusher system, and just a few years later, the highly complex split-seconds (rattrapante) complication. The present example stands out for its unusual and highly sophisticated configuration: a pusher chronograph with the start, stop, and reset functions integrated directly into the winding crown, while a separate upper pusher controls the split-seconds mechanism, allowing intermediate timing without interrupting the main chronograph. Interestingly, the pusher at 4 o’clock serves a single, unusual purpose: when slid, it locks the chronograph, preventing it from operating. Encased in stainless steel, the watch features a remarkably large 40 mm case, an impressive dimension for its era, further enhancing its presence and rarity. The case is preserved in outstanding condition, retaining its sharp stepped bezel, well-defined lugs, and original oval pushers, all hallmarks of careful preservation. The black gilt dial is equally compelling, combining depth and clarity with an elegant tachymeter scale, three well-balanced subsidiary registers, and painted Roman numerals. The warm patina adds character while maintaining exceptional legibility, making it both visually striking and historically authentic. This Eberhard split-seconds chronograph stands as a true connoisseur’s piece, an important, museum-worthy example that embodies the peak of early chronograph innovation and remains one of the most captivating vintage rattrapante watches to appear on the market.