Eberhard Pre Extra Fort Salmon-Gray Dial

An extraordinary piece of watchmaking history: This Eberhard Pre-Extra-Fort from the 1940s impresses with its unusually large 40 mm case for the era and a fascinating grey-salmon dial with beautifully aged, even patina. Its warm, natural tones give the watch a nostalgic, almost poetic aura – a true time capsule that breathes history.

At the center, the spiral snail tachymeter scale immediately draws the eye. This complex yet elegant design element was especially popular in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly among racing drivers and aviators. Unlike a conventional tachymeter around the dial's edge, the spiral layout allows for measurements over multiple revolutions of the chronograph hand – ideal for longer time spans or distances. Today, such dials are highly sought-after among collectors for their historical importance and distinctive aesthetic appeal.

From a technical standpoint, this Pre-Extra-Fort is equally sophisticated: it is a monopusher chronograph, with all functions – start, stop, and reset – operated through a single pusher at 2 o'clock. The distinctive sliding lock mechanism on the case side serves as a safety device, allowing the chronograph to be blocked when needed – a clever solution to prevent accidental operation, for instance during sporting competitions.

The combination of technical ingenuity, generous proportions, and unmistakable vintage charm makes this Eberhard Pre-Extra-Fort an exceptional collector's piece – a chronograph that unites history, engineering and style in perfect harmony.

Condition Report
Dial: two-tone dial with evenly aged, 100% original patina – intact snail (tachymeter) and outer (telemeter) scales – crisp printing – signed "Eberhard & Co. La Chaux De Fonds Swiss Made".

Case: 40 mm stainless steel case with light, honest wear – sharp edges – clearly readable serial number on the caseback – olive-shaped pusher and sliding lock – original crown.

Movement: hand-wound caliber Eberhard 16000 in excellent condition – timegrapher readings: rate +20s/day, amplitude 298, beat error 0.3 – all chronograph functions operate flawlessly.

Case number: 10xxx
Movement number: 20xxx

Int.Exe.: 65220