Eberhard Scafograf 300 11545-1 No Date Transitional

The exceptional rarity of some vintage watches only becomes apparent upon closer inspection. This extraordinary Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 from around 1965 is a fascinating example. At first glance, it impresses with its distinctive 42.5 mm stainless steel case, black dial, and beautiful patina developed over decades. However, its true significance lies in a small but crucial detail for collectors: this Scafograf 300 has no date display. An exceptionally rare transitional version that bridges two generations of the legendary Eberhard diving watches and ranks among the most interesting variations within the entire Scafograf family.

The history of the Scafograf dates back to 1959, when Eberhard & Co. introduced its first professional diving watches. With the Scafograf 100, 200 and 300, the Swiss manufacturer developed a series of robust diving watches distinguished by their high water resistance, functional design, and distinctive case constructions. Throughout the 1960s, the collection was continuously refined, resulting in various references and case designs.

Particularly interesting in this context is the reference number 11545-1. Reference 11545 was originally associated with the Scafograf 200 and represents an important stage in the model's evolution. During this transitional period, a small number of Scafograf 300 examples without a date display apparently emerged, including the watch presented here. A crucial detail is the original engraving “Garantie 300 m. sous l'eau” on the outside of the caseback, explicitly indicating water resistance to 300 meters. While the reference number engraved on the inside initially suggests a Scafograf 200, the exterior engraving confirms that the caseback was intended for a 300-meter version. It is precisely this combination of the earlier reference number 11545-1, the 300-meter designation, and the no-date dial signed “Scafograf 300” that makes this watch such an interesting and exceptionally rare transitional version. The exact production numbers of these transitional examples remain undocumented, but the very small number of known surviving pieces highlights their rarity within the Scafograf family.

The black dial features a distinctive design with four large triangular hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, complemented by round luminous markers. Equally characteristic are the unusual hands, including the large arrow-shaped hour hand and the slender seconds hand with its distinctive lollipop luminous tip. All luminous elements retain their original tritium, which has developed a beautiful, even, warm patina over the past six decades, giving the dial a particularly harmonious vintage appearance. The absence of a date window preserves the dial's perfectly symmetrical layout and allows its distinctive design to stand out.

The stainless steel case measures an impressive 42.5 mm in diameter, a substantial size for its time. Its characteristic curved lugs are reminiscent of the historic Omega Seamaster 300. Both models used cases manufactured by the Swiss case maker Huguenin Frères. Compared to the earlier Scafograf 200 reference 11536, the more substantial case construction provides improved protection for the protruding bidirectional rotating diving bezel and, in particular, the winding crown. While the large crown of the earlier version was easy to operate, it was also relatively vulnerable to impacts. On this later design, the curved case flanks offer considerably better protection. The black rotating bezel with its classic minute scale completes the functional design of this vintage diving watch.

The watch is fitted with its original Eberhard stainless steel bracelet featuring elastic stretch links. The signed folding clasp bears the date stamp 4/65, indicating the fourth quarter of 1965, which corresponds perfectly with the estimated production period of the watch. Finding an original, period-correct bracelet on a diving watch more than 60 years old is far from common and further enhances its collector appeal and value.

This Eberhard Scafograf 300 is a fascinating historic diving watch with a generously sized case, a well-preserved dial, unmistakable vintage charm, and its original stainless steel bracelet. Its true fascination, however, lies in its unique position within the model's history. As an exceptionally rare no-date transitional version, it represents an intriguing chapter in the evolution of the Scafograf collection. A rare opportunity for dedicated vintage collectors who seek something special even among the extraordinary.

Condition Report
Dial: Original black dial in great condition – honest, evenly developed patina – original tritium luminous material on the hour markers and hands – signed “Eberhard & Co automatic”, “Scafograf 300”, and “SWISS MADE”.

Case: Very good condition – worn, with natural signs of wear – curved lugs retain well-defined contours – black rotating bezel shows age-related signs of wear – screw-down caseback with well-preserved engravings – correct original Eberhard crown – lug width: 19 mm.

Movement: Eberhard automatic caliber 260-13 with 25 jewels in great condition – timegrapher readings: rate +5 seconds/day, beat error 0.0 ms, amplitude 261°.

Bracelet: Original Eberhard stainless steel bracelet – ER end links – original Eberhard folding clasp – minor signs of wear – date stamp: 4/65 (fourth quarter of 1965) – adjustable bracelet length between 17.3 and 19.5 cm.

Int.Exe.: 62858