Eberhard and Co. Contograf Chronograph Ref. 14901 - Papers

The Eberhard Contograf is one of the best looking and most interesting chronographs of the 20th century and when Eberhard introduced the Contograf in the 1960s, it was like nothing else on the market. Eberhard always tried to think outside the box and be innovative, hence the unusual date placement at six o’clock (still uncommon even today) and date corrector at nine o’clock.  The Contograf is largely black with a few red details in the alternating red numbers on the ‘roulette’ date wheel, the red triangle at the 12 o’clock on the bezel, and the 50 at the two o’clock position on the dial. That red “50” in the tachymeter scale marks 50 km/hr, which at the time was the standard speed limit in most European countries. These details cater to the overall sportiness of the Contograf, and when combined with always attractive features like a twin-register reverse-panda dial, virtually perfect case proportions, and a manual-winding calibre, amount to a watch with loads of character in a subtle fashion.

The example that we have here features a thick case that remains in strong, honest condition, housing a rare luminous ‘gilt’ dial complete with a matching ‘Dauphine’ handset found only on the first execution variants. This watch also comes fitted with an Eberhard-signed ‘stretch’ bracelet — also a rare find. Since these bracelets are folded metal, they tend to get stretched out, but this one has stayed very much intact.

Rounding out the package, this piece also comes with its original guarantee papers and service papers from Eberhard itself.

The Contograf is a seldom-seen vintage chronograph, and this is a great opportunity to pick up an excellent example with both character and documentation!