1940s Eberhard Pre-Extra Fort Single-Button Chronograph

Why This Watch Matters

An oversized single-button chronograph in stainless steel!

The Full Story

This rare Eberhard Pre-Extra Fort chronograph features a large 40mm stainless steel case with a stepped bezel. This would have been considered huge in the 1940s but today the size is quite contemporary. The dial features a telemeter scale around the edge and a snail-shaped tachymeter scale in the center, making this a multi-scale dial. The registers at three and nine o’clock are in line with the center post, giving the dial additional symmetry. The dial features a copper ring around the hour markers, giving off a two-tone effect and adding a little extra texture. This copper ring pairs nicely with the silvered dial and blued steel hands. Another interesting detail about this chronograph is that, behind the 11 o’clock lug, the number "964" is engraved, a figure that corresponds to the last three digits of the case number. 

While this chronograph may feature two buttons on the three o’clock side, it is actually a single-button chronograph (also known as a monopusher) with start, stop, and reset all operated by the pusher at two o’clock. The button below the crown works as a slide lock that can be slid toward the crown to lock the primary pusher from being engaged. The rationale behind this was to prevent accidental activation of the chronograph.  

This example features an authentic and unrestored dial that shows its age and has character to spare. The non-lume dial, with matching hands, may have patina and scratches, but this watch has lived a full life. The patina on the dial has aged gracefully, giving off a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. These Eberhard single-button chronographs offer great value, especially when considering their size, rarity, and the presence of an in-house movement. 

To learn more about Eberhard, take a look right here. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Eberhard 
Model: Pre-Extra Fort Chronograph 
Reference: N/A 
Year: 1940s  
Case No: 1006964
Material: Stainless steel 
Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 13.5mm thickness 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: No 
Caliber: Manual-winding Caliber 16000
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Distressed Dark Brown NATO 
Lug Width: 20mm 
Box/Papers: No 

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Eberhard chronograph is in honest condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The caseback has some minor signs of pitting around the edges, which is common for these watches when cased in steel. The stepped bezel is crisp. The fixed spring bars are bent slightly, which is normal for fixed spring bars of this age. The crown shows signs of wear. The dial and hands appear to be original and show signs of wear. The dial has scratches, patina, and there are signs of wear evenly throughout. The dial, case, and movement are all signed Eberhard.