Eberhard & Co. Contograf 14901

Eberhard and Co. Contograf Chronograph Ref. 14901 - Non-Luminous Dial Unpolished

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 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 is a fantastic, complete example. The 39mm case is in unpolished condition, with clear factory finishing and thick lugs, which also retains their lovely chamfers. It shows normal signs of wear and some sleeve-polish throughout with a few scattered scuffs and impressions, but nothing major. The caseback retains clear and crisp engravings and shows maching wear from age and use. Even the correct "E" signed crown and correct pushers remain! The bezel assembly also nicely matches the rest of the piece and the correct black 12-hr insert with that pop of red at the 12 o'clock position shows a light face and matching normal wear. Inside, the gloss black lacquer 'reverse-panda' dial has taken on a light and even 'matting' over time, resulting in an attractive patina that is in line with the rest of this excellent piece. The dial is also a non-luminous unit, and is complimented by a correct non-luminous 'dauphine' handset. Furthermore, this example comes fitted to its correct flat-link 'stretch' bracelet with the correct Eberhard signed blade clasp. And best of all, it is a Contograf. A watch that we like to think as something of a Submariner-Speedmaster hybrid. Seldom seen to begin with, we feel that this is one of the coolest vintage watches of all time, full stop. This example takes what is already a masterwork in design to another level with it's thorough completeness and fantastic overall condition. Movement: Manual-winding Calibre 310-82 by Eberhard & Co. Bracelet/Strap: Correct Eberhard stainless steel flat-link 'stretch' bracelet with signed blade clasp stamped '1-61.' Seemingly-unpolished and shows matches case condition. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.