Eberhard & Co. Pre-Extra Fort “Split”, Stainless Steel, Split-Seconds Chronograph, Circa 1940

A rare vintage split-seconds chronograph with single-button chronograph construction, slide lock mechanism, Breguet numerals, and a highly attractive silvered snail-scale dial.

Among early vintage chronographs, few categories combine technical intrigue and visual character as persuasively as the rare split-seconds chronograph. Within that already specialised field, the Eberhard Pre-Extra Fort “Split” holds an especially distinctive place. Produced circa 1940 and preserved in a 40 mm stainless steel case, it belongs to the period most closely associated with Eberhard & Co.’s importance in the development of the wrist chronograph. For collectors of historically meaningful tool chronographs, this is a watch that offers not only rarity, but also a highly individual mechanical identity. Source

The visual strength of the watch begins with the dial. Its silvered dial is enhanced by applied Breguet numerals, a beautifully preserved mirror chapter ring, and a highly evocative snail scale — details that place it firmly within the most attractive traditions of pre-war and mid-century chronograph design. These features give the watch a layered, elegant, and unmistakably vintage presence, while also making it especially compelling for collectors searching for a rare snail scale chronograph, a Breguet numeral chronograph, or an original Eberhard vintage watch with strong dial appeal. Source

Mechanically, the watch is more unusual still. Sotheby’s describes the present example as a split-seconds single-button chronograph wristwatch whose start, stop, and reset functions are managed through a single button integrated into the winding crown. The upper pusher activates the split-seconds function, while the lower element — appearing at first glance to be a reset pusher — is in fact a sliding lock used to prevent accidental activation of the chronograph. This highly unconventional arrangement gives the watch real significance for collectors interested in early rattrapante chronographs, single-button chronographs, and unusual historical chronograph mechanisms. Source

Powered by a jewelled mechanical movement and signed on the case, dial, and movement, the watch was further described by Sotheby’s as being in exceptional overall condition. Its preservation, combined with the rarity of the complication and the distinctiveness of the case and dial design, makes it a highly persuasive example of a collectible vintage split-seconds chronograph. Offered on a green unsigned leather strap with stainless steel buckle and without accessories, it derives its importance above all from originality, mechanical interest, and collector character. For the connoisseur drawn to rare circa 1940 chronographs, this Eberhard Pre-Extra Fort “Split” stands apart as a deeply interesting and visually memorable watch. Source

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