SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

I n the ever-evolving world of luxury watchmaking—an industry dominated by powerful conglomerates—Eberhard & Co. remains one of Switzerland’s few remaining independent, family-owned Maisons. The brand was born in the historic epicentre of Swiss watchmaking, the mountain town of La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Jura region—famously home to horological giants like Patek Philippe and Rolex. Established as the Manufacture d’Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. in 1887 by Georges-Lucien Eberhard, who was only 22 at the time, Eberhard & Co. continues to build upon 137 years of history, always managing to both honour its rich heritage, and embrace new ideas. Throughout the company’s lifetime, its creations have been relevant to the times, forward thinking, marrying craftsmanship and ingenuity. From producing the most advanced wristwatch chronograph of 1919 to launching the split-second chronograph in 1939, the Maison has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation. Eberhard & Co.’s wristwatches have also made their mark in some of history’s more action-packed arenas. In the 1930s, the Royal Italian Navy relied on their chronographs to keep them on time, while on land, Italian racing legend Tazio Nuvolari trusted Eberhard & Co. on the track. The partnership with Nuvolari became the stuff of watchmaking lore and the Tazio Nuvolari collection was launched in 1992. Since then it has been enriched over the years with numerous evolutions and special collections, including the “Nuvolari Legend” model in 2018. Whilst it’s important, and greatly appreciated by watch lovers, to pay homage to the past, Eberhard & Co. continually seek to expand their technical know- how. In 1997, they created the groundbreaking “8 Jours”—a watch that only needs winding once a week, thanks to a patented device that redefined convenience in luxury watches. Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, and Eberhard & Co. once again reimagined time with the “Chrono 4,” the first and only chronograph in history with four aligned counters. And in 2010, they turned their attention to feminine elegance, debuting the Gilda collection—a line defined by its soft curves and delicate design, without sacrificing the brand’s technical prowess. In the present era, where technological marvels dominate, Eberhard & Co.’s timepieces serve as reminders that artistry and precision still hold a revered place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. Their continued relevance is seen in the resurgence of classic models like the “Extra-fort chronograph,” a masterpiece born in the 1940s and still in production today, as well as newer triumphs like the award-winning “Scafograf 300” diver’s watch, which captured the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2016. To celebrate and preserve this rich history, Eberhard & Co. Owner and President Barbara Monti made the decision to found the Maison Museum in 2019 at the UNESCO listed site where the company began; the Maison de l’Aigle—the original headquarters built by its founder. Symbolising the continuity that is one of the brand’s greatest strengths, the museum marks a new chapter and showcases a century of horological history through a selection of a hundred iconic timepieces. It is a fascinating physical manifestation of the brand’s enduring commitment to excellence. Eberhard & Co. is a testament to the enduring allure of true craftsmanship and ingenuity, and as it moves confidently into the future, its presence is felt globally, from partnerships with iconic names like Alfa Romeo to strategic expansions into Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and India. And with a successful first showing at Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2024, the Maison continues to master the balance between a rich and storied past and modern-day appeal and sophistication. Eberhard&Co.: A Legacyof Craftsmanship and Innovation De f t l y b a l a n c i n g n ew i d e a s w i t h t h e r e v i v a l o f h e r i t a g e c l a s s i c s , E b e r h a r d & Co . c h e r i s h t h e i r p a s t a n d c o n s t r u c t f o r t h e f u t u r e . N i c k R i c e a p p r a i s e s t h i s r ema r k a b l e Ma i s o n a n d t a l k s t o Ge n e r a l Ma n a g e r , Ma r i o P e s e r i c o . Simply Abu Dhabi | 131