SPECIFICATIONS
Exceptional Eberhard Scafograf 300 reference 11706 “Tropical Dial,” chocolate/tobacco colored, stainless steel case, self-winding movement 261-123, from the 1960s.
Stainless steel case measuring 43mm
Case height 12.7mm
Original bidirectional bezel
Original acrylic crystal
Original crown with logo
Self-winding movement 261-123 with date
ANALYSIS
The Eberhard Scafograf 300 is a must-have for all diver’s watch enthusiasts. It rivals the Omega Seamaster 300 in terms of aesthetics and technical features, but is much rarer. The Scafograf 300 was launched on the market after its predecessors, the Scafograf 100 and 200, in 1964. Its distinctive evolutionary trait lies in the case, which assumed more substantial proportions, also characterized by the case extending beyond the bezel and the “helical” shape of the lugs (also known as “lyre”).
Reference 11706 represents a very important transition point for this successful model: it retains the graphic designs of the galvanic dial with gilt graphics and the large hands of the Scafograf 200 (ref. 11536 and 11545) but adds a date display. The gold-framed date window is positioned at 3 o’clock and is typically trapezoidal in shape with a white disc featuring “roulette” numerals; the even numbers are red and the odd numbers are black. The indexes are raised “cup-shaped” and house the luminous tritium paste (as revealed by the “T” at 5 o’clock). This detail—along with the silvered, not gold-plated, hands—indicates this is a Type III dial, and therefore the watch dates to around 1965 (the subsequent Scafograf 300 with stick indexes and a rectangular date window was introduced in 1966).
The dial caseback on this piece is truly spectacular: the black galvanic treatment on the surface, oxidized over time, has taken on a beautiful brown/chocolate tone that makes the gold graphics stand out stunningly. A truly rare combination.
The 43mm steel case is compact and solid, befitting the intended use and performance of this watch, having been built and tested to reach great depths. The steel bezel with a black insert is bidirectional and features a distinctive grooved profile for enhanced grip. The beautiful original crown, crowned by the “E” logo, emerges on the right side.
This exceptional tool watch is powered by a self-winding movement with date (based on the Ebel 214 via the Felsa 1560) named and signed by Eberhard 261-123. This caliber with a bidirectional rotor has a diameter of 26mm, 25 jewels, oscillates at 21,600 vph, and has a 41-hour power reserve.
