If memory serves, the Eberhard & Co. Scafodat 500, a professional diving tool, was first introduced back in 2006 or 2005. In 2013, it was slightly updated. Although I cannot see any noticeable differences between the ref. 41025 2013 model and previous iterations, the timekeeper still deserves a mention now, when thousands of recreational divers still sit on the fence trying to choose among dozens of great mechanical diving watches that are available both online and at numerous boutiques.
Still offered in a slightly oversized body 44 millimeters in diameter and 15 millimeters thick, this massive watch stands out with its pair of deliberately oversized crowns.
One of them, 8 millimeters in diameter serves the mundane task of setting time and date, while the other, whole 9.5 millimeters in diameter and equipped with an intimidating-looking safety button that makes it look similar to the same device on Anonymo Professionale, is here to operate the bidirectional rotating diving scale located behind a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal on the inner bezel flange.
Yes, the Scafodat 500 lacks the usual rotating bezel that became a de facto industry standard when Rolex first introduced its Submariner. With this model, Eberhard targets a growing crowd of enthusiasts that are getting tired of the “classic” design.
Although the Scafodat 500 doesn’t look like a true “tool” (at least, my point of reference in this niche is the technocratic UTS 1000M Diver), it may still make a good diving companion thanks for its claimed water resistance rating of 500 meters and a bullet-proof ETA 2824-2 caliber that makes it tick.
Another highly convenient feature of the timekeeper is, of course, the Chicane stainless steel bracelet that comes equipped with their signature Declic deployant clasp that makes adjusting the bracelet’s size a breeze: a handy feature for those who plan to wear the Scafodat 500 not only with a wetsuit but with something more formal, too.
As far as I know, they plan to offer the watch at around €3600*, which makes it even more expensive than an Omega Seamaster 300M in plain steel, however, it is not as omnipresent as the one made by Omega, so those seeking a less familiar design and not afraid of a mass-produced, relatively inexpensive mechanism that powers it may actually be better off with this model.
* UPDATE ON PRICE: Well, they actually retail it for an even more impressive €3850.
See also: Eberhard & Co. Chrono4 Geant Full Injection 31062
Photos: Eberhard & Co.
WWR verdict:
Originality 4/5
Build quality: 4.5/5
Usability: 4/5
Legibility: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Eberhard & Co. Scafodat 500 41025 Professional specification
Price: €3850
Movement: Automatic, caliber ETA 2824-2, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 26
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, internal bidirectional diving scale
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 15.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: White or Red
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Chicane bracelet in steel on Declic deployant clasp / Rubber strap in black or white on a steel buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Stainless steel, solid, seahorse embossed