Founded in Switzerland, Ebel has become one of the nation’s most respected watchmakers. They have a distinct style which is reflected in this Ebel Classic Sportwave 24mm 18k Gold Steel Diamond Bezel Quartz Watch, not to mention their numerous innovations.

Origins

The company launched in 1911, and unlike most Swiss watchmakers that were founded solely by men, Eugene Blum founded Ebel in close collaboration with his wife Alice, whose maiden name was Levy. In fact, the name Ebel stands for Eugene Blum Et Levy. The 2008 corporate catalogue reveals that Eugene focused on the technical aspects while his wife focused on style and aesthetics. This arrangement worked, so much so that by 1914 their company won a prize certificate thanks to a patent for a ring watch they developed. 

The couple had a son named Charles who assumed control of company management in 1929. He focused on expanding the corporate sales network by introducing Ebel to foreign nations, most notably the U.S. And Pierre Alain, who was Blum’s grandson, played a key role in the company’s success during the 1970s, producing various wristwatches on behalf of Cartier. However, during the 1990s the company faced turbulence and he was forced to sell it by 1994. This was the result of non-watch diversification rather than damage to the brand itself. Ebel would eventually join the LVMH Group and would remain in this capacity until 2003, at which point it was sold to Movado for over $60 million. 

Design Highlights

While Swiss watchmakers such as Breitling have long been associated with pilots, the military and those that engage in extreme occupations, Ebel has become known as the watch for architects, earning the moniker “Architects of Time.” The most famous architects to adorn an Ebel watch are Le Corbusier, as well as Andree Putman and Jean Arcelin. In particular, the relationship between Ebel and Le Corbusier was so close that during the 1980s Le Corbusier constructed Villa Turque, which Ebel would purchase for its seventy fifth anniversary. 

However, aside from architects, another world famous personality that adored Ebel was Elvis Presley, who in 1974 presented a diamond/gold wristwatch to J.D. Sumner, which would be put on sale in 2019 for almost $500,000. It is one of the company’s most elegant timepieces, as it showcases twenty six spherical white diamonds which have been framed within its clock face. An inscription can also be seen on it which stays “From Elvis to J.D. Sumner 1974.”

Features

This lovely vintage watch is made from stainless steel and eighteen-carat gold. It also uses a diamond bezel with a dial that is charcoal gray in color. It is preowned and has been kept in magnificent condition. The case itself is 24mm and made with stainless steel, with an easy-to-use folding clasp and quartz movement which is Swiss made. Most of the bracelet is also made from stainless steel but also features yellowish gold accents. Surface wear is moderate and it is free of serious cosmetic defects.