Insight Talk: Mario Peserico (General Manager of Eberhard & Co.)
The Swiss watch brand Eberhard & Co. embodies true continuity. In continuous operation since 1887, the company is now once again based where it all began: in the historic Maison de l’Aigle in La Chaux-de-Fonds. From here, General Manager Mario Peserico steers the course of a brand that is deeply rooted in its past—while simultaneously looking to the future.
At Inhorgenta 2026, Mario Peserico of Eberhard & Co. will speak about the allure of classic timepieces, the industry’s transformation, and the challenges of an increasingly complex world.
Insight Luxury: Ever since I’ve been in the watch industry, people have been predicting the death of the wristwatch time and again—when the smartphone came along, when the smartwatch came along… Yet classic watches continue to be in high demand, even among younger people. Why do you think that is?
Mario Peserico: A classic watch will never really go out of style. Everything comes back around eventually, as we’re seeing right now with case sizes and certain vintage case shapes. So I wouldn’t say that classic watches are just a passing trend—and won’t be around in ten years.
It sounds a bit paradoxical: Classic wristwatches show the passage of time, yet they are completely timeless. That’s what makes timepieces so appealing. Today, however—unlike just a few decades ago—there is a much wider selection of designs and sizes, appealing to a very broad audience.
Storytelling instead of status symbols
IL: What is Eberhard & Co.’s strategy for attracting the younger generation?
MP: It’s not really about the watch itself—something you don’t actually need. Storytelling is the key. But you have to tell the story authentically—some people tell it more convincingly than others.
It comes naturally to us because we have a genuine heritage: roots and an unbroken tradition that began in 1887 in the watchmaking region of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Today, our headquarters are once again located here in the historic Maison de l’Aigle.
I think that since the pandemic, people have been consuming much more consciously and want to know exactly who they’re buying from. This is especially true of the younger generation, and we’re noticing it very clearly. Just ten years ago, the typical buyer of an Eberhard & Co. watch was between 40 and 70 years old. Today, we’re seeing growing interest from people in their mid-30s as well.
An industry in transition
IL: In your opinion, what are some other current challenges facing the watch industry?
MP: For one thing, there is, of course, the current geopolitical landscape, which poses a major challenge for all of us. How is it possible that, after so many decades, we find ourselves once again in a world full of uncertainty and conflict?
As far as the Swiss watch industry is concerned, we are currently at a critical juncture that will determine whether there will be a market shakeout in the lower and mid-price segments. I hope not. In my opinion, the Swiss watch industry cannot rely solely on the high-end segment—that won’t work in the long run. Production volumes should not decline any further.
IL: How is Eberhard & Co. positioning itself in this situation?
MP: We closely analyze the market, demand, and consumer behavior, and as an independent company, we can quickly adapt to changing requirements—including those related to the price segment.
Authentic craftsmanship
IL: Let’s talk about the beautiful aspects of watchmaking—the craftsmanship, a central theme here at Inhorgenta. How much craftsmanship does Eberhard & Co. have to offer?
MP: A great deal. But we’re also transparent and don’t claim that our movements are 100 percent in-house calibers. Unfortunately, the term isn’t always used correctly.
We are a relatively small company, but we have found a way to offer sophisticated calibers that have been exclusively modified or designed for us. To achieve this, we collaborate with top suppliers, such as Manufacture AMT by Sellita, to provide custom-made, high-quality movements.
Many customers believe that only a movement manufactured in-house can meet the highest quality standards. That is not necessarily the case. What really matters is the skill level and expertise of the people involved, as well as the quality of the machinery and tools, which ultimately determine excellence. And Sellita offers all of this with the highest quality and reliability.
We also rely on external specialists for dials and cases. However, the concept and design always come from us. And we have big plans for our 140th anniversary in 2027.
Clous de Paris: Eberhard & Co. currently features this miniature architectural motif on the dials of the “1887 Remontage Manuel,” the “Chronographe 1887 Automatique,” and the “Chrono 4 21-42.”
