Ebel Sportive Chronograph Ref. 9134941
Chronograph / Sport Watch · Ebel (currently part of the Movado Group). In the 1980s and 90s, Ebel was a top-tier luxury brand known as 'The Architects of Time.'
Period: Neo-Vintage (1990s). Stylistic indicators include the pebble-shaped integrated case design, the 'T SWISS MADE T' tritium marking, and the specific typeface used on the tachymeter bezel.
Type
Chronograph / Sport Watch
Brand
Ebel (currently part of the Movado Group). In the 1980s and 90s, Ebel was a top-tier luxury brand known as 'The Architects of Time.'
Movement
Ebel Caliber 134 (Automatic). This is an in-house modified Zenith El Primero high-beat movement, running at 36,000 vph (5Hz) with approximately 50 hours of power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 40mm. Thickness: 11.5mm. Lug-to-lug: ~44mm (due to integrated design). Lug width: N/A (integrated bracelet).
Description
An elegant high-performance chronograph that represents the peak of Ebel's 1990s luxury dominance. Its rounded, ergonomic 'Architects of Time' design language allows it to sit exceptionally flat on the wrist despite the complex movement within.
Key Features
Use of the legendary Zenith El Primero movement; unique integrated single-screw lug system; tachymeter bezel layout with km/h marking; date at 4:30 position.
Dial Description
Matte white dial with sunburst finished silver subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Applied baton indices with tritium lume. Date window at 4:30. Baton hands with central chronograph seconds hand.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed and polished finishes. Features the signature Ebel wave-style integrated lug design.
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed brushed stainless steel bezel featuring an engraved black enamel tachymeter scale with 'km/h' notation.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with Ebel logo; low-profile rounded pump-style chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel 'Wave' link bracelet with a hidden deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback, typically engraved with 'Series E', the reference number 9134941, and an individual serial number.
Movement Type
Ebel Caliber 134 (Automatic). This is an in-house modified Zenith El Primero high-beat movement, running at 36,000 vph (5Hz) with approximately 50 hours of power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally 50m (5 ATM). Suitable for light splashes only in modern-vintage condition; not recommended for swimming.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Movement sourced from Zenith (Le Locle).
Age Estimate
Circa early-to-mid 1990s. The 'T' markings suggest production before the industry-wide switch to Super-LumiNova in the late 90s.
Cultural Significance
Ebel was highly fashionable in the 1980s and 90s, famously worn by Don Johnson in Miami Vice and endorsed by tennis stars like Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker.
Condition Notes
The bezel shows significant black enamel loss/fading in the tachymeter indices (particularly between 55-70). Dial and hands appear clean. Movement service history is unknown and likely required given the age. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$2,200 - $3,500 USD. Value is highly dependent on the condition of the integrated bracelet and whether the high-beat movement has been recently serviced.
Care & Maintenance
High-beat movements require servicing every 5-7 years by a specialist. Avoid water immersion unless pressure tests are performed annually, as vintage gaskets often fail.
Similar Watches
Zenith El Primero De Luca (shared movement), Rolex Daytona 16520 (shared movement base), Omega Speedmaster Reduced.
Interesting Facts
Ebel was the primary customer for the Zenith El Primero movement before Zenith decided to restart their own production, effectively saving the movement from extinction after the Quartz Crisis.