A vintage Eterna-Matic 1000 automatic wristwatch featuring the reliable Eterna cal. 1489K movement with date display. The watch is fitted with a gold plated (or gold cap) mid-case and a stainless steel case back, signed inside 438 FT. The case measures approximately 34 mm excluding the crown with a 17 mm lug width. The dial and hands remain clean and present well for their age. The acrylic crystal shows light surface scratches consistent with normal use. As expected from a vintage watch, there are general signs of age and wear throughout. The original crown appears worn but still retains the Eterna logo. The watch has been tested. It winds smoothly, the hands set correctly, and the date changes as intended. At the time of listing the movement is running and the watch is in working condition. Please note that, due to its age and unknown service history, the watch is sold as requiring a service. While it is currently running, no guarantee is given regarding long-term reliability or timekeeping accuracy. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. History Founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, Eterna has long been recognised as one of the pioneers of Swiss watchmaking. The company became especially influential after introducing the revolutionary Eterna-Matic automatic winding system, identified by its distinctive five-ball-bearing rotor, a design that significantly improved the durability and efficiency of automatic movements and later became the brand’s famous logo. The Eterna-Matic 1000 series was produced during the 1960s, a period when slim automatic dress watches became increasingly popular. Models fitted with the calibre 1489K combined reliable automatic winding with a practical date function, making them elegant everyday watches. Introduced in 1963, the calibre 1489K is a 21,600 bph automatic movement with date display and is regarded as one of Eterna’s dependable in-house calibres from this era. Today, vintage Eterna watches remain appreciated by collectors for their quality Swiss manufacture, understated design and the brand’s important contribution to the development of modern automatic wristwatches.
A vintage Eterna-Matic 1000 automatic wristwatch featuring the reliable Eterna cal. 1489K movement with date display. The watch is fitted with a gold plated (or gold cap) mid-case and a stainless steel case back, signed inside 438 FT. The case measures approximately 34 mm excluding the crown with a 17 mm lug width. The dial and hands remain clean and present well for their age. The acrylic crystal shows light surface scratches consistent with normal use. As expected from a vintage watch, there are general signs of age and wear throughout. The original crown appears worn but still retains the Eterna logo. The watch has been tested. It winds smoothly, the hands set correctly, and the date changes as intended. At the time of listing the movement is running and the watch is in working condition. Please note that, due to its age and unknown service history, the watch is sold as requiring a service. While it is currently running, no guarantee is given regarding long-term reliability or timekeeping accuracy. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. History Founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, Eterna has long been recognised as one of the pioneers of Swiss watchmaking. The company became especially influential after introducing the revolutionary Eterna-Matic automatic winding system, identified by its distinctive five-ball-bearing rotor, a design that significantly improved the durability and efficiency of automatic movements and later became the brand’s famous logo. The Eterna-Matic 1000 series was produced during the 1960s, a period when slim automatic dress watches became increasingly popular. Models fitted with the calibre 1489K combined reliable automatic winding with a practical date function, making them elegant everyday watches. Introduced in 1963, the calibre 1489K is a 21,600 bph automatic movement with date display and is regarded as one of Eterna’s dependable in-house calibres from this era. Today, vintage Eterna watches remain appreciated by collectors for their quality Swiss manufacture, understated design and the brand’s important contribution to the development of modern automatic wristwatches.
