I'm a big fan of This Minor Brand... sometimes I'd like to say that it is a poorman's OMEGA Lets see my Centenaire 18K
Eterna was not a minor brand in its day. They were the first company to manufacture automatic rotors using 5-ball bearings to reduce friction. That's where the logo come from. They also made some of the thinnest automatic movements in the 1950's and '60's, when that was a really big deal. The company was purchased by the forerunner to Swatch, and became the basis for the movement producer, ETA. Omega used ETA based movements up until very recently. Longines and Hamilton still do. Several members here have Eternas, including yours truly! Take care, gatorcpa
Eterna ranks as one of my Top 5 Most Influential watch calibers of all time! http://forums.watchuseek.com/f2/5-most-influential-important-automatics-428194.html As an ultra-thin watch lover, the 1466U is a major piece in my collection - and as a bonus it's a birthyear watch (1966). My Centenaire, complete with logo crown and crystal, plus a nice & deep engraving on the back: There's a 1000 5 star stainless around here somewhere too.
A Major(!) company it was. Value, quality and pedigree for money is unbelievable. Here are some of mine:
Didn't know that one came in gold! Mine has a presentation back and special medallion: Take care, gatorcpa
It's actually gold capped - not gold. I have been looking hard for one in stainless steel - exactly like yours. Hope to find one one day!
Forgot to mention that the 1466 is the grandfather of the modern ETA 2892 series. Many of the commonly used ETA calibers from the 70's to present can be traced back to their roots as an Eterna.
My 2002 chronometer is also an Alcan watch. A hughe company with very good taste for 25year employment gifts!
@Northernman - Marvelous collection with head-spinning examples. Please share vintage, movement and details of the chronometer certified 200m dive watch. Simply wow. View attachment 86729
Thanks! The 200m is quite modern KonTiki. Late 80's. Movement is Eterna spec ETA2892-A1 with guilt rotor and Kif shock protection. A very slim case with inward slanting sides from the bezel towards the back. Very comfortable to wear and original bracelet feels very solid. 38mm wo crown.
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