ETERNA Automatic - 18k rose gold, 1948

For sale is an Eterna Automatic in 18k rose gold* from 1948** with movement number 3345097 and caliber 1159H. This movement is the last and largest of the Eterna hammer automatics: 13", 29.4mm diameter, nice screw balance, Eterna "H" shock protection, 18000 A/h, oscillating weight with ruby bearing - produced only for three years: 1945-1948. This one looks a bit like it's new - despite its 75 years. The balance has a very good amplitude and the watch runs quite accurately when worn regularly. However, I don't know when the last overhaul was done and if the buffer springs (for the oscillating weight) have been shortened***. The impact noise is indeed gentle.

The case is a really heavy piece; 22 grams (not including the rest of the watch) of 750/1000, very nice rose gold* tone (even the probably original winding crown!), without any signs of polishing or other embellishment. All hallmarks are still clearly visible, as are the fine matte finish on the flanks, the edges of the opening notches, and the Eterna-typical inscription on the screw-down, very solid caseback. Unfortunately, there are a few superficial scratches there, caused by incorrect opening. The diameter is - without winding crown - 35.5mm; therefore, a well wearable size even for men today - as far as gold watches are concerned, already in the lower jumbo range. The case has a maker's mark of 352 (Serva S.A., La Chaux-de-Fonds - they made Omega cases as well).

This Eterna has a really nice dial. It is certainly unrestored and shows applied markers; not the more often found embossed ones. The hands are original as well. Regarding the second hand (it has the Eterna-typical red tip) I wondered a bit, because it is not gold-plated. But I found several Eternas from this period on the web, where "yellow" and "white" hands are combined.

All in all, a well-preserved, heavy and probably rare wristwatch that has not been tampered with (at least not visible to me).

Asking 1600 €.
I´m located in Germany.

* some would say "more yellow gold, but with a rose tone".
** if you go by the movement number and the list usually quoted.
*** After looking at the spring mechanism a bit closer, I think that it has its correctness with it. It seems that the spring is inside the limiter block and that the two "hooks", which I first thought were shortened springs, can spring back and forth to damp the oscillating weights impact.

DHL Shipping within the EU is included. Outside EU please inquire.

Stunning rare watch and decent price glws

...as I was informed from a friendly and competent member, there is the possibility that the second hand is not the originally mounted. There are indeed Eternas from around 1948, where the length of the second hand corresponds to the radius of the inner second track. So it could be too long; whether this is the case, everyone may decide for himself. However, the color of the hand doesn't seem to be the problem.

It is a lovely and rare thing. Perfect size and lovely lugs. The blasted brexit and having just bought something are stopping me. It deserves a good home in the forums family.

The Eterna is sold. Thank you very much for your kind comments and technical assistance! - HU