Hi OF,

I know there are several threads on eterna matic already. However, I thought it would be better to share the progress on the transformation of my recently acquired eterna-matic hidden crown case.

I got this from the Bay and was advertised as an estate sale.


Obviously the crystal has to be changed. The winding is stiff but is keeping very good time. Hopefully it just need some oiling.

Dial looks clean and all the lume plots are intact. They are also aged to a nice egg shell color. From my research, the hands appear original. The second hand is red enamel painted ?

I am however unsure about the crown. An unsigned crown is typical for the hidden crown case but mine protrudes out a little. So I am not sure if it is an replacement crown.

I do not have tools to open up the watch, so the movement shot would have to wait.

I’m excited to see how this would turn out after all the clean up.

 

Nice watch with an uncommon dial variation, and well-worth restoring. Crown may not be original, but wouldn't have been signed in any case.

 

The dial is definitely what drew me in. I love the applied arrow markers and that artsy "rail track" around the dial. So much details to look at on a tiny little watch.

After paying closer attention, the crown sits quite nicely in the gap. My doubt is on the fact that it protrudes out the case ever so slightly. I tried to google more photos online and also find some examples of eterna-matic hidden crown case with protruding crowns.

That is what made me unsure.

 

Yes, there are "semi-recessed" crowns, as well.

 

After clearing up the grime around the gaps, I finally managed to open the watch.
Pretty pleased to see a clean movement. There are service markings on the case back too.

The serial number of the movement is 3889XXX, which based on my research, dates this to 1954. Hope I got this correct. Could be an Eterna caliber 1247 based on the production year
Source of info: https://www.watch-wiki.net/index.php?title=ETA_calibres

 

I just got the crystal changed! Temporary on a nato strap as I do not have a 18mm strap. Already ordered a brown shark skin strap.

 

Looks awesome.

 

Indeed. Just a quick crystal change and it’s a totally different watch.

 

Fabulous dial, awesome find!