This wonderful little 1952 Eterna-Matic caught my eye on Ebay the other week and I couldn't resist picking it up. That radium freckled champagne dial along with the beveled bezel and razor sharp lugs really did steal my heart.


Now, to me watch collecting doesn't end with owning the watch itself. This piece happens to be all-original so I don't have to scrape together spare parts to restore its glory. However, having just received this custom strap, I do find myself without an original 1950s buckle to complete the set. Since I have no experience hunting these, I'm in hopes you guys can point me in the right direction. Is there some kind of guide or reference gallery out there?

 

Not sure if you know but 1952 was the first year for the Eterna-Matic.
I think a period correct buckle for this wpuld have an applied logo on the buckle rather than inset.
Sorta like this:

 

Nice pick!

 

Please forgive me if I'm unaware but I thought this was 1948.
https://www.timeandwatches.com/p/the-history-of-eterna-innovation-in.html

Thanks a lot, this is very helpful indeed!

Thank you, I am very happy with it

 

My bad. You are correct. You need to grab a 1948 then

 

Haha, gotcha. Frankly I bought it for its beauty. I don't particularly value things like production years.

 

Eterna is great guys

 

Nice Kontiki 20! I just picked up one recently too!

 

Whew, read the entire thread and found lots of useful information. I thank all who contributed, the pics were great, all in all a great read.

I have a 1948 commemorative release, it has the cows ears like a gold one found within this thread. Here's a pic or two if any one is interested.

 

It's sad that they and Corum are now in trouble, I heard they are in a bad situation with little or no money to stay afloat. The Chinese owners just pump enough money to survive.

 

I'm drooling here! I am in desperate need of a dial for the original 37mm Kontiki...anyone? anyone? Please DM me here! Would really really appreciate it!

 

I think you outbid me on this! It looks gorgeous. I love the Eternamatic movements, they are just so beautiful.

I’ve bought a couple of consolation prizes since - a 1953 1411U black dial

And a 1954 1414U stainless that’s got a champagne dial. It needs a new crystal but is otherwise really clean (although the strap was revolting).

 

I recently acquired an Eterna with a great dial layout. The arrowhead markers look great!

 

I just purchased this buckle to match my 1952 Eterna-Matic. I look forward to hearing your opinions on its authenticity.

 

Need some education on Eterna. Saw one I thought was interesting but it had a French made 18k case. Is that common? Thanks

 

Pics would be helpful to further determine authenticity.

 

Pics aren’t great unfortunately

 

Just couldn’t resist the Eterna-Matc
(my Kon Tiki20). My wife bought it for our wedding 17 years ago.

 

Honestly I don’t know much about them... I just liked the way it looked in a vintage jewelry shop.

 

This is not authentic in my opinion.
1) the gold stamp is on the outside of the case back;
2) case back and rear lug gold tone seem vastly different;
3) serial no. traces back to 1913.The Centenaire models were released by 1956.