Eterna redial?

Tony C. · Jul 12, 2021

Yes, Rick, the first one of mine is from around 1950. But there are more than a few examples from around 1960 that don't fit the pattern that you suggest. Here are a few examples, beginning with a 1st generation Kontiki, which clearly lacks the heavy-topped font:

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/4-jpg.628330/

these are from the Eterna Fanatic archive, all from around the same ('60s) period as the OP's example:

https://eterna-fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/122_A.jpg

https://eterna-fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC01237.jpg

https://eterna-fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC01245.jpg

https://eterna-fanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/049_A.jpg

As for the "pointed top" on the A, I'm not sure what you are referring to, as this is the OP's example, and it surely doesn't appear to be pointed to my eye. Do some have longer flat tops? Yes because the fonts were not perfectly consistent.

Cheers,

Tony

Screen Shot 2021-07-12 at 2.47.42 PM.png

vintage hab · Jul 12, 2021

Here's my 1432U in 18K. It's definitely original as it was purchased in '62 by my father. On the OP's watch, there are larger spaces between the two Es and the T, and the A has a shorter top. But the one posted by Waltesefalcon is very similar to the OPs, so it may be an original variation.

Mafkees · Jul 12, 2021

I am a little late to the party but I figured I'd chime in. In my experience there is little merit to examining specifics in fonts and the likes when it comes to vintage watches, especially in the lower price bracket. Sure, there are some niche watches around that people would go to great lengths in attempt to counterfeit or redial them but this is no such example. After all, some great quality watches are either no name brands or brands without an established record to determine what font was used in what period. Come time, you'll develop a feel for spotting things that are 'off' and that'll help you wing it instead of resorting to thorough research.

Etenally Rick · Jul 12, 2021

Tony C.
Yes, Rick, the first one of mine is from around 1950. But there are more than a few examples from around 1960 that don't fit the pattern that you suggest. Here are a few examples, beginning with a 1st generation Kontiki, which clearly lacks the heavy-topped font:

Well, Tony, thanks for that. You learn something new each day!
My view was based on my own experience and what I had read elsewhere from very well respected authorities. But you have shown there are exceptions to every rule.
As far as the A is concerned all I meant to imply was that if the A had a pointed top then the watch was an immediate candidate for being a redial, not that the OP's watch had one. Indeed, like most people seem to think and I have said before, I believe his is likely all original.
Thanks again, Rick.

Tony C. · Jul 12, 2021

Thanks Rick, and you are welcome.

I think that it is useful to be skeptical, as you were initially. Certainly better to lean in that direction, than the other.!

I misunderstood your broader, pointed top meaning, and do agree that those with such a top should be treated with suspicion.

__ryan__ · Jul 12, 2021

Tony C.
Like all manufactures of the time, there were slight variations depending on which companies were contracted to produce the dials.

Thanks Tony, this is great information.

Does anyone happen to know what might be the reference/model, or would this be identified simply as an Eterna dress watch (cal. 14xx)? There isn't a number inside the caseback.

Tony C. · Jul 12, 2021

You're welcome, Ryan. Eterna typically used just serial numbers. Yours features a caliber 1408U. Here are some details:

https://17jewels.info/movements/e/eterna/eterna-1408u/

Eterna redial?

Tony C.

vintage hab

Mafkees

Etenally Rick

Tony C.

ryan

Tony C.

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