Wristwatches · Wristwatch
1950s Eterna-Matic Automatic, Cal. 1258UC, 17j, 34mm Stainless Steel, Original Bracelet, Runs
- Maker / attribution
- Eterna (maker)
- Date
- 1950s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Auction house
- LiveAuctioneers auction archive
- Lot
- Item 215800330
- Credit line
- Auction lot record: lot 99, Exclusive Watches and Pocket watches 2, Sphere Auctions LLC (2025), via LiveAuctioneers
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1950s Eterna-Matic Automatic, Cal. 1258UC, 17j, 34mm Stainless Steel, Original Bracelet, Runs (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by LiveAuctioneers auction archive (lot Item 215800330), this is a wristwatch by Eterna, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 4 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Lot description — Sphere Auctions LLC
Vintage Eterna-Matic wristwatch, circa 1950s, featuring the Swiss Caliber 1258UC automatic movement, signed Eterna-Matic, 17 Jewels, Patented, Unadjusted Swiss. This caliber is part of the iconic line of Eterna’s self-winding watches, notable for introducing the five-ball bearing rotor system, a revolutionary development in automatic movements that remains a signature of the brand.The watch measures 34mm (excluding crown) and is housed in a stainless steel case, ref. 20971/M, signed inside Eterna Watch Co., Swiss, Acier Inoxydable. Caseback is plain steel, screw-in design.Dial is cream with even patina, signed Eterna-Matic with applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, 9 and triangular markers. Dauphine hands with central sweep seconds. Fitted on what appears to be its original stainless steel bracelet.The watch is currently running, though as with all vintage mechanical pieces, a service is recommended for optimal accuracy.---Details:Brand: EternaModel: Eterna-Matic AutomaticEra: 1950sCaliber: 1258UC automatic, 17 jewels, five-ball bearing rotorCase Size: 34mm (excluding crown)Material: Stainless steel case, ref. 20971/MDial: Cream dial with applied numerals at 12, 3, 6, 9; triangular markers; dauphine hands; sweep secondsBracelet: Stainless steel expansion bracelet, period-correctCondition: Running; dial shows patina/spotting; case with age scratches; crystal lightly wornNickname: Collectors often call early Eterna automatics “Five-Dot Eterna-Matic” for the logo representing the ball-bearing rotor system
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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