Eterna-Matic Automatic Tropical Dial Horn Lugs, circa 1950s

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Eterna-matic - Tropical Dial - Horn Lugs Eterna Watches, a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, has a fascinating history that spans over 160 years. Founded in 1856 by Urs Schild and Joseph Girard, the company initially began as a small watchmaking workshop in Grenchen, Switzerland. Throughout the years, Eterna Watches became known for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. In 1905, the brand introduced one of its most significant inventions - the revolutionary EternaMatic movement. This self-winding mechanism set new standards in precision and reliability and became an industry benchmark. Eterna continued to thrive over the decades, captivating watch enthusiasts with its exceptional timepieces. What's on Offer Here we have a particularly handsome vintage Eterna-Matic automatic wristwatch, believed to date from the 1950s, featuring a beautifully aged champagne-coloured dial and a wonderfully distinctive stainless-steel case with elegant horn-shaped lugs. This is one of those vintage watches where the design speaks for itself. The stainless-steel case measures approximately 35mm across, a beautifully wearable size that offers classic mid-century proportions without feeling overly delicate. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly the pair of elongated, sculptural horn lugs, which sweep gracefully away from the case and give the watch a wonderfully elegant profile. The case remains in very good condition, with only light marks of wear consistent with its age. The dial is equally appealing. Originally a lighter shade, it has developed a beautiful warm champagne-gold patina over the decades, creating the rich, softly aged appearance that vintage watch enthusiasts often describe as a tropical dial. The warmth of the dial works particularly well with the sharply faceted gold-tone hour markers and matching dauphine-style hands, giving the watch a lovely sense of balance and refinement. At 12 o'clock sits a single applied Arabic numeral, while distinctive pointed, spearhead-style markers indicate the remaining hours. A delicate dotted minute track runs around the outer edge, completing the wonderfully understated design. Just beneath the 12 o'clock marker is Eterna's famous five-dot emblem, representing the five miniature ball bearings used in the company's pioneering automatic winding system. The ETERNA-MATIC signature appears neatly below, identifying this watch as part of one of the brand's most historically important collections. The slender central seconds hand provides a final elegant detail, complementing the clean, uncluttered dial. Inside is the Eterna Calibre 1412, a 17-jewel automatic mechanical movement with an approximate power reserve of 40 hours. The movement is currently with our watchmaker undergoing servicing, which will provide additional reassurance for its next owner. The watch is fitted with a smart brown leather strap, beautifully complementing the warm tones of the dial and offering an adjustable fit. Presented in excellent overall condition, this is a particularly attractive example of mid-century Eterna watchmaking. With its sculptural horn lugs, beautifully aged tropical-style dial and historically significant automatic movement, it offers everything we love about vintage Swiss watches: character, craftsmanship and a design that has aged remarkably well. Condition Report: Crystal: Very Good Dial: Excellent Bezel: Excellent Case: Very Good Movement: Currently With Watchmaker Being Serviced Overall: Excellent