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Eterna-Matic Chronometer 18K YG, 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Eterna-Matic Chronometer 18K YG, 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Eterna (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
ETRAUTCH18K
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (ETRAUTCH18K)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Eterna-Matic Chronometer 18K YG (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number ETRAUTCH18K), this is a wristwatch by Eterna, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 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

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

In 1856, a couple of guys named Josef Girard and Urs Schild started a watch movement manufacturer called, appropriately enough, Dr. Girard & Schild. They rebranded a few times, first to Schild Freres, then—perhaps after realizing that neither of the previous names rolled off the tongue—they started putting the name Eterna on their watch dials. That one stuck The brand has put out some really incredible pieces over the years, most of which fall under the sports-driven tool watch category. But then there are gorgeous, dressier watches like this Eterna-Matic from the ‘60s, featuring a 21-jewel, chronometer grade movement housed within a 35mm case made of 18k yellow gold. Whether worn to a black tie affair or a casual weekend brunch, this will no doubt work as a perfect accompaniment. SPECS Stock # ETRAUTCH18K Brand Eterna-Matic Style Chronometer Model N/A Serial 41XXXXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Bracelet 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The robust 18k yellow gold case features broad, shapely lugs that show light signs of use. The recessed yellow gold crown is original. The case back is clean and free of any marks. The watch will be supplied on a 2-piece handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The sophisticated silver dial features a classic and gorgeous Calatrava-style layout, working perfectly as a backdrop to the gold indices and gold-surrounded date window. The hour and minute hands exhibit common oxidation while the second's hand retains its bright gold luster. The radium lume plots at every hour have aged to a charming golden color. The dial also features the rare chronometer language above the 5-point Eterna logo and Eterna-Matic name. ACCESSORIES Non. The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.

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

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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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