1 in stock

Eterna Matic Black Dial 14k Gold Capped Case

This vintage Eterna Matic presents with a glossy black dial featuring a unique set of applied, stylized gold-tone Arabic numerals and faceted arrowhead hour markers. A textured inner ring adds detail to the dial, which is marked with the brand’s signature five-dot logo above the “Eterna Matic” script. The watch has a 14k gold-capped top case with a solid yellow gold bezel and a stainless steel body with sharp lugs. Its stainless steel screw-down case back is engraved “Fletcher Aviation Company 15 Years Service – 1956 – Martin N. Konaske,” giving the piece a specific and interesting history. The timepiece is powered by Eterna’s automatic movement, which is visible and noted for its innovative and efficient ball-bearing rotor. The watch comes on a black leather strap with white contrast stitching.

1 in stock

1 in stock

General

Brand

Manufactured

Switzerland

Department

Men

Model Line

Eterna-Matic

Dial Color

Black

Case

Case Shape

Round

Bezel

Smooth

Case Material

14k Gold

,

Stainless Steel

Case Width

33mm

Case Height

42.7mm

Strap / Bracelet

Lug Width

18mm

Strap Material

Leather

Strap Color

Black

Clasp

Buckle

Max Wrist Size

8.5"

Movement

Movement

Automatic

Accuracy

>10 seconds

The movement showed a daily accuracy deviation ranging from 0 to 10 seconds across six positions.

Extras

Warranty Every watch sold by Ottuhr comes with a 1-year mechanical warranty. Select pieces may also include additional guarantees or extended coverage.

1-Year Ottuhr Warranty

Original Box

No

Original Papers

No

Overview

Some watches are important because of their design. Others, for their rarity. And some, like this stunning Eterna-Matic, are horological landmarks. In our opinion, Eterna is one of the most historically significant and perpetually underrated manufactures of the 20th century, and it all comes down to five tiny steel balls.

In 1948, Eterna revolutionized the automatic watch with a simple, ingenious solution to the problem of friction and wear on the winding rotor: they mounted it on five miniature ball bearings. This innovation, represented by the brand’s iconic five-dot logo, dramatically increased the efficiency and shock-resistance of their movements. The resulting “Eterna-Matic” caliber was so successful that it set the standard for the entire industry, and Eterna’s movement-making division, ETA, would go on to become the largest supplier of movements in the world. To wear an Eterna-Matic is to wear a pivotal piece of watchmaking history on your wrist.

This particular Eterna-Matic, however, carries a second, equally compelling story. Turning the watch over reveals a beautifully preserved engraving: “Fletcher Aviation Company, 15 Years Service – 1956, Martin N. Konaske.” This isn’t just a watch; it’s a time capsule. Fletcher Aviation was a key American manufacturer, building everything from trainer aircraft to the ubiquitous external fuel tanks used on military fighters during the Korean War. This watch was earned, presented to Mr. Konaske as a symbol of loyalty and achievement in a booming and vital American industry.

The watch itself is a testament to the quality Eterna was producing in their 1950s heyday. The gloss black dial is in stunning condition, featuring a fantastic combination of applied, faceted dart markers and a uniquely stylized “12” at the top. A subtle, textured chapter ring adds a layer of handsome detail that catches the light beautifully. The original dauphine hands and creamy lume plots are perfectly preserved, pulling the whole look together. The case, with its sharp lugs, is 14-karat gold-capped over stainless steel, a durable and luxurious construction typical of the era.

 

Timing: The watch has been measured with a timegrapher at six different positions. The rate, amplitude, and beat error are within acceptable ranges.

Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, etc are working as expected.

Integrity: The movement shows no signs of damage, rust, or corrosion, with all components appearing clean and well-maintained.

Authenticity: Each timepiece is evaluated and authenticated in-house. This watch is guaranteed to be correct to its manufacturer and time period.

Warranty: This timepiece includes a 1-year mechanical warranty, activated upon the date of purchase. 

Shipping: This timepeice includes complimentary insured shipping within all 50 states. 

Returns: If, for any reason, you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return the product for a full refund within 30 days from the date you received or signed for the item.

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