Lot offered with no reserve
251
Eterna
An interesting and attractive large stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with clamshell case
Estimate
CHF4,000 - 8,000•︎
€3,800 - 7,500
$4,200 - 8,300
Sold For
CHF6,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Eterna
Year
Circa 1945
Case No
2'770'159
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, 14 ’’’ Valjoux 22, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
37.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
A superb interpreter of the watchmaking style of the 1940s, this Eterna chronograph reunites a plethora of highly sought-after traits. Most obviously, the oversized stainless steel case is most appealing and it features an unusual design element which amplifies the allure of this watch: the back is neither snap-on nor screw-down. Rather, it is held in place via a "clamshell" system by Schmitz Frères. The dial as well presents all the details most sought after by collectors: it features a two-tone finish, a multiscale design - red telemeter and blue tachometer - and “feuille” blued steel hands. The execution of the tachymeter scale presents another extremely unusual detail. While most watches of this time with a tachometer scale to the center present a spiral design to it, the present dial features a surprising concentric design, with three circles for speeds 100-60, 60-30 and 30-30. Furthermore, the gap between the outer and middle circle is of a different tone. This unusual architecture grants by all intents and purposes this dial a sectorial design, adding a further element of intrigue and appeal.