Eterna
Eterna-Matic 1000
A late-1960s Eterna-Matic 1000 automatic with a well-preserved silver dial, date and tonneau-shaped steel case.
- Movement
- Eterna-Matic automatic, likely Cal. 1489K
- Current Market Value
- $250
- Year
- Late 1960s
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Condition
- Good
- Gender
- Men / Unisex
- Acquired
- 2026
Condition
Automatic movement working perfectly. Dial is in excellent condition. The visible scratches and marks are on the crystal rather than the dial. Case shows normal signs of age and use. Plain stainless steel caseback. Fitted with a brown leather strap.
Why I bought it
Eterna is one of those Swiss brands whose importance is greater than its current recognition. I wanted an Eterna-Matic in the collection, and I liked the very typical late-1960s design of this 1000.
The Eterna-Matic 1000 is a good example of Eterna's watches from the second half of the 1960s.
Eterna played an important role in the development of the automatic wristwatch. In 1948 it introduced its famous rotor system supported by five ball bearings, reducing friction in the automatic winding mechanism. The five bearings became the five-dot Eterna logo that can be seen above the name on this dial.
The Eterna-Matic 1000 appeared in several case and dial configurations during the 1960s. This example has a very well-preserved silver dial with applied baton markers, central seconds and a date window at 3 o'clock, housed in a stainless steel tonneau-style case.
Period Eterna-Matic 1000 examples are frequently found with Eterna's in-house 1489K automatic movement. I have not opened this watch, so I prefer to list the caliber as likely 1489K rather than claim it as confirmed.
The automatic movement is working perfectly. The dial itself is in excellent condition, while the visible scratches are on the crystal. The case shows normal signs of use, but overall the watch has survived very well for its age.