Eterna
Eterna is a Swiss watch brand with a history beginning in Grenchen in 1856. Its important technical contributions include a ball-bearing system for the automatic winding rotor, introduced in 1948. The five balls also became a company symbol.
What does the symbol tell you?
The emblem refers to brand history; it does not itself date an individual watch to 1948. A historical year may also form part of a later model's name. Record wording, symbols and references exactly as they appear on the watch.
Movement and model
Distinguish the Eterna brand, a collection name such as KonTiki and the movement calibre. They describe different aspects of the same object. A recognisable dial or automatic movement alone cannot establish a particular model variant.
Assessing older Eterna watches
Compare case, dial, hands and movement with documentation for the relevant reference. Look for later dial work, replaced parts and changes to the case shape after polishing. Give the duration of running tests and identify documented service. Brand history is not a condition report, and original water-resistance specifications do not guarantee that an older watch remains water-resistant.
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