Founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1856 by Dr. Josef Girard and Urs Schild, Eterna is one of the true pioneers of Swiss watchmaking. Throughout its long history, the manufacture has been responsible for numerous technical innovations, most notably the introduction of the ball-bearing mounted automatic rotor in 1948.

This ingenious system, supported by five tiny ball bearings, dramatically improved the efficiency and durability of automatic winding movements and went on to influence the entire watch industry. The innovation proved so significant that Eterna adopted the five-ball bearing as its emblem—a logo that remains synonymous with the brand to this day.

Some highlights from Eterna's remarkable history:

1914 – Eterna patents one of the world's first wristwatch alarm mechanisms, bringing the complication into series production.
1932 – The company is reorganized into two independent entities: Eterna, dedicated to manufacturing complete watches, and ETA SA, established to develop and supply movements—a company that would become the backbone of the Swiss watch industry.
1958 – Eterna introduces the legendary KonTiki, named in honour of Thor Heyerdahl's famous 1947 Pacific Ocean expedition aboard the Kon-Tiki raft.
1995 – The Porsche family acquires Eterna. The manufacture subsequently produces Porsche Design timepieces until 2014.

Presented here is a beautiful 35mm Eterna chronograph in 18k rose gold. The elegant case, fitted with square chronograph pushers and a snap-back case, has developed a wonderfully warm rose-gold tone over the years and remains in lovely condition.

The beautifully balanced two-tone silver dial features three sub-dials, printed rose-gold Arabic numerals, a blue tachymeter scale, a red 0–20 graduation, and a black minute track. Blued central hands and matching rose-gold sub-dial hands complete one of the most attractive dial layouts of the period.

Powering the watch is the legendary hand-wound Valjoux 71 chronograph movement, fully serviced by our watchmaker and ready to be enjoyed.

The watch is fitted with the photographed leather strap, completing this elegant and characterful vintage chronograph.

Quiet confidence in rose gold, get in touch!

Specifications:

Eterna Chronograph
35mm 18k rose gold Case
Two tone silvered dial , three sub registers , multi scales
Blued hands
Serial no 50xxx dating to the early 1950’s
Comes on the photographed leather strap
Valjoux 71 hand wound movement
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty

Eterna Three-Register 18k Rose Gold Chronograph Silver dial

Eterna Three-Register 18k Rose Gold Chronograph Silver dial

Before/after