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Re-Introducing Eterna 1948

by John Sealander

In 1948, Eterna revolutionized the automatic watch with five ball bearings. In 2012, Eterna reminded the world that some things are eternal.

Eterna WatchesIn 1948, Eterna took a major step forward in self-winding watch technology when it developed the revolutionary Eterna-matic automatic movement. Using five strategically placed ball bearings; they significantly reduced friction and resistance on the oscillating weight that wound the mainspring. This reduced the wear and tear on internal parts, increasing the watch’s accuracy and increasing its useful life. Within months, the new watch became an instant hit and set new sales records for the company. The 1948, with its revolutionary mechanism, became so popular that Eterna adopted the image of five ball bearings as its corporate logo.

The clean looks and superb performance of the original Eterna 1948 timepiece never really went out of style. In fact, the Eterna-matic self-winding movement that the 1948 was based on remained in continuous production until 1998. It should come as no surprise that Eterna has decided to re-release this iconic timepiece. To this day, the 1948 remains one of the most significant timepieces in horological history.

Eterna 1948 – 2950.41.11.1175 Eterna 1948 – 2950.41.41.1175
Eterna 1948 - 2950.41.11.1175 Eterna 1948 - 2950.41.41.1175
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The new 1948 remains faithful to the original design. The watch features a precision, 25 jewel Swiss made ETA 2824-2 mechanical movement fitted with a ball-bearing rotor similar to the original Eterna-matic design. Like its predecessor, the 1948 revival features the same elegant curved and facetted lugs that give the watch its classic appearance. In deference to popular taste, the 1948 now features a transparent sapphire porthole on the case back, revealing the intricate mechanical movement inside.

Today’s larger 44mm timepiece is available with a choice of a silver-toned or black sunray dial with rhodium plated baton indices. The watch is equipped with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 165 feet. The new 1948 retains the signature Eterna crown and is equipped with an elegant black alligator strap.

Eterna Watch Company is widely recognized as one of a small handful of companies that never abandoned the mechanical movement. For more than 150 years the company has been combining traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation to create unexpected solutions to watchmaking challenges. If you weren’t around to welcome the 1948 the first time it was introduced, don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate one to the true milestones of the watchmaker’s art. To obtain your own Eterna 1948, contact an Eterna dealer today.

About Gevril Group

Gevril GroupGevril Group, directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business Samuel Friedmann, is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. Additionally, Group Gevril operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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