ETERNA-MATIC CATALOG. CA. 1962

Presentation of a very rare small catalog of Eterna-Matic watches, distributed around 1962 by Birks, one of Canada's largest jewelers and watchmakers.

The Eterna-Matic series is one of the most iconic creations from Swiss watchmaker Eterna, which was founded in 1856 in Grenchen. This collection is particularly famous for its pioneering role in the evolution of automatic watches, and more specifically for the development of the automatic movement with ball rotor, which revolutionized mechanical watchmaking.

The history of Eterna-Matic began in 1948, when the brand introduced the 1430 automatic movement, a major innovation in the world of watchmaking. This movement is distinguished by its ball rotor, a world first, which allows for much smoother and more efficient winding than traditional rotors. The ball rotor, which rests on small steel balls in a kind of ball bearing, minimizes friction and increases the longevity of the movement. This system is a real breakthrough, as it reduces wear and tear on the mechanism while allowing the watch to wind more evenly thanks to the natural movement of the wrist. The use of ball bearings has become a key feature of modern automatic watches.

The launch of the first Eterna-Matic model in 1948 marked a turning point in the watchmaking industry. The watch featured a simple and elegant design, with a stainless steel case, a sleek dial, and a small date window. The quality of the movement was the central feature of this watch, with remarkable precision and an automatic winding mechanism that immediately appealed to lovers of high-quality watches. This model perfectly embodies the spirit of the Eterna brand: a constant quest for technical innovation while maintaining a timeless style.

In the years that followed, the Eterna-Matic range expanded with models offering greater functionality and robustness. In 1958, the brand unveiled an even more durable model designed for adventurers: the Eterna-Matic Kontiki. This model was directly inspired by the expedition of Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl, who crossed the Pacific Ocean aboard the Kon-Tiki raft in 1947. To pay tribute to this adventure, Eterna equipped the Kontiki model with a reinforced case and improved water resistance, enabling the watch to withstand extreme conditions. The dial is sportier, with optimal readability, and the entire watch is designed to withstand high pressures, perfect for divers and explorers. The Eterna-Matic Kontiki quickly became a cult model, appreciated not only for its technical qualities, but also for its robust and elegant aesthetics.

The automatic ball rotor movement found in these early models was gradually improved and optimized throughout the 1950s and 1960s. This technological development enabled Eterna to position itself as a major player in the field of mechanical watches, particularly in the automatic watch sector.

One particularly special piece is the "Golfer" version, which appeared in the 1950s and 1960s and is available on ECY Gallery in a rare solid silver version. It was originally an automatic pocket watch designed for sportsmen, particularly golfers, but also for anyone looking for a robust watch that was better protected against shocks than the wristwatches of the time. These models were often equipped with an Eterna-Matic caliber 1424 or similar automatic movement, visible in some versions with a "skeleton" back, and sometimes with a date window at 6 o'clock with an integrated magnifying glass for better readability.

Another highlight of the collection is the 3000 model, introduced in the early 1960s, which represents an important milestone in the history of Swiss automatic watches. The Eterna-Matic 3000 Dato, launched in 1962, held the record for the world's thinnest automatic watch when it was released, with a movement measuring just 0.14 inches thick.

This small catalog consists of four double-sided leaflets presenting all the Eterna-Matic variants, from the "Golfer" to the "Sahida," including the "Centenaire," the "3000," and the "Kontiki." Rare.

Publisher: Eterna
Year of publication: Circa 1962
Number of pages: Four-panel double-sided leaflet
Dimensions: Height 16 cm Width Folded 8.5 cm Unfolded 34 cm