ETERNAMATIC "GOLDEN HEART" WATCH, CA. 1960

The Eterna-Matic Golden Heart series is part of one of the most significant periods in the history of Eterna, in the mid-20th century. Founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, the Eterna manufacture quickly established itself as a major player in watchmaking thanks to its innovative spirit and the quality of its mechanical movements.

The turning point came in 1948, when Eterna introduced the Eterna-Matic movement, a major technical advance in the field of automatic watches. This system is based on the integration of five ball bearings, allowing for smoother and more reliable rotation of the oscillating weight. This innovation significantly improves the longevity of the movement, reduces wear and tear, and increases precision. The five balls would later become the emblem of the Eterna logo, a lasting symbol of its mechanical genius.

The Golden Heart model was born out of this context of technical excellence and aesthetic renewal. It stands out for its high-quality automatic movement, often adorned with a gold rotor, hence the evocative name Golden Heart—the "golden heart" of the watch. This expression refers not only to the color or material, but above all to the symbolic value of the mechanism: a precious heart, beating to the rhythm of Swiss craftsmanship. It is nothing less than the miniaturization of the Eterna-matic movement and the smallest automatic watch of its time.

Produced mainly in the 1950s and 1960s, the Eterna-Matic Golden Heart reflects the aesthetic codes of its era: understated elegance, balanced proportions, a case with soft lines, and refined finishes. The gold-plated and solid gold versions were intended for customers seeking both technical reliability and social distinction. The dial, often minimalist, emphasized legibility and simplicity, leaving room for the quality of the internal movement to shine through.

Gina Lollobrigida was the first face of this model: a major figure in post-war European cinema, Gina Lollobrigida embodied a feminine ideal combining glamour, elegance, and strength of character. Her sophisticated and assertive style was perfectly suited to Eterna's target customer base at the time: modern, independent women who valued quality and understated prestige over ostentation.

Eterna-Matic women's watches, featuring miniaturized automatic movements and meticulous finishes, reflect this same pursuit of excellence. The Golden Heart concept, evoking a precious golden mechanical heart, echoes the image of Lollobrigida: an iconic beauty driven by inner strength and mastery of her image.

Brigitte Bardot took over in the 1960s, demonstrating just how much of a "must-have" the model was.

This model has the rare distinction of coming with its original box, crown, kangaroo leather strap, and buckle.

Manufacturer: Eterna
Model: Golden Heart
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1960
Materials: Gold-plated
Dimensions: Width approx. 17 mm Height 23 mm 
Caliber: Automatic caliber, Eterna-Matic
Strap: Original 10 mm kangaroo leather strap
Box/papers: Original box