1950s Eterna 'Eterna-Matic'

Why This Watch Matters With gilt dial printing, recessed dial details, and an oversized stainless steel case, there is a whole lot to love in this Eterna-Matic. The Full Story Eterna started its life as a movement manufacture named "Dr. Girard & Schild," established by Josef Girard and Urs Schild in 1856. The Eterna name didn't appear on the dial of the company's watches until 1889. Eterna was the first company to bring to market a wristwatch with an alarm function in 1914 (patented in 1908). Eterna was also a proponent of the introduction of self-winding movements, with the Eterna-matic series, starting in 1948. The Eterna-Matic was different than other automatic calibers of the time, as its construction featured a ball-bearing mounted rotor system to reduce the level of friction, a design that eventually set a Swiss watch industry standard.  While the company was somewhat of a disruptor, Eterna timepieces were also known for their minimalism. This Eterna-Matic is an excellent exa