CIRCA: 1950s
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 38 mm in diameter
DIAL: Opaline white with luminous Arabic hour markers, seconds track in black.
BRACELET MATERIAL: Light tan leather strap
BRACELET SIZE: 6-1/2 to 7-3/4 inches
MOVEMENT: Manual wind
FUNCTIONS: Time and chronograph
CALIBER: Valjoux 72
Despite the fact that Eterna became famous for its Kontiki line of waterproof watches in the 1950s, chronographs from this brand are extremely rare. The present example features an oversized case with beautifully aged luminous material on the dial and waterproof pump pushers. the Valjoux 72 movement exhibits Eterna's high level of finishing as does the watch overall. A truly lovely example.
Condition
Dial with fine spots throughout resulting from age; one mark across the seconds subregister. Luminous material in the dial and hands intact and appears original to the watch; luminous material in the hands slightly lighter in color than on the dial. Geiger reading of 6. Case lightly polished and in excellent condition. Movement running at time of cataloging. Overall in very good vintage condition.
Any reference to condition in a condition report will not include a full description of condition, and for example, may not specify all faults, alteration, adaptation, mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, or dial. Colors and shades may look different online or in printed materials than they look on physical inspection, and images may not clearly show the condition of a lot. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot in person and make their own evaluation of the lot. They must understand that any statement made by Fortuna Auction LLC ("Fortuna") is merely a subjective, qualified statement and does not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Fortuna. All dimensions in catalog descriptions are approximate. No warranties are made that watches in water-resistant cases are currently water-resistant. Fortuna does not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets or leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.
Pre-owned watches, unless still in original packaging or never worn, will likely have some degree of wear and scratches. This should be expected for many of the watches offered in auction. Even if a watch is running and keeping time, bidders and buyers should expect that all movements will require maintenance. Fortuna recommends that all successful buyers promptly take their watches to a professional watchmaker for evaluation.
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