The Eterna 1200 family of watch calibers represents a pinnacle of mid-20th-century Swiss innovation, captivating vintage enthusiasts and hobbyist watchmakers with its pioneering self-winding technology. Launched around 1950 as part of the Eterna-Matic series, these robust movements introduced free-rotating ball-bearing rotors for efficient winding, setting a benchmark for reliability and serviceability in automatic calibers.
Historical Context
Debuted post-World War II amid the automatic movement boom, following Eterna’s smaller Eterna-Matic ladies’ calibers.
Featured groundbreaking ball-bearing rotors mounted on a separate bridge, enabling smooth 360-degree oscillation and reducing wear.
Produced through the mid-1950s until succeeded by the thinner Eterna-Matic 1400 family, with variants powering iconic men’s watches.
Technical Specifications
Diameters: 9.25 to 13 lignes (20.5–29 mm), e.g., Cal. 1247 at 12.5 lignes (27.6 mm).
Height: Approximately 5.9 mm (non-date) to 5.85 mm (date versions), balancing power with case compatibility.
Jewels: 22–25, including friction-set bearings for durability.
Frequency: 18,000–19,800 vph, with Glucydur balance and Incabloc or similar shock protection.
Winding: Bidirectional ball-bearing rotor; hand-winding fallback on select models.
Functions: Central seconds standard; date on Cal. 1237/1239; power reserve absent in base models.
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Watch Parts Enquiry
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
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