Eterna Caliber 1404: A Vintage Manual Marvel
The Eterna 1404 stands as a testament to pre-WWII Swiss precision, a manual-wind workhorse from the 1930s favored in Art Deco tonneau cases. Crafted for elegance and reliability, it powered refined men’s and ladies’ watches during an era of hand-finished horology. Hobbyists cherish its straightforward design, ideal for restoration projects.
Historical Context
Introduced around 1936, the 1404 emerged from Eterna’s Granville era, emphasizing compact, high-beat movements for stylish tonneau and rectangular designs. It reflects the brand’s shift toward efficient, serviceable calibers amid economic challenges. Vintage examples often appear in restored Art Deco pieces, showcasing butler-finished dials and sub-seconds registers.
Technical Specifications
Type: Manual wind, sub-seconds at 6 o’clock
Jewels: 15-17 jewels for reduced friction
Diameter: Approximately 11.5-12 lignes (25-27mm), slim profile for tonneau cases
Height: Under 3mm, enabling thin case designs
Frequency: 18,000 vph (5Hz) for smooth sweeping seconds
Power Reserve: 40-45 hours with Eterniflex mainspring
Shock Protection: Early Incabloc or Eterna-U system
Balance: Glucydur screw balance with Nivarox hairspring
Functions: Hours, minutes, center seconds (sub-seconds variant)
Finish: Signed bridges, perlage, blued screws
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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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