The Eterna Calibre 1444 is a classic Swiss automatic movement from the 1960s, prized today by vintage watch collectors and hobbyist watchmakers for its robust construction and elegant design. It’s a reliable, no‑frills workhorse that powers many Eterna-matic models from that era and is still rewarding to service and restore.
Historical context
The Calibre 1444 was introduced in the 1960s as part of Eterna’s in‑house automatic movement family, sold under the Eterna-matic line.
It was designed as a mid‑size, date-equipped automatic, commonly used in men’s dress and sports watches of that period.
Like many Eterna movements of the time, it features the brand’s own Eterna-U shock protection system, which adds to its durability in daily wear.
Why it appeals to enthusiasts
Service‑friendly architecture: the bridges and plates are logically laid out, making disassembly and reassembly straightforward for a watchmaker.
Good availability of parts (for a vintage movement) in the second‑hand and collector markets, especially for the basic calibre variants.
Smooth, quiet automatic winding and a solid, stable regulation, which makes it a pleasure to tune and set up after a full service.
A classic “Swiss Made” feel in finish and construction, with decent perlage and Geneva stripes on some versions, appealing to those who appreciate vintage craftsmanship.
Technical specifications (Eterna Calibre 1444)
Type: Automatic, self‑winding, with a central rotor.
Ligne size: 8.25 ligne (approx. 18.8 mm in diameter).
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, and quickset date.
Beat rate: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz).
Power reserve: Around 36–40 hours when fully wound.
Jewels: 17–19 rubies, depending on the exact variant (e.g., 1444, 1444U).
Shock protection: Eterna-U shock system, protecting the balance staff.
Winding: Bidirectional winding system feeding a single mainspring barrel.
This movement makes a solid project for a watchmaker new to vintage calibres, and a trusted reliable timekeeper in a vintage Eterna on the wrist.
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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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