The Eterna 1456 is a classic Swiss automatic movement from the 1960s, part of the influential Eterna-Matic 3000 family and an important ancestor of the ETA 2892 series – a must-know for vintage watch collectors and hobbyist watchmakers.
Why the Eterna 1456 matters
It’s a 13 ligne, ultra‑thin automatic calibre (just 3.6 mm high) designed by Jacques Enderlin and Paul Stamm, emblematic of Eterna’s technical innovation in the 1960s.
The 1456 served as the direct blueprint for the ETA 2892 family, making it historically significant as the “original 2892” in prototype form.
It powered many Eterna-Matic 3000 models, typically in simple three‑hand time‑only watches, prized by collectors for their reliability and elegant, slim profile.
The movement feels very modern when compared to earlier swinging‑weight designs, with a central rotor, practical layout, and robust construction that age well.
Key points for collectors and watchmakers
Look for the “1456” marking on the movement and the Eterna‑U shock protection (often indicated by a “U” suffix, e.g., 1456U).
These movements are generally robust and serviceable, with a straightforward layout and good parts availability for vintage Eterna movements.
When servicing, pay attention to the rotor bearing (often 7 ball bearings) and the automatic winding mechanism, which can be removed as a single assembly with just a few screws.
Because it’s a direct predecessor of the ETA 2892, studying the 1456 gives great insight into how the later ETA standard movement evolved in design and construction.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer: Eterna
Type: Automatic, central rotor
Calibre family: Eterna-Matic 3000 / 145x family
Diameter: 13 ligne (29.4 mm)
Height: 3.60 mm
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations/hour (2.5 Hz)
Jewels: 21 jewels
Power reserve: ~44 hours
Complication: Time‑only (no date)
Shock system: Typically Eterna‑U; some variants with Kif Ultraflex
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
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