The Eterna Calibre 1466 is a landmark ultra‑thin automatic movement from the early 1960s, beloved by vintage watch buffs and a key stepping stone in the development of the modern ETA 2892 family.
Why the 1466 Matters
It was part of Eterna’s “Eterna‑Matic 3000” line, designed to be extremely slim while still using a central rotor automatic system.
The movement features a direct centre seconds layout, a modern touch for the time, and uses Heinrich Stamm’s design language: Eterna‑profile gear teeth and unsprung winding ratchet wheels for hand‑winding.
Calibre 1466 is considered the direct ancestor of the ETA 2892; its compact architecture and layout heavily influenced that later, widely used movement.
For hobbyist watchmakers, it’s a rewarding project – clearly built for service, with a simple, robust automatic module that can be removed with just three screws.
Identifying a 1466 in the Wild
Look for the “Eterna 1466” or “1466U” marking on the movement, usually near the balance cock.
The 1466U variant has Eterna‑U shock protection, while later higher‑frequency versions (like 1500K) use Kif Ultraflex.
On the dial side, it powers Eterna‑Matic 3000 models, often with slim cases and date windows, as well as some non‑Eterna watches using this movement supplied by Ebauches SA.
Technical Specifications
Type: Automatic, self‑winding, direct centre seconds.
Diameter: 12.5 ligne (approx. 28–29 mm mounting diameter).
Height: 3.6 mm (date versions also 3.6 mm; day/date 1457 is 4.15 mm).
Jewels: 21 jewels.
Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz).
Power Reserve: About 44 hours when fully wound.
Rotor: Central automatic winding with a stepped rotor and a robust 7‑ball bearing rotor bearing system.
Shock System: Typically Eterna‑U or Kif Ultraflex depending on variant.
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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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