The Eterna Caliber 1429 stands as a pinnacle of mid-20th-century Swiss horology, renowned among vintage enthusiasts for its innovative thinness and self-winding efficiency. Introduced around 1961 as part of Eterna’s Matic lineup, this automatic movement powered elegant dress watches like the Centenaire, blending compact design with robust performance.
Historical Context
Eterna pioneered ball-bearing automatics in the 1940s, and the 1429U variant evolved this legacy. It emerged during a competitive era when brands raced to create slimmer profiles without sacrificing reliability. Hobbyists prize it for serviceability—parts remain interchangeable across variants—and its role in Eterna’s push toward high-beat evolutions up to 36,000 BPH in related calibers.
Technical Specifications
Diameter: 25.6 mm (11.5 lignes), matching ETA 2892 footprints for easy case swaps.
Height: 4.6 mm, notably thicker than modern ultra-thins but revolutionary for its time.
Jewels: 25, reducing friction in high-wear pivots.
Beat Rate: Base 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz), with upgraded versions to 21,600 or 36,000 vph.
Power Reserve: Approximately 40-45 hours, via bidirectional rotor.
Winding: Self-winding with Eterna’s signature anti-shock system and micro-ball bearings for smooth efficiency.
Functions: Time-only (hours, minutes, seconds); no date on standard 1429.
Finish: Signed bridges, blued screws, and Geneva-style striping on visible components.
For any Watch Spare Parts inquiry, Email us for rate and availability: [email protected]
Watch Parts Enquiry
* If you are unable to fill out any of the required information fields, please type “N/A”.
Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
Email us for rate and availability: [email protected]
Mobile/WhatsApp: +91- 9841 360 340