Eterna - Delirium Très Mince - Unisex - 1970-1979

Brand: Eterna
Model: Delirium Très Mince
Movement: Ultra-thin quartz movement
Calibre: ETA Calibre 999
Case Material: 18K yellow gold
Case Dimensions: Approximately 25 × 30 mm
Dial: Champagne-colour dial with black hour markers and hands
Functions: Hours and minutes
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with visible scratches
Strap: Dark purple textured leather strap
Buckle: Not confirmed

Year: Circa 1979
Condition: Vintage condition with visible signs of age and use, including scratches on the crystal

Description:

An exceptionally interesting and historically significant Eterna Delirium Très Mince wristwatch from approximately 1979, representing one of the most remarkable technological achievements in Swiss watchmaking during the quartz revolution.

A milestone in ultra-thin watchmaking

Introduced in 1979, the Delirium was developed as Switzerland's answer to the Japanese competition in ultra-thin quartz watches. Its revolutionary construction made it possible to achieve a total thickness of approximately 1.98 mm, including the crystal, establishing a world record at the time.

Unlike conventional wristwatches, the Delirium's innovative ETA Calibre 999 movement used the caseback itself as the movement's mainplate. This ingenious engineering solution eliminated the need for a separate traditional movement plate, allowing an exceptionally thin construction.

The Delirium was introduced under several prestigious Swiss watch brands, including Eterna, Concord, Longines and IWC, and its pioneering engineering would later influence the development of the original Swatch.

An exceptional luxury watch of its era

The Delirium was not merely a technical experiment. It was positioned among the most exclusive Swiss quartz wristwatches of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Certain 18K gold examples were offered at prices approaching CHF 20,000, reflecting the extraordinary complexity of their construction and the level of craftsmanship involved.

The production of the earliest Delirium models was relatively limited, making surviving examples particularly interesting to collectors of historically important Swiss wristwatches.

A connection to Scarface (1983)

The Delirium family also has a fascinating connection to cinema.

In the iconic 1983 film Scarface, Al Pacino's character Tony Montana is associated with a gold Concord Delirium Mariner wristwatch.

Although the film watch was sold under the Concord name and features a different design, it belongs to the same pioneering Delirium family of ultra-thin Swiss quartz watches.

This connection adds an interesting cultural dimension to the Delirium's already significant place in watchmaking history.

Design and condition

This Eterna Delirium features an elegant rectangular 18K yellow gold case with a distinctive textured finish, a champagne-coloured dial and contrasting black details.

The minimalist two-hand configuration reflects the understated luxury and innovative design philosophy of the late 1970s.

The watch is fitted with a dark purple textured leather strap, complementing the warm gold tones of the case.

The watch has been serviced and checked before sale and is functioning properly.

Condition notice: The crystal has visible scratches, and the watch shows signs of age and previous use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

The watch will be carefully packed for safe shipment.