Eterna Vintage Tropical Dial – Small Seconds – Manual Winding – Stainless Steel – 34.5 mm – 1940s DESCRIPTION A beautiful and characterful vintage Eterna wristwatch from the 1940s, featuring a classic Swiss hand-wound mechanical movement, an attractive small-seconds subdial and a wonderfully aged champagne-coloured dial. This elegant timepiece represents the traditional Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship of Eterna, one of Switzerland's most respected historic manufacturers, renowned for producing reliable and beautifully engineered mechanical watches. The most distinctive feature of this example is undoubtedly its remarkable dial, which has developed an extensive and naturally aged patina over the decades. The original champagne-coloured dial displays a warm golden tone with numerous spots of oxidation and ageing, creating a unique vintage appearance that cannot be replicated by modern manufacturing. The dial features a combination of Arabic numerals and baton hour markers, elegant pointed hands with aged luminous inserts, and a recessed small-seconds subdial at 6 o'clock decorated with fine concentric circular detailing. Its polished stainless steel case, attractive elongated lugs and generously proportioned crown complete its classic mid-century design. A particularly appealing example for collectors who appreciate authentic vintage watches with visible history and distinctive character. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - Brand: Eterna - Model: Vintage Small Seconds - Reference: Not identified - Period: Approximately 1940s - Country of manufacture: Switzerland - Movement: Swiss mechanical, manual winding - Movement manufacturer: Eterna - Movement serial number: 3573603 - Case serial number: 3482413 - Case material: Stainless steel - Case back: Stainless steel, screw-down - Case diameter: 34.5 mm excluding crown - Case length including lugs: Approximately 37.1 mm - Dial: Champagne/golden dial with extensive vintage patina - Hour markers: Arabic numerals and baton indices - Hands: Vintage pointed hands with aged luminous inserts - Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds - Small-seconds display: Subdial positioned at 6 o'clock - Crystal: Domed vintage-style crystal - Crown: Silver-tone crown - Strap: Black textured leather strap - Buckle: Gold-tone pin buckle - Water resistance: Not tested; not recommended for exposure to water MOVEMENT The watch is powered by a traditional Swiss hand-wound mechanical movement manufactured by Eterna. The movement is signed "ETERNA" and bears the serial number 3573603, visible in the accompanying photographs. Its classic mechanical construction features a traditional balance assembly, jewelled bearings and the characteristic finishing of Swiss watchmaking from this period. The movement has been photographed with the case back removed, allowing collectors to appreciate its construction and markings. The exact calibre has not been conclusively identified. CONDITION Condition: very good vintage condition, consistent with its age. - Dial: Displays some oxidation, spotting, discolouration and natural patina throughout the surface. These characteristics are clearly visible in the photographs and represent a significant part of the watch's vintage appearance. - Case: Stainless steel case showing few scratches, superficial marks and signs of wear accumulated over several decades. - Crystal: Displays signs of use and light surface marks. - Hands and indices: Show visible ageing and deterioration of the original luminous material. - Crown: Presents a vintage appearance consistent with the watch's overall condition. - Strap: Black textured leather strap showing some wear, particularly around the attachment points and stitching. - Case back: Displays superficial scratches and the engraved number 3482413. The watch has not been cosmetically restored and retains the charming appearance of a genuine vintage timepiece. Its condition is clearly documented in the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the description. As with any vintage mechanical watch, periodic maintenance may be required to ensure continued reliability and accuracy. HISTORICAL INTEREST Founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1856, Eterna established itself as an important manufacturer of innovative and reliable Swiss mechanical watches. During the first half of the 20th century, the company produced numerous elegant wristwatches featuring in-house mechanical movements and designs that have become highly appreciated among vintage watch enthusiasts. This particular example reflects the elegant proportions and traditional styling associated with the 1940s, with its subsidiary seconds dial, distinctive hour markers and classical stainless steel case. The naturally aged golden dial gives this watch a particularly individual appearance, making it an interesting addition to a collection of historic Swiss wristwatches. INCLUDED IN THE SALE - Eterna vintage mechanical wristwatch - Black leather strap with gold-tone buckle No original box or documentation is included. SHIPPING The watch will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they provide the most accurate representation of the watch's actual condition, including its extensive dial patina and signs of age. A distinctive vintage Eterna combining traditional Swiss mechanical watchmaking, elegant 1940s-inspired styling and an exceptionally characterful aged dial.