289 - Eterna - Demonstration Model

Eterna - Demonstration Model (*) A large, impressive, motorized demonstration model of the legendary Eterna caliber "Eterna-Matic" in the original Eterna aluminum transport case Cal. Eterna-Matic, circa 1955, Origin: Switzerland Case: Metal, plexiglass. Movement: Rotor-wound movement. An Eterna-Matic demonstration model (often called a store display or cutaway/transparent model) is a specialized vintage promotional piece created by Eterna to showcase its revolutionary ball-bearing rotor system. Introduced in 1948, the Eterna-Matic system used five tiny ball bearings to mount the oscillating rotor, drastically reducing friction and wear. To demonstrate this mechanical breakthrough to retailers and customers, Eterna produced oversized scale models of the movement/rotor assembly or clear acrylic/glass-backed showcase watches that allowed a clear view of the ball bearings in action. These counter displays and transparent demonstration models are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by vintage timepiece collectors today. Case: very good, shows signs of wear. Movement: very good, runs, needs cleaning.