Complete with the original box, this Centenaire de Luxe has a deeply patterned Tapisseries dial.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can see the movement was made circa 1970, but it is the case back engraving that shows 1974 that is the more obvious way of dating this watch.
CONDITION
The original Centenaire was bought out in 1956 to celebrate Eterna’s 100 year anniversary. However, with it proving popular the name was used around 1961 with a different font and for the last time to date in the early 70’s with this font we see here, and the brand was upgraded to Centenaire de Luxe for some models to signify they were the top of the range. This de Luxe version has an 18k gold case at a time when gold prices were rocketing – in 1970 gold was under $39 an ounce which had increased to $183 by the time this watch was presented. And this Eterna-Matic uses quite a bit of the precious metal – the case back alone weighs more than 12g, and a 9k Rotary case back we compared weighed under 4g. The movement is also a peach – calibre 1480K with 21 jewels, and quick set date (operated by pulling the crown.) The dial has a similar Tapisseries finish to the Royal Oak, and it really does bounce the light around. The original acrylic crystal has the five ball bearing logo of Eterna in the centre, and has been polished. The same logo is on the original crown. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred. This is a seriously good watch that is currently under appreciated in the market.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 31.6 mm
Width without crown 29.5 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 40.3 mm
Case Thickness 10.2 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
