From the middle of the 19th century on, Eterna watches regularly found themselves at the heart of pivotal events. In 1939, the Czechoslovak authorities called on Eterna: the country's military pilots urgently needed a wristwatch made to precise specifications.
Eterna was happy to oblige and built the Majetek watch to the exact specifications of Czechoslovak technical experts: a black dial, with three hands and hour figures coated with a green luminous compound and a sturdy brushed and polished steel case.
Eterna has just reissued under the "Military" name in the Heritage collection, a pair of subtly improved designs that nonetheless successfully capture the piece's original spirit.
The first of the two designs (ref 1939.41.46.1298) is practically similar to the 1939 original: a brushed and polished steel case framing a black dial. Like the initial model, hands and figures are coated in a green luminous compound. Today's case, however, measures 40 mm across, in keeping with current preferences.
While the screw-locked case back of the original Heritage Military featured the words “Majetek Vojenské Správy” (property of the military department) and sometimes a pair of crossed daggers on the 11-o'clock case horn, the case of this new version is devoid of any inscription anywhere on its 40 mm diameter, 11.70 mm-thick case.
Inside beats an ETA 2824-2 selfwinding 28,800-v.p.h. movement, featuring 25 jewels plus a ball bearing, in place of the venerable 1939 vintage Eterna 852S calibre. A date calendar and a black leather strap complete the watch's equipment.
The better to cater to contemporary tastes, the second Heritage Military design (ref. 1939.43.46.1299) features the same steel case but clad in black PVD and fitted with a brown leather strap. It features the same movement, dial and dimensions as the first design.
The year of production - 1939 - determines the production volume of this limited edition: 1939 units of each model.
Eterna Heritage Military (1939.41.46.1298) PVR CHF 1700 - € 1490
Eterna Heritage Military (1939.43.46.1299) PVR CHF 1900 - € 1680
