The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

What a look, this CADOLA! Very original indexes, broad arrow hands, a second hand with a red tip, a very thin bezel, a lovely case shape with beveled lugs, and a magnificent patina.
CADOLA is a brand I'd heard of a few times, but I hadn't really looked into it.
However, when I saw this one for sale, I couldn't resist. I had to have it in my collection. It also gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of this brand. CADOLA divers from the 1960s are very rare, especially in 20 ATM, as it's a brand that mainly made classic watches and chronographs.
Today, the brand still exists and specializes in vintage-look sports watches, even having a partnership with Cosworth.
Coming back to mine, it has a 38 mm case and a very precise ETA 2472 caliber. I wear it very rarely, but always with immense pleasure.

A rare diver

I was looking for a caliber 11 (Heuer-Breitling-Hamilton-Buren) because I have wanted to have one in my collection for years. But I could not decide, because in my wildest desires, I dreamed of a Breitling Chrono-matic 2130. Except that I know that it is almost impossible to find! I have rarely seen one for sale (on the net or at auction), not even one per year. I even read an article on Breitling where it was written that the 2130 was the rarest Breitling of the 70s, if not the rarest of all Breitlings. In addition, I wanted the black dial version, so with the 2 "gold sunray" counters, but in good condition. Except that on the black dial, the "gold" counters are almost all stained (ugly brown spots form). And finally, in my dreams, I bought him a matte black leather strap. Needless to say, I had a better chance of winning the lottery than finding the rare gem. And yet, after years of patience, I came across this 2130 for sale in Germany. I pinch myself: no, it's not a dream. I immediately contact the seller (not buying it was unthinkable for me), but I still negotiated it down by €300 (it doesn't hurt to try)! So it's a Breitling Chrono-matic reference 2130 from 1978. The 2130, unlike the more common 2110 and 2112, has "lyre" shaped lugs, a bit like on the Speedmaster. It may not seem like much, but it changes the entire appearance of the watch and gives it that indefinable charm. Mine is equipped with caliber 11 (19800 vibrations), but most of the 2130s are equipped with caliber 12 (21600 vibrations and more reliable). There is also a 2130 caliber 15, but with a different dial type. 42 hours of power reserve, 38 mm case, crown on the left, hour and minute counters, no small seconds. This is the first self-winding chronograph.....(I'm getting Zenith fans excited).....that is equipped with a micro-rotor. The movement is very reliable, very quiet, and the winding is very smooth. The condition is exceptional, close to new, because the previous owner wore it very little (1st hand), and so did I. It is a very endearing watch, but unfortunately very rare. It also exists with a white dial with black counters and applied indexes, but it is just as rare. There are also color variations (white or orange) on each hand, and the date is either black or white. That makes for a lot of possible combinations. If you are lucky enough to find one, don't be surprised if it is a little different from mine. Personally, I have yet to find the same configuration as mine in all the photos posted by 2130 owners around the world. To conclude: I have found my holy grail (it always makes you believe in Santa Claus), and you can imagine that it is my favorite watch in my entire collection. I will never sell this watch (yet another 2130 on the market!).

You should always believe in Santa Claus

Another small watch from my collection that's worth a look. CODHOR was founded in 1964. It was a cooperative of watchmakers (hence the name) who made products accessible to all, but without neglecting quality. The brand still exists, by the way.
That's what I love about these vintage watches: no pretensions, but robustness, efficiency, good workmanship, and a beautiful design. Nothing extraordinary, but no hassle. When you decide to put it on your wrist, you wind it up, and it will never let you down. No servicing required (unless you're on the lookout for every second for all your appointments). It's these "small" watches that made me fall in love with vintage.

No hassle

This beautiful DREFFA Genève shines brightly. The outer band of the dial is mirror-treated, the indexes are hollowed out of the dial and polished, and the two equally polished hands end up creating a whole that sparkles in the slightest light. The watch isn't exactly discreet on the wrist, but what a look nonetheless! A beautiful movement and a nice case complete this DREFFA that lives up to its name.

Always quality

A very simple ETERNA, with a very pure design, without any frills. This creates a watch that dates back to the late 1960s, but which stands the test of time without really going out of fashion. In addition, its movement is impressively precise. The 36 mm case also doesn't betray its age. A very beautiful watch that seems eternal and lives up to its name.

Classic but desirable

July 1981, I just turned 14. First summer job and also my first paycheck. I had already scouted watch shops in my town a few weeks earlier, and I had already chosen the watch I would buy at the end of the month. And as soon as I got my paycheck, I rushed out and bought this Emile Pequignet Equus.
Why this choice? At 14, this watch looked rather classic, almost like an "old man's watch." But I didn't care about what others thought. I was buying a watch for myself, not for others.
At the time, I was already passionate about watches, and there was one watch I really loved: the Hermes Arceau.
I obviously didn't have the budget to buy one, but it made me dream. And somehow, this Emile Pequignet had a hint of Hermes (at least that's what I tried to make myself believe). And since the watchmaker who sold it to me was an AD of the brand, he explained the history of Pequignet and the quality of the product, which finally persuaded me to buy it. The price was not insignificant for the time.
I only kept it on my wrist for a year, but I wore it every day, even to school. I loved this watch and the very classy look of the dial, the finesse of its case, and its precision. Then I moved on. And seven years later, I bought myself a Hermes Arceau for my 21st birthday. The circle was complete.
Today, when I look at the Pequignet, it reminds me of my youth. It is just as it was then, with very minimal signs of wear and its original leather strap signed Péquignet. Still as beautiful as ever!

Looking back on my youth

Years ago, I was looking for a pink watch for my wife. While I was searching, I came across this little SEIKO 5 Actus with its magnificent sunray salmon dial. I thought it was beautiful in the photos, but in real life, it's magnificent. It gives the impression that the pink/salmon is metallic. Very successful.
Of course, I kept it for myself, but I still bought a pink watch for my wife (a Maurice Lacroix, she didn't lose out).
I had the SEIKO serviced a year ago because it was running a little behind schedule. Now it's very accurate; but the service cost me more than the purchase price of the watch. This is one of the problems with "cheap" vintage watches, but personally, I don't regret doing it at all, because I love this watch.

A dial of great beauty

Indeed, it's a very classic watch, presented in a very old-fashioned style (which I love), but it bears a brand that made high-quality watches. Production during those years (1950s/1960s) was particularly meticulous because DREFFA was targeting the American market and didn't want to compromise its reputation.
I have several DREFFA watches from this era, all of which are very reliable, well-finished, and robust watches.

An almost ordinary vintage

A very understated, almost minimalist little vintage watch, but with a certain charm.
THEMIS is a brand that's rarely seen on the vintage market, and I have very little information about it.
I bought this one at a flea market a long time ago because I thought it was so cute at the time. Even today, I love its almost Bauhaus feel, which brings a certain purity to the dial. And it's very flat for an automatic. A lovely watch.

Exemplary sobriety

As a collector of watches, but also of clocks and small clocks, the JAZ brand is a must-have in this last area. Who hasn't had parents or grandparents who owned a JAZ alarm clock or a wall clock in their kitchen? This brand has been part of the watchmaking scene for so long that people of my generation would even find it odd not to have any memories of its products.
So, it was only natural that I needed a JAZ in my watch collection. Admittedly, JAZ didn't create any technological marvels, and it mainly aimed at the general public with inexpensive prices. But I've occasionally seen some nice 20 ATM diver's watches from this brand that were quite respectable.
For my part, I chose a simpler, three-hand, hand-wound model, very classic, but with beautiful hands, raised indexes, and a sort of blue "railroad" pattern that adds a touch of originality to the dial. It's reliable, well-finished, and affordable. A simple pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless.

An obvious choice for me

If today, many collectors start with SEIKO, a few decades ago, KELTON was a completely justified choice. A very popular brand in the 60s/70s, it democratized the affordable and reliable watch. KELTONs are not technical marvels (I'm talking about mechanical watches), but the vast majority of those I've had in my hands are still working after 30, 40, 50 years of good and loyal service. And most of the time, without having had a maintenance interview. 
Here is a copy from the 60s that has lived well, but which still keeps time very well. 
Nice look and reliability: that's all I ask of a KELTON!

The base!

This Duward Aquastar Oceanic is one of my favorite divers in my collection. 
The Aquastar (a brand that needs no introduction) that were sold in Spain were badged under the dual brand DUWARD and AQUASTAR, for purely contractual reasons. 
The Oceanic is for me one of the most beautiful in terms of design and finesse of execution. 
Although there are sometimes some for sale on the market, it took me a while to find a copy in such good condition. Indeed, often the bezels are worn, the dials are corroded or restored, the tritium indexes are degraded, and the case is full of shocks or overpolished. Afterwards, it's normal, because the Aquastar were professional watches above all. But that's also what makes the rarity (and the price too!) of models in excellent condition. 
Mine comes from Spain and it's a reference 1346 (day in Spanish/date). There is also a ref. 1345 (date) and a ref. 1348 (women's model in 29mm). 
Technical side: 20 ATM water resistance, super compressor case signed EPSA, and Aquastar quality. 
The AS caliber is automatic, and perfectly regulated (-4/+6 s/d). 
In summary, it is a very comfortable, discreet, beautiful and efficient diver. 
I love it and it is one of the watches I wear most often.

A wonderful diver

The GMT Master II is a model that I have always liked. The day I decided to buy one, it was obvious to me that of all the variants, the 16713 was the natural choice. I have always liked the gold elements of this watch which give that little chic touch that the "all steel" ones do not have. So to sum up, a gold/steel GMT Master II was an obvious choice. Especially since this one is in superb condition. It is a first hand from 2000, bought from an exclusive vintage Rolex professional with all the history. I bought it at a time when this model was shunned by European customers. And again, I was looking for a sultan dial, but my wife thought it was "too much" for a Rolex. I listened to her and opted for the black dial. I don't regret this choice, but sometimes I think back to this magnificent Sultan dial that I like a lot... In short, to conclude, this Rolex 16713 is elegant, can even be used as a "dress watch" because its 40 mm diameter is quite standard for any wrist, and it is not very thick for a so-called professional watch. So, if gold and steel tempts you, don't hesitate!

A warm watch

Among vintage watches, there is a category that I particularly like: that of diver chronographs.
In the 60s/70s; they were considered real tool watches. Both chronograph and real diver (generally 200 meters), these sports watches were there to satisfy "active men" (see the advertisements of the time).
Mine is an AUREOLE from the 60s. Specialist in chronographs and diving watches, it is a brand that I like a lot, with a great experience (from 1933, it manufactured all-steel waterproof watches).
It is in exceptional condition, especially when you know that these watches were used daily and often without consideration.
For the chronograph side, it is equipped, like many chronographs at the time, with a Landeron movement (here a 48). Simple but effective caliber, it is a real hyper reliable tractor, and as far as I am concerned, very precise.
For the diver side, it is water-resistant to 20 ATM, all-steel case, screw-down crown, and once all the gaskets (case back, pushers, etc.) were changed, it passed the 20 bar water-resistance test again without any problem!
Indestructible, I tell you!!
I also love the steel blue color of the sub-dials, which is unusual, and its ideal diameter of 38mm.
You get the idea: I am an absolute fan of this watch and I wear it very often.

The ultimate tool watch!

British watches are rare in vintage. This one is an ASTRAL Super automatic from the 60s.
ASTRAL was the high-end brand of the well-known watch manufacturer SMITHS Watches. The movements were of good quality and the finishes were more careful.
One of the particularities of this watch is its very thin case: 8.8 mm, including glass. This was unusual for an automatic of this period.
The dial is very typical 60s and there is a date roulette.
The movement is very reliable, because I have had it for almost 40 years and it is still accurate despite the total absence of revision.
This is a little-known brand (although a few pieces are sometimes for sale) that deserves attention.

A charming little British girl

I was looking for a panda chronograph, I had set my sights on a Heuer Autavia 85th anniversary, and by chance I came across this Paul Picot Gentleman 42 Chrono GMT. Love at first sight! What a marvel! The finish is very neat, with an alternation of polished/brushed on the case and the bracelet which gives the watch superb reflections in the light. The textured dial is very well finished and very neat. As its name suggests, it is a 42 mm case (without crown) and a little over 15 mm thick. It therefore has a certain presence on the wrist, especially since it has practically no bezel. But on my 18 cm wrist, it fits me very well. The movement is a 7750 with the highest finish, and reworked by Paul Picot. Côtes de Genève, blued screws, worked plates, but you can't even see it because the case back is full and engraved with a "gentleman". Crown engraved "PP" as always with Paul Picot. Butterfly folding clasp signed "Paul Picot Gentleman". The watch is quite heavy, but the strap is very comfortable. Otherwise, for those who don't know the brand, here is a brief summary: Brand created by Mario Boiocchi (Italian passionate about watchmaking) in 1976, in the middle of the quartz crisis. He admires the small Swiss watchmaking artisans, one of whom is called Paul Picot. However, they are destined to go bankrupt or disappear. He will therefore create a watch workshop with as a highlight these 3 words "Artisan-Horloger-Suisse", because he is convinced that Swiss watchmaking can survive if it focuses on what it does best: know-how and quality. The house's slogan is: "passion for detail". And since 1976, Paul Picot still exists and sells between 3000 and 4000 watches per year. It is a pity that the brand is very little known in France (much more in Italy and Germany). I let you discover mine and I hope that it will make you want to know more (that's kind of the goal of this platform)!

The beautiful stranger

Here is a Courant type LIP that dates from the early 1910s. A classic at the time, with its almost square case (31.5 x 32mm) and its welded lugs. These watches were decorated with a canvas strap or a set leather, but I preferred to put a 22 mm NATO on it to make a slightly offbeat style. On the wrist, the LIP is a little small (the standards of the time), but with the NATO, it fits (but it still looks more like a bracelet than a watch).
It is in very good original condition, because unlike the majority of Courant types of the time, this one is not in nickel chrome, but its case is in solid silver (hallmarked), therefore free of corrosion.
It needs a revision of its movement because it does not want to start again (it had been 10 years since I had taken it out either). It is almost never used and the oils must have solidified.
I bought it mainly for its look, its condition, and its age. And then it's a LIP.....and I like old LIPs in general!

A very pretty ancestor

A very cute ZENITH from the 50s, with a very pretty patina of the dial chiseled by time. 34 mm case with rather original horns, a movement that works perfectly. A great classic, but of very good quality. We are rarely disappointed when we buy this kind of vintage.

In search of times gone by

I have been looking for a perfect VERDAL Tour de France type for over 2 years now. I have seen a few of them, but very often in average condition, or with non-compliant parts. 
Personally, I was mainly looking for the reference 9308 which is for me one of the best finished, and I finally found this one a month ago. Pierced lugs, crown with the seahorse logo, water-resistant to 20 ATM (uncommon on a dress watch from the 60s), gold plating like new, raised indexes and numbers, magnificent dial with an adorable little second hand. Perfect! The caliber is a Unitas 6325, here in an incabloc version (so 17 jewels), which is really well adjusted and precise (-4 /+2 s/d). 
The more I look at it in detail, the more I find it objectively well finished. And despite the fact that it is a brand that speaks to few people, I find that it easily holds up to comparison with more "prestigious" models. 
It is a watch that I currently wear quite often, but since I have been waiting for it for so long, it seems normal. It is rare that a timepiece gives me so much emotion and satisfaction!

Finally a TTF in my collection

Here is a small ZENITH (34 mm) from the 50s, that I have had for over 30 years now.
It is a watch that could not be more classic, but with nice lugs.
I do not understand, however, the inflation that there is on these models, under the pretext that it is a known brand.
OK, it is reliable, it works well, and I am very happy with it. I had also bought another one in the process (the same, but gold plated and large second hand).....But hey, there are plenty of small classic watches from less renowned brands that do the job just as well, and are worthy of interest.
If mine were for sale today, I think I would pass my way. After all, it is only my opinion, and I totally respect those who are looking for a ZENITH like this one and are ready to pay the price.
But for me, there are so many little unknown vintage gems to discover...

Ultra classic

Magnificent version of LIP Himalaya, with its UFO case and its very refined dial. The sunray is strongly accentuated here, with shades ranging from steel gray to anthracite gray which gives a splendid depth effect; and often a "smoked dial" effect. All the rest of the watch is gold plated, and the whole thing catches the light well without being bling-bling. Very pure design therefore, without frills, but with a small bright orange second hand which gives a little boost to the whole, without distorting the original spirit of the watch. Very successful.
Only small downside: a crown a little small and too integrated, therefore difficult to wind (manual winding).

A very pure design

Very nice watch for a very nice brand. DREFFA GENEVE has produced very reliable high quality watches. This one is a diver from the 60s, water resistant to 20 ATM, screw-down crown, quick set date, with a superb dial in shades of blue that recalls the depths of the ocean. The movement is reliable and very precise (-4 / +10 s/d).
It is a watch that I always wear with great pleasure.

A quality diver

In the 60s, there were many models of diving watches. But the 30 ATM were real toolwatches aimed particularly at sea enthusiasts. 
This BULER is a typical example. It has been part of my collection for many years, and I still love it as much. This model exists in champagne dial (like here) and in black. The movement has a beryllium balance (almost non-magnetic material) which was an innovation of the brand (patent registered). Buler was very proud of it and had it inscribed at the beginning on its dials. 
I also appreciate the very thin bezel and the magnificent case back representing Neptune, King of the Oceans. 
Elegant, efficient and precise, it is a very pretty vintage diver. The only thing to look out for when buying is the perfect general condition, because like many old 30 ATM, these watches have often lived well.

A real little gem

Pretty little YEMA Sous-Marine that has been with me for quite a few years now.
I wore it often at one time, and in all circumstances, without consideration. And I can say that it is very robust and very reliable.
A very nice, chic, discreet and affordable watch, to wear every day.

Simple and chic

In the history of LIP, the T18 has left its mark in a significant way. Indeed, this model from the 30s/40s, already appreciated for the quality of its caliber, was recognized when a solid gold copy was offered to Winston Churchill in 1948, becoming the "Churchill". It has been reissued since 1988, and is still in the LIP catalog, but with a Quartz (???!!) Ronda (?????????!!!!) movement. If you are looking for one, prefer an original like this one. Perhaps less precise, but more in the spirit of LIP.
(To be completely objective and precise, LIP also reissued the T18 with a gold-plated case and a movement in every way identical to that of the 30s, limited to 180 copies, for around €2,500 (all sold))
I bought mine at least 30 years ago. This is a watch that has always attracted me: as legitimate as a Cartier Tank, but less expensive (less well finished too, but you can't have everything at this price!).
Having lain dormant for about twenty years, it is a little worn, but it will be entitled to a complete overhaul by my watchmaker very soon. It will thus start up again more beautifully for several decades on my wrist.

An icon in its own right

I have always liked the Super Compressors. I bought this one about 25 years ago, but even then there were a lot of enthusiasts for this kind of model. Mine is a POP made around 1966/67 by an association of watchmakers who, in this case, acted more as a casemaker. Indeed, most of the vintage Super Compressors still in circulation have common and easily recognizable components, including the case supplied by Ervin Piquerez SA with the mentions of patents 317537 and 337462, the diving suit, 20 ATM, EPSA, ... The diameter is 36 mm here, but as the bezel is almost absent, the watch has a nice presence on my 18 cm wrist, which the 2 large squared crowns emphasize. The movement is an ETA 2472 with automatic winding that is still very precise. I love the Super Compressors and I admit that an Enicar Sherpa Super Dive would be welcome in my collection. Unfortunately, the prices of these vintages tend to climb, which is their only major flaw.

An irresistible Super Compressor

Having a CAUNY Submarine in my collection was a must for me. I have always loved this watch. 
There are different variants, some better than others, but in general, they are very nice. 
The CAUNY Submarine are 21 Atmos (210 m) that asserted themselves as real divers. 
I think that the 21 Atmos claimed was only a fallacious sales pitch, because the majority of its 20 Atmos competitors were probably waterproof beyond 200 m. But the CAUNY stood out from the crowd. 
It must be said that the plexi "glass" still looks very thick (most certainly reinforced and ringed to resist pressure). 
Often equipped with quality movements, the CAUNY are wonderful vintage watches, reliable, robust and precise (+5 to +10 s/d for this one). 


An obvious choice

About fifteen years ago, I had a period where I was interested in affordable but quality 60s/70s divers with at least 20 ATM water resistance. And among others, this ANJAX with a very distinctive design with its second hand and touches of orange on the dial. Screw-down crown, 20 ATM, automatic movement, 38 mm case, blued aluminum bezel. Good specs for the time and a nice look convinced me to buy it, and I haven't been disappointed so far. Very good watch!

A little vintage diver

This SUJA is very cute with its beautiful textured dial and its cow horn style handles, but stylized.
I love these watches from the early 60s with their simple but extremely robust and reliable mechanics. This watch has, to my knowledge, never been serviced, but starts at the quarter turn, keeps very good time and only drifts by +10/15 seconds / day.
A little-known brand, SUJA mainly made women's watches in gold in the 50s / 60s.
This one joined my collection about twenty years ago, and I am very satisfied with it.

A really cool little watch

For me, a KELTON is above all a look, and a reliable watch. Exactly the characteristics of mine. 
It keeps time really well and has still not been serviced since I bought it 35 years ago! 
Afterwards, given the cost of a service at a watchmaker and the price of a KELTON, you really have to care about it to carry out a service. 
I also really like its diver look, but which fully assumes its 25 meters of water resistance. In other words, it is not waterproof at all. But hey, at that price, you can't have a 20 or 30 ATM either. 
Afterwards, the most important thing is that I like it


A pure Kelton juice

Eterna, a watchmaking company founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, has always been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation. His contributions to the industry are undeniable, with achievements such as the first alarm wristwatch or the development of the automatic movement with ball bearing rotor.
Eterna is one of the most respected Swiss watch brands, and its history during the first decades of the 20th century is particularly interesting.
<h3 dir="ltr">History of the Eterna brand</h3>
At the turn of the century, Eterna was already recognized for its production of high quality watches. It was a period of intense technical innovation for the watch industry in general, and Eterna was no exception. The brand was one of the first to adopt and improve modern production methods, allowing for more precise and consistent watch manufacturing. In 1914, Eterna received a prize for the precision of its watches at the Neuch&acirc;tel Observatory, confirming its reputation for excellence in watchmaking precision.
<h3 dir="ltr">The split of the brand into two distinct entities</h3>
Probably the most significant event of this period was the split of Eterna in 1932, giving rise to Eterna and ETA. While Eterna continued to focus on the manufacturing of finished watches, ETA became an independent holding company dedicated to the production of watch movements which will gradually integrate many other movement manufacturers such as A. Schild, Unitas, Fontainemelon or Valjoux to name a few.
This split was strategic. By separating the production of movements from the manufacturing of the watches themselves, the company could better specialize and optimize each segment. ETA quickly became one of the largest and most important suppliers of mechanical movements to the Swiss watch industry, while Eterna continued to produce watches on its own.
During this period, Eterna also introduced several technical innovations. In 1908, the brand filed a patent for the first wristwatch with an alarm. Although the idea of ​​a wristwatch is not new, the combination of an alarm function was a major innovation.
Since 1950, Eterna has continued to evolve in tandem with industry trends, while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation. The brand's logo, five small balls, is a direct allusion to the famous ball bearing rotor that it introduced, becoming a reference in the world of watchmaking.
<h3 dir="ltr">What are the emblematic models of the Eterna brand?</h3>
Eterna, over the years, has produced a multitude of models that have impressed with their design, functionality and innovation. However, the development and recognition of certain models particularly marked the watchmaking landscape between the start of the 20th century and the 1930s:
Eterna KonTiki :&nbsp;Inspired by Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki expedition in 1947, the KonTiki model is Eterna's diving watch. With a sturdy steel case, impressive water resistance, a leather or steel bracelet, an automatic movement, a luminous dial for optimal readability and a rotating bezel, it is a symbol of adventure and discovery.
The KonTiki collection is undoubtedly the spearhead of the brand. Multiple variations have emerged since its creation, including the Eterna KonTiki Date.
Eterna Eternity :&nbsp;This watch is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. With its steel case, suitable water resistance, a leather or steel bracelet, an automatic or quartz movement, and a refined dial, it is ideal for those looking for a classic watch for all occasions.
Eterna Advent :&nbsp;This watch, featuring a steel case, automatic movement, dial with date and central seconds, is a tribute to Eterna's watchmaking innovation and its rich history.
Eterna Madison :&nbsp;With its rectangular and refined design, the Madison reflects the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s. Equipped with a precise mechanical movement, it is a watch that combines art deco aesthetics and performance.
Eterna Matic :&nbsp;Although the introduction of "Matic" technology (using a ball-bearing rotor to increase the efficiency of automatic winding) dates after World War II, it is essential to understand that the preliminary work and desire for innovation began well before, in the 1930s.
Eterna Pilot :&nbsp;Pilot's watches were in vogue in the 1930s, with aviation experiencing rapid growth. Eterna has developed specific watches for pilots, focusing on readability and durability.
Eterna Heritage :&nbsp;Watches in the Heritage Collection celebrate the brand's heritage, drawing inspiration from designs and innovations from years past, including the 1920s and 1930s.
It is important to note that Eterna, throughout its history, has constantly sought to push the boundaries of what is technically possible, while maintaining a strong sense of aesthetics and design. These models and others embody this spirit, reflecting the tradition and innovation that make Eterna such a respected watch brand.
<h3 dir="ltr">How much does an Eterna watch cost?</h3>
The prices of Eterna watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between 1,000 CHF and 4,000 CHF depending on the finishes. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is a great opportunity to find a cheaper Eterna Vintage.
<h3 dir="ltr">Eterna: A brand at the heart of Swiss watchmaking history&nbsp;</h3>
Eterna, while being a discreet brand, has left an indelible mark on the watchmaking landscape. It combines tradition, innovation and quality, offering durable and timeless watches for connoisseurs and enthusiasts. It is today owned by China Haidian Holding Limited and produces less than 10,000 watches per year, all models combined.
For those looking to learn more about Eterna watches, the brand's official website is a great resource. In addition, the Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews provide useful insight for those considering an Eterna watch.
(Updated February 2025)

Ah, my little Eterna Quartz from the 80s!

I love its unusual design, which catches the eye despite its small diameter of 34 mm. What makes it truly unique is its "triton" bezel in steel, 18K yellow gold and metallic cobalt blue sapphire.
The bracelet, meanwhile, is superbly integrated and two-tone.
Other interesting details to observe include the honeycomb dial, the faceted gold indexes, and above all, the date, which is also gold! In short, it is a magnificent collector's item, from a brand with a rich past.

and its galaxy of details

Professional gift received by my father in 1994 after 30 years of good and loyal service in his company, my father wore this watch on a few occasions without sparing it, the horns remembered it, the leather was in pitiful condition finally the battery had given up the ghost! My father passed it on to me 2 years ago and then began a restoration at a watchmaker (checking the Quartz mechanism, straightening the horns at the risk of breaking one, changing the pumps and the bracelet), finally it left as if it had come out of its original box that I have in my possession. It is the only "dress-watch" as they say that I own, moreover it is in 14 carat gold, ultra thin, a UFO in my collection.

Transmission

Atelier Jalaper est une marque horlog&egrave;re franco-belge fond&eacute;e en 2019 par Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper. Elle se distingue par une approche unique qui fusionne l'horlogerie traditionnelle avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile en int&eacute;grant des &eacute;l&eacute;ments authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires dans ses montres.
<h3>Origines et Fondation</h3>
Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper se sont rencontr&eacute;s lors de leurs &eacute;tudes &agrave; l'ESCP Europe, partageant une passion commune pour l'horlogerie et l'automobile. Leur ambition &eacute;tait de cr&eacute;er une montre qui ne se contenterait pas de s'inspirer du design automobile, mais qui int&eacute;grerait v&eacute;ritablement une partie de l'histoire automobile. Cette vision les a conduits &agrave; fonder Atelier Jalaper en 2019.
<h3>Concept et Philosophie</h3>
La philosophie d'Atelier Jalaper repose sur l'id&eacute;e de donner une nouvelle vie &agrave; des voitures embl&eacute;matiques en les int&eacute;grant dans des montres de haute qualit&eacute;. Chaque garde-temps est con&ccedil;u avec des cadrans fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires, offrant ainsi aux passionn&eacute;s une connexion tangible avec l'histoire automobile.
<h3>Collections et Mod&egrave;les</h3>
Collection DB5
La premi&egrave;re collection d'Atelier Jalaper rend hommage &agrave; l'Aston Martin DB5, une ic&ocirc;ne des ann&eacute;es 1960. Les cadrans de ces montres sont d&eacute;coup&eacute;s dans le capot en aluminium d'une v&eacute;ritable DB5, conf&eacute;rant &agrave; chaque pi&egrave;ce une patine unique. La collection comprend quatre mod&egrave;les :
<ul>
<li>AJ001-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ001-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
<li>AJ002-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage du jour et de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ002-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
</ul>
Ces montres sont &eacute;quip&eacute;es de mouvements automatiques Miyota, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche de 42 heures.
Collection Miura
La deuxi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Lamborghini Miura, souvent consid&eacute;r&eacute;e comme la premi&egrave;re supercar au monde. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de la Miura, et la collection propose plusieurs variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-P400-V : Version avec r&eacute;haut vert</li>
<li>AJ-P400-N : Version avec r&eacute;haut noir</li>
<li>AJ-P400-O : Version avec r&eacute;haut orange</li>
<li>AJ-P400-B : Version avec r&eacute;haut bleu</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage manuel Sellita SW270-1 M, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 45 heures.
Collection Jaguar Type E
La troisi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Jaguar Type E, l'une des autos les plus reconnaissables entre toutes. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques d'une Jaguar Type E semi-lightweight de 1962, et la collection propose deux variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-003-B : Version au cadran stri&eacute;</li>
<li>AJ-003-W : Version au cadran noir anodis&eacute;</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage automatique Sellita SW300-1, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 42 heures.
<h3>Processus de Fabrication et Savoir-Faire</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collabore avec des artisans et des experts horlogers bas&eacute;s &agrave; La Chaux-de-Fonds, en Suisse, pour assurer une qualit&eacute; exceptionnelle. Le processus de fabrication implique une d&eacute;coupe pr&eacute;cise des pi&egrave;ces automobiles pour cr&eacute;er des cadrans uniques, suivie d'un assemblage minutieux pour garantir la fiabilit&eacute; et l'esth&eacute;tique de chaque montre.
<h3>Engagement envers l'Authenticit&eacute; et l'Innovation</h3>
La marque s'engage &agrave; pr&eacute;server l'authenticit&eacute; des mat&eacute;riaux utilis&eacute;s tout en innovant dans le design et la fonctionnalit&eacute;. Chaque montre est num&eacute;rot&eacute;e et porte en elle l'&acirc;me de la voiture dont elle est issue, offrant aux collectionneurs et aux passionn&eacute;s une pi&egrave;ce de l'histoire automobile &agrave; leur poignet.
<h3>R&eacute;ception et Perspectives d'Avenir</h3>
Depuis son lancement, Atelier Jalaper a re&ccedil;u des retours positifs pour son concept novateur et la qualit&eacute; de ses montres. La marque continue d'explorer de nouvelles collaborations avec des voitures l&eacute;gendaires, &eacute;largissant ainsi sa collection et renfor&ccedil;ant sa position unique &agrave; l'intersection de l'horlogerie et de l'automobile.
En conclusion, Atelier Jalaper se distingue par sa capacit&eacute; &agrave; fusionner l'art horloger avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile, cr&eacute;ant des montres qui racontent une histoire unique et offrent une exp&eacute;rience &eacute;motionnelle aux passionn&eacute;s des deux univers.
Inspirez-vous des avis clients Dialicious pour choisir la montre Atelier Jalaper qui vous convient le mieux. D&eacute;couvrez &eacute;galement le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_de_sports_mecaniques">classement des marques de montres inspir&eacute;es du sport automobile</a>.
(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)

Atelier Jalaper is a Franco-Belgian watch brand founded in 2019 by Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper. It is distinguished by a unique approach that merges traditional watchmaking with automotive heritage by integrating authentic elements of legendary cars into its watches.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Foundation</h3>
Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper met during their studies at ESCP Europe, sharing a common passion for watchmaking and automobiles. Their ambition was to create a watch that would not only be inspired by automotive design, but would truly incorporate a part of automotive history. This vision led them to found Atelier Jalaper in 2019.
<h3 dir="ltr">Concept and Philosophy</h3>
Atelier Jalaper's philosophy is based on the idea of ​​giving new life to iconic cars by integrating them into high-quality watches. Each timepiece is designed with dials made from authentic parts from legendary cars, providing enthusiasts with a tangible connection to automotive history.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collections and Models</h3>
Collection DB5
Atelier Jalaper's first collection pays homage to the Aston Martin DB5, an icon of the 1960s. The dials of these watches are cut from the aluminum cover of a real DB5, giving each piece a unique patina. The collection includes four models:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-S: Model with date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-B:&nbsp;Version with black PVD case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-S: Model with day and date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-B: Version with black PVD case
</li>
</ul>
These watches are equipped with Miyota automatic movements, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.
Collection Miura
The second collection is inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, often considered the world's first supercar. The dials are made from authentic Miura parts, and the collection offers several variations:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-V: Version with green flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-N: Version with black flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-O: Version with orange flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-B: Version with blue flange
</li>
</ul>
These models are powered by Sellita SW270-1 M hand-wound movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
Jaguar E-Type Collection
The third collection is inspired by the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most recognizable cars of all. The dials are made from genuine parts from a 1962&nbsp;Jaguar E-Type semi-lightweight, and the collection offers two variants:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-B: Version with vertically brushed dial
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-W: Version with black anodized dial
</li>
</ul>
These models are driven by Sellita SW300-1 self-winding movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
<h3 dir="ltr">Manufacturing Process and Know-How</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collaborates with artisans and watchmaking experts based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to ensure exceptional quality. The manufacturing process involves precise cutting of automotive parts to create unique dials, followed by careful assembly to ensure the reliability and aesthetics of each watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Authenticity and Innovation</h3>
The brand is committed to preserving the authenticity of the materials used while innovating in design and functionality. Each watch is numbered and carries within it the soul of the car from which it comes, offering collectors and enthusiasts a piece of automotive history on their wrist.
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Future Prospects</h3>
Since its launch, Atelier Jalaper has received positive feedback for its innovative concept and the quality of its watches. The brand continues to explore new collaborations with legendary cars, expanding its collection and strengthening its unique position at the intersection of watchmaking and automobiles.&nbsp;In conclusion, Atelier Jalaper stands out for its ability to merge the art of watchmaking with automotive heritage, creating watches that tell a unique story and offer an emotional experience to enthusiasts of both worlds.
Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the Atelier Jalaper watch that suits you best. Also discover the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">ranking of watch brands inspired by motorsport</a>.
(Updated March 2025)

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