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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Marriage wristwatch

Eterna Military-Style 'Marriage' Wristwatch

Partially verified

This large military-style men's wristwatch is described as a 'marriage watch,' pairing an Eterna manual-winding mechanical movement with a later-associated black dial. Housed in a chrome-plated and stainless steel case measuring 44 mm across, it features period-typical fixed wire lugs holding an olive green textile pass-through strap. The black dial presents Arabic luminous numeral markers, sword-shaped primary hands, a subsidiary seconds counter at 9 o'clock, and a 30-minute auxiliary register at 3 o'clock. The dial is also engraved with the inscription '24.XII.39'. According to the auction catalogue, the sub-dial hand at 3 o'clock is missing and non-functional.

Eterna military-style marriage wristwatch, Switzerland, c. 1939.
Eterna military-style marriage wristwatch, Switzerland, c. 1939. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Marriage wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Eterna
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
675
Source-reported date
c. 1939
Country
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Classification

This object is classified by the auction source as a 'marriage' wristwatch, a term used to describe an assembly of parts, specifically where an Eterna mechanical manual-winding movement is paired with a dial that is not original to that movement and a chrome-plated case.

The timepiece is described as a large men's wristwatch in the military style of the 1930s and 40s. It is fitted with fixed lugs intended for a pass-through strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “a so-called "Marriage Watch"”
  • “Inside, a high-quality mechanical manual-winding movement from the renowned manufacturer Eterna is at work.”
  • “The black dial was later combined with the movement.”
  • “the dial is not original to this movement”
  • “features period-typical fixed lugs for a pass-through strap”

Technical Details and Condition

The movement is signed by Eterna. The watch face features luminous Arabic numerals, sword-shaped main hands, a subsidiary seconds register at 9 o'clock, and an auxiliary 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. An engraving of the date '24.XII.39' is present on the dial.

The 3 o'clock sub-dial hand is missing, and the source specifies it is without function. The watch is reported as running, and the case measures 44 mm in diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “a small seconds sub-dial at nine o'clock, and a 30-minute counter at three o'clock”
  • “The date "24.XII.39" is engraved on the dial”
  • “a hand on the sub-dial at 3 o'clock is missing (Without function)”
  • “Uhr läuft”
  • “The large case, with a diameter of 44 mm”

Source-Provided Attributes

The watch is associated with the period circa 1939 by the auction house. The case is constructed of stainless steel and is chrome-plated.

Dimensions are listed as 13 x 44 mm (HxD), with a strap length of approximately 27 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Switzerland c. 1939”
  • “Stainless steel, chrome-plated case”
  • “13 x 44 mm (HxD)”
  • “Armbandlänge ca. 27 cm”

Open research questions

  • What specific Eterna movement caliber is associated with the serial number 2750582?
  • What is the provenance of the chrome-plated case used in this assembly?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Eterna Military-Style 'Marriage' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter44 mm“The large case, with a diameter of 44 mm, features period-typical fixed lugs for a pass-through strap.”
Movement typeMechanical manual-winding“Inside, a high-quality mechanical manual-winding movement from the renowned manufacturer Eterna is at work.”
Dial inscription24.XII.39“The date "24.XII.39" is engraved on the dial”
Case dimensions13 x 44 mm (HxD)“13 x 44 mm (HxD)”
Case materialStainless steel, chrome-plated“Stainless steel, chrome-plated case, textile strap.”

Visible details

  • Black dial features luminous Arabic numerals at 12, 4, 6, 8, and 10, alongside batons and an outer rail track.
  • Auxiliary register at 3 o'clock is missing its indicator hand.
  • Case displays visible surface wear and plating loss, particularly on the bezel and lugs.
  • Fitted with fixed wire lugs attached to an olive green pass-through textile strap.

Research qualifications

  • Described as a 'marriage watch' combining a movement with an associated non-original dial.
  • The hand for the 3 o'clock sub-dial is missing and noted as without function.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Eterna Military Style Wristwatch, so-called "Marriage Watch", Switzerland c. 1939

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 70b608e412

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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