ETERNA Birks Challenger Vintage Watch c. 1950s

This military-style Eterna was distributed by Birks, a distinguished Canadian jeweler once recognized as the sole purveyor of Eterna watches in Canada at one time. According to apocryphal accounts from an employee of that era, the appellation "Challenger" was conceived by Birks during the Second World War, targeting those deployed overseas who required a dependable timepiece on the field. This piece which features a manually-wound caliber E117U, showcases a captivating design lexicon that blends graduated metallic studs, luminescent markers of assorted configurations, and a singular elevated Arabic 12 numeral, culminating in a consonant and understated, yet sophisticated visage.

Brand : Eterna.

Model : Birks Challenger.

Reference : n/a.

Case : unpolished stainless steel case measuring approximately 34.5mm (excluding crown) and 42mm from lug-to-lug with 18mm drilled lugs, screw-down caseback with Eterna Watch Co. signed on the reverse, original crown.

Movement : Eterna Watch Co signed Cal. E1117U manual-winding movement with 17 jewels.

Dial : original black glossy gilt dial with quarter indices marked by graduated steel studs in descending sizes while the others are raised diamond indices, all ending in lume plots, a single raised applied 12 Arabic numeral, central minute track minute track in white, original handset with inlaid lume and sweep seconds hand.

Band : 18mm brown genuine leather strap.

Accessories : none.

TERMS

Sold “as-is” with no returns. The piece is in good working condition but service history is unknown. A service is recommended for optimal accuracy and performance.

SHIPPING

Shipped via FedEx International Priority within 3 days of payment.

ING : chapmark.vintage