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WATCH REVIEW Eterna Heritage Pulsometer Limited Edition 1942

Editor's opinion
61 / 100
Staying true to the current "vintage" trend, Eterna releases a reissue of its Pulsometer chronograph, first launched back in 1942. Is the watch lover's heart about to beat faster? Review.
Straight to the Point

Eterna Heritage Pulsometer Limited Edition 1942

Ref.: 1942.41.64.11.77
$3,700.00 US retail price February 14th, 2011
Pros
  • a reissue true to the original model
  • a very trendy, vintage inspired look
  • quality made manufacturing
Cons
  • stiff triggering of the chronograph
  • basic buckle finishing
  • price is a little high
Brand Eterna
Model name
Heritage Pulsometer Limited Edition 1942
Reference
1942.41.64.11.77
Case material
Steel
Case diameter (without crown)
42 mm
Case diameter (crown included)
45.51 mm
Movement type
Automatic
Caliber
ETA 2894-2
Base Caliber
ETA 2894-2
Functions
Chronograph
Date
Hour
Minute
Second
Crystal
Single-face crystal with anti-reflective coating
Power reserve
42h
Transparent back
No
Lug width
22.03 mm
Length from lug to lug
50.09 mm
Case thickness
13.28 mm
Strap material
Alligator
Clasp type
Deployment clasp
Clasp material
Steel
Total weight
107 grams
Retail price USA at February 14th, 2011
$3,700.00
Comfort (/15) 14
Movement (/20) 7
Movement Optimisation / Garnishment (/5) 1
Ease of handling and adjustment (/5) 3.5
Movement control proceeded by the Manufacture / horlogical awards (/3) 0
Power reserve (/2) 1
Complications (/5) 1.5
Finishing (/20) 11
Dial finishing (/6) 3.5
Case finishing (/6) 4
Quality of garnishment / caseback engraving quality (/2) 1
Crystal quality (/4) 2
Clasp finishing (inner and extern) (/2) 0.5
Functionality (/20) 13
Diurnal legibility (/5) 5
Night legibility (/4) 2
Water resistance (/3) 0.5
Strap : ease of size adjustment + ease of substitution (/4) 3
Clasp : quality and safety (/4) 2.5
Additional items (/10) 5
Limited edition (/3) 1
Watch delivered with several straps (/2) 0
Quality of the watch box (/1) 1
Portability with shirtsleeves buttoned (/2) 2
Goodies included (/1) 0
Understandability of the brochure (/1) 1
Value for money (/15) 11
When to wear it ? Watching ER on TV!
Users opinion
72%
like this watch
Do you like this watch?

Foreword

Eterna has been manufacturing watches for over a hundred years; but the brand’s name doesn’t really sound familiar to the average watch-buyer’s ear.

Although it isn’t really known yet outside the insiders’ circle, its contribution to modern watchmaking remains essential.
The Swatch Group indeed bought Eterna’s movement department in 1983, which became… ETA!

For instance, the Eterna watchmakers are the ones who invented the ball bearing rotors that are now found on most modern movements (including ETA automatic calibres).
And, by the way, the Eterna brand logo, with its five points, depicts a ball bearing!

In 1995, Porsche Design acquired Eterna, which has since then been in charge of its watch production, in parallel with its own line of products.
Some Eterna and Porsche Design models look related as far as design is concerned.

 

An original function for a classic watch

The Pulsometer 1942 model we’ve tested is a 1942-units limited edition (referring to the year it was first released), and it is an amazingly loyal reissue.

The main characteristic of this chronograph is the pulse meter, which was first designed for the medical profession.

This scaling makes tracking heart rates a real easy task – and it doesn’t matter if it’s your heart rate, or a patient’s!

It functions in a similar way to the tachymeter usually included on sports-dedicated stopwatches.

Instead of launching the chronograph and stopping it after the first kilometer so as to read the speed in km/hours displayed by the seconds hand, it is stopped after tracking 30 heart beats in order to find out the beats per minute ratio.

Even though its everyday use may seem somewhat limited, this functionality brings an original touch to an altogether very classic model.

A chronograph with a very vintage look

This watch has quality madecase manufacturing, with a well-designed polished/brushed finishing set. 

The dial’s alternation of polished, brushed and fluted surfaces gives birth to a rather seducing outcome – especially with its astonishing blued hands. 

The indexes’ pea-green color might be a little confusing at first, in spite of its being in total keeping with the original model.  

 

In spite of its 'colorful' identity, this watch will fit most situations, especially at the office... or at the Doctor's!

On the movement side

The ETA movement could almost be considered as a dedicated manufacturing process of this watch, because of ETA and Eterna’s historic bonds.

Ironically enough, Eterna is now forced to buy from the Swatch Group… the very movements it once helped to create.

This 1942 Pulsometer is thus equipped with an as classic as widespread 2894-2, with its rather low-profile design.
It has not been re-manufactured by Eterna, yet it will perfectly answer your everyday needs.

If we really had to criticize something, it would be the difficulty in triggering the chronograph’s push buttons. A rather manly pressure is indeed needed when triggering it.

 

On a day-to-day basis

It is worth mentioning that the alligator strap is beautiful – when you think of it, this really doesn’t happen that often – even though it might seem a little too dressed for this watch.
On the other hand, the deployment clasp would have required a little more focus on the finishing side.

The case’s contained diameter, together with its very reasonable weight, makes wearing this watch comfortable.
In spite of its “colorful” identity, this watch will fit most situations, especially at the office… or at the Doctor’s!

 

What to remember

Just like many major brands have done during recent months (and upcoming months will probably confirm that trend), Eterna is successfully surfing on the vintage inspired reissues wave.
With this flamboyant Pulsometer, the brand brings us an endearing watch that will find its way to the enthusiast’s heart… especially when looking for an original timepiece.

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