A very unusual Eterna that was issued for the German airforce (Luftwaffe) during WW2. I have not seen many of these around and had to snatch this example when it showed up. This one has been slaughtered, but is so unusual it should get a second chance to tell the time.
Something drastic has happened to lower the balance jewel..
The movement is out of the case.
Broken setting lever spring.
I start taking apart the movement.
The rest of the parts look pretty good.
Someone fitted the ratchet wheel upside down….
Hmm the lower shock jewel setting has been replaced with a solid jewel setting.
In the deep dark corner of my parts vault I found a 520H movement. It’s rusty, but the base plate will clean up and the lower shock setting and jewel are in good condition.
I strip down the donor base plate and put it in the ultra sonic bath for a few rounds before drying it and putting it in the cleaning machine.
Old mainspring.
Base plate cleaned up and I have sourced a NOS balance. After spending a lot of time on the old balance, it was still too deformed to use.
I fit a new mainspring.
Movement is coming together.
I now fit the setting/ winding mechanism. All that rust cleaned up very well.
Movement back together and running.
Movement ready for dial and hands.
I apply some new compound to the hands and fit a new second sub hand as the old one was missing.
Movement goes back into the case. I have also fitted a solid spring bar to the case.
Great performer!
Another watch rescued from the parts box!
God only knows what this watch has been through.
2 Responses to Rescue LuftWaffel Eterna calibre: 520H
very nice! that has to be one special vault! and a large one!
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