MITKA

Rescue LuftWaffel Eterna calibre: 520H

P1100783A 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. 
P1100784

Something drastic has happened to lower the balance jewel..

P1100785

The movement is out of the case.

P1100786

Broken setting lever spring.

P1100787

I start taking apart the movement.

P1100788

The rest of the parts look pretty good.

P1100789

Someone fitted the ratchet wheel upside down….

P1100792

Hmm the lower shock jewel setting has been replaced with a solid jewel setting.

P1100791

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.

P1100794

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.

P1100795

Old mainspring.

P1100986

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.

P1100984

I fit a new mainspring.

P1100987

Movement is coming together.

P1100988

I now fit the setting/ winding mechanism. All that rust cleaned up very well.

P1100989

Movement back together and running.

P1100991

Movement ready for dial and hands.

P1100992

I apply some new compound to the hands and fit a new second sub hand as the old one was missing.

P1110005

Movement goes back into the case. I have also fitted a solid spring bar to the case.

P1110116

Great performer!

The case was made by Eterna and marked by the German army.    
P1100994

Another watch rescued from the parts box!

P1100997

God only knows what this watch has been through.

2 Responses to Rescue LuftWaffel Eterna calibre: 520H

  1. matabog says:

    very nice! that has to be one special vault! and a large one!

  2. Pingback: Eterna – A Name and Lineage Destined for Posterity | Mitka's vintage watch service.

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