Eterna Sonic 9162, Stainless

The high end tuning fork watch with a futuristic shape

Description:

This watch is an awesome example of 1970s style and technology. To start with, you have the ESA 9162 movement, sometimes called the "Rolls Royce" of tuning fork movements. Add on top of that the quality and style that Eterna Sonic is known for. Lastly, this model has that futuristic "TV case" shape that is so iconic of the 70s era watches. If you love 70s era watches, then you've gotta love this one.

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The ESA 9162 tuning fork was designed by Max Hetzel, the designer of the very first tuning fork movement, the Accutron 214, which was released in 1960. In 1963, Mr. Hetzel left Bulova to move back to his native Switzerland where he worked for the Swiss Laboratory for Horological Research (LSRH) in Neuchftel where he developped the Swissonic / 9162. The 9162 movement has the lowest frequency of any tuning fork watch at 300 Hz and gives off a nice, low, soothing hum. It was also designed to be modular, which makes the movement somewhat easier to service.

This watch is almost at the pinnacle / end of the line for tuning fork watches which ceased production in all forms in 1977. After the 9162, Mr. Hetzel designed the "Megasonic" line of tuning fork movments, which was the very last to be developed or produced.

Condition:

Case: Good.
The machined stainless steel case is in good condition and shows nice brushing / machining. There are numerous small nicks and scratches on the back and case sides.

Face / Hands: Very good.
The face and hands are in very good condition. There is one place on the dial between 1:00 and 2:00 where the tick marks are faded.

Crystal: Excellent.
The crystal is nearly perfect.

Band / Bracelet: Very good .
The band is not original, just a Speidel, but it matches the red second hand nicely and it's a very good, soft, and comfortable band with nice stitching.

Function / Accuracy: Excellent.
This watch functions perfectly and keeps fantastic time. The movement ticks over precisely at midnight as you would expect. One thing to be aware of when looking for 9162 movements is that the date wheel on these movments is made of a lightweight plastic instead of metal and has a tendency for the teeth to become worn over time. Many of these movements have date wheels that get stuck on certain days of the month. This one is perfect and functions perfectly.