Eterna Majetek Czech Military

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SKU AS01513
SKU AS01513

Why We Love it

Here at AnalogShift, we have a deep admiration for military watches, not least because of their looks and collectibility. To the soldiers who wore these watches, they were more than just time-keeping devices: they were among the most personal and intimate pieces of kit a soldier would have carried. Balancing reliability and precision, a military watch must also be easily readable, yet small enough to keep from being ungainly and cumbersome on the wrist. The combination of these factors tends to give vintage military watches a spartan, clean aesthetic, oft-imitated but never perfectly captured by watches with a civilian heritage. 

During World War II, watch companies equipped timepieces to the Axis and Allied forces. The "Dirty Dozen," which were designed and supplied starting in 1945 to British troops according to Ministry of Defense specifications, have attained a kind of sacred status among military watch collectors. In the realm of aviation, collectors of World War II-era pilot's watches are familiar with the A-11 and its Axis counterpart, the B-Uhren. IWC and JLC's addition to the pilot watch pantheon, the Mark XI, has also become iconic. While Eterna's contribution to the Dirty Dozen is perhaps better-known (although relatively rare among the Dozen) than their other military offerings, they also contributed yet another watch to their military arsenal.

This watch, known as a Majetek, was used by mainly by the Czech Air Force during the late 1930s through the 1940s. Like the Dirty Dozen and the Mark XI, the Majatek was produced by several different brands: in this case, Longines, Lemania, and Eterna. While there are some differences particular to each brand's design (notably, Longines' Majetek featured a coin-edge bezel and Cathedral hands), the hallmark of the watch was its unique steel case with square bezel, round dial aperture and sloping straight lugs. Over the years, the Majetek was seen in two distinct layouts; one with a central sweeping seconds hand and one with a running seconds hand at 6:00.

With center sweeping seconds, it's very likely that this particular model was a later production watch, probably dating to the early 1940s. Its modular style case (a case back ring screws into the top case, sandwiching the movement 'dish' and crystal) is pleasingly simple. The top case shows signs of wear, but bears no suggestion of being polished previously - a major distinction for these watches which are all too commonly seen with over-polished cases. Another distinguishing feature of this piece is its gilt dial (with radium numerals) and handset - delightfully rare addition to the honest case condition. And, with genuine military markings on the case back, this watch has carries the provenance of having been part of a serviceman's kit.  

All told, this is an incredible combination of factors that make this Majetek a little bit more special than the others out there and certainly makes it worthy of even the most sophisticated collection. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Eterna Majetek Czech Military

Eterna Majetek Czech Military

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Eterna Majetek Czech Military

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