On the face of things -
The face of the Soleure is incredibly pleasing! I was stopped more than once by passers-by asking for a closer look, asking "who makes that"? This is after all, the US and Eterna is still taking hold here, however with Manon Vauthier spreading the good word, I suspect it will only be a matter of time before that question will change to a declarative: "Eterna makes that!".
The size of the dial in proportion to the case and bezel are spot on. Very often there is a "rush" to jam a smaller dial into an oversized case. Eterna showed real restraint with the Soleure. Yes, it is a 42 mm case so it is in keeping with the current trend for a larger wrist presence. But this size is tasteful in proportion to the watch as a whole. The gold tone markers, and hands really complement the dial's classic design.
The date indication took a little bit of getting used to as it is a pointer-type, but once you get used to the orientation it becomes second nature.
As I had mentioned earlier, I miss the less elaborate case backs of years gone by. With the rash of "limited editions" out there with the extensive engraving and detail work on the case backs, the possibility of a personal engraving is lost. Remember the concept of engraving a watch and actually giving it to someone for a special occasion? Well it seems that Eterna does, and the case back of the Soleuer is beautifully executed in its simplicity. The case, crown and push piece are all smoothly finished and finely executed.
Holding it together -
The bracelet is really one of the best elements of the Soleure. It is not a standard "one type fits all" style of bracelet. It is unique in its design to the Soleure and it blends perfectly to the case itself.
The timekeeping has remained constant at +2/+3 seconds. To be very clear, this is a 15 day test, but during the 15 days the timing was very, very satisfying. I had expected more deviation due to the heavy use I made of the chronograph function, but was pleasantly surprised.
For the amount of complications that are housed in one watch, the Eterna Soleure is refreshingly uncomplicated. The moon phase function is subtle but clear, the day/date is easily adjusted, and the chronograph function is flawless - precise starts, stops and re-sets. And lastly, the single button chronograph feature is a wonderful extra! I wish I could be more eloquent, but simply put - it's fun!
While it is easy to take a pilot or dive watch case, slap in a multi-function chronograph movement and start selling it, Eterna has done something really special here. In this case we can say that the whole may be greater than the sum of its parts - but the parts that make up that sum are pretty great too!
Check it out at:
www.eterna.ch
