ETERNA SA (Part of the permanent collection of the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich)

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ETERNA SA, a cornerstone of the Swiss watchmaking industry, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the creative direction of Head of Design Christian Gafner. His role was to honour Eterna’s legacy through a reinterpretation of product design and an evolved design language, thereby reinforcing the brand’s core values and carrying on its tradition with subtlety and classical elegance.

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Gafner approached this challenge with passion and a precise technical mindset. His ambition was to create a collection that not only paid tribute to Eterna’s heritage but also pushed the boundaries of horological innovation.

The result: the Eterna Vaughan Big Date, Madison 8 Days, Soleure Automatic*, Adelphi Automatic*, Soleure Moonphase Chronograph, and the iconic Kontiki line.

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Gafner’s journey began with meticulous design work, seamlessly blending technical expertise with advanced 2D and 3D design. Prototyping brought these concepts to life, allowing for fine-tuning and the pursuit of perfection throughout the entire collection.

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Through design transfer, his vision materialised in every timepiece, further complemented by exhibition concepts and sustainable packaging. Gafner’s standards set the framework for Eterna’s evolving design language.

The culmination of this endeavour was the Baselworld showcase, where the new collection captivated audiences.

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Gafner’s dedication and pursuit of excellence not only redefined a collection but also revitalised Eterna, uniting tradition and contemporary design in each creation.

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Museum of Design Zurich
Archive of the Zurich University of the Arts, ZHdK