Eterna-Matic - Super Kontiki Vintage Third Generation - Men - 1960-1969

Many iconic timepieces have been closely associated with expeditions especially in the tool watch category – from the highest mountain accents to the deepest depths of the ocean even into outer space the need for accurate timekeeping has always been a top priority. The 1947 KonTiki expedition was not about setting records, it was a trek by raft from South America to the Polynesian Islands to establish indigenous Polynesians are descendants of South America and not from Central Asia. The guide of the expedition wore an Eterna on his wrist and in 1958, Eterna selected the KonTiki designation for its most rugged line in tribute to Thor Heyerdahl’s odyssey. Since 1962, there’s also the Super KonTiki, a professional edition with rotating bezel made to dive in deep salty waters.

This bezel function was explained in Eterna advertisements and required manual setting of the triangle marker in line with the minute hand upon reaching the final dive depth. The diver then had until the minute hand hits their respective depth to stay immersed before returning to the surface.

The case measures 40mm. The case back has the lovely Thor Heyerdahl Kontiki medal. The black dial features gilt printed text and zinc-sulphide tritium lume.
Automatic movement with quick-set date feature, good condition and running smoothly.


This watch is fitted with a new black suede strap.