EternaMatic - Kontiki 20 - Silver Sunburst Dial with Date - c.1967 - On a Dual Signed Gay Freres Bracelet
Case
Stainless Steel
Condition
8.5/10
Year
1967
Box/Papers
No/No
The Eterna KonTiki watch holds a prestigious place in the annals of horological history, embodying a legacy of adventure and precision. Its story begins in 1958, drawing inspiration from the legendary Kon-Tiki expedition led by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl in 1947. Heyerdahl and his team navigated the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft, aiming to prove that ancient civilizations could have made long sea voyages, connecting distant cultures. This daring journey captured the imagination of the world and demonstrated the importance of reliable, robust equipment in challenging conditions. Eterna, a Swiss watch company established in 1856, seized upon this spirit of exploration to create a timepiece that would honour Heyerdahl's epic voyage. The Eterna KonTiki was designed to be exceptionally durable and water-resistant, capable of withstanding the rigours of extreme adventures while maintaining accuracy and reliability. It featured innovative design elements for its time, such as a sturdy case, luminous hands and markers for readability under all conditions, and an automatic movement that exemplified Swiss craftsmanship. Over the years, the Eterna KonTiki has evolved through various models, each reflecting advancements in watchmaking technology while staying true to its adventurous roots. Collectors and enthusiasts cherish it not only for its quality and durability but also for its rich heritage connected to human exploration and endurance.
What's on Offer
This is a charming KonTiki 20 dating from the late sixties and in excellent condition. The silver sunburst dial is beautiful and boasts applied polished metal furniture including baton hour markers with luminous pips and stick hands also with luminous inserts. There is a subtle framed date aperture at 3 o'clcok and the Eternamatic signature with the synonymous ball bearing emblem sits at 12. The dial is encapsultaed underneath acrylic crystal which is encased in polished stainless steel. The case and lugs are in superb condition and to the back of the case you will note the KonTiki raft emblem engraving. The watch is 34mm, a mid-sized watch making it suitable for both men and women, and the bracelet means it can be worn for formal occasions as well as being perfectly suitable for every day wear.
Case
Stainless Steel
Dial
Silver Sunburst
Box
No
Papers
No
Model Ref
Crystal
Plexiglass
Bracelet
Stainless Steel
Winding
Automatic
Movement Type
Mechanical
Calibre
1489K
Jewels
21
Power reserve
49 Hours
Condition
Very Good
Date of issue
1967
Warranty
12 Months VWS
Width (without crown)
34mm
Lug width
18mm
Lug height
(lug to lug) 42mm
Wrist size
175mm
