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 honor Heyerdahl's epic voyage. The Eterna KonTiki was designed to be exceptionally durable and water-resistant, capable of withstanding the rigors 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 particularly well-preserved 1960s Eterna KonTiki with an exquisite silver sunburst dial. The dial furniture is also particularly beautiful and comprises applied baton hour markers with luminous pips, a subtle framed date aperture at 3 o'clock and elegant Dauphine hands with luminous inserts. The dial is encapsulated underneath acrylic crystal and encased in stainless steel which is in superb condition, it has been meticulously looked after quite clearly. This is a fantastic watch for every occasion, it is great for everyday wear, however, given it is paired with its original Gay Frères Bracelet, it is also perfect for more formal occasions. On the caseback you will note the KonTiki raft emblem - a fun nod to the origins of the watch, also in superb shape! This watch is mid-size at 34mm and is light and comfortable on the wrist, it would make a fantastic addition to any collection, a watch with real character!