In case you were wondering, the name Kontiki is derived from the 1947 expedition that Thor Heyerdahl led. With only a radio and their Eterna watches as modern technology, he and his five companions set sail from Peru to Polynesia using pre-Columbian technology. Since they were successful, Eterna chose to name this model after their valiant efforts, so in a way, it could be compared to the Rolex Explorer.
Despite having a very different appearance, Eterna continues to produce the Eterna Kontiki, a historically significant watch model. The First Execution, which you are viewing here, is the most exquisite and unique of all the Eterna Kontikis. With its gorgeous glossy gilt dial and large, lume-filled markers for better legibility, this was the first Kontiki ever released in 1958.
This example has aged and turned into a crazy tropical, as you can see. The photographs do not adequately capture the beauty of this dial, which is among the most exquisite I have ever seen when exposed to sunlight. You get a rare watch in exceptional condition when you combine this with the yellow-orange patina on the hands and dial, as well as the flawlessly glossy dial.
This watch would be a centerpiece in any collection and is genuinely of collector quality.
Eterna Kontiki | First Series | ref. 130T from 1959
BRAND: Eterna
MODEL: Kontiki
REFERENCE: 130T
YEAR: 1959
MOVEMENT: Self-winding Eterna 1412 U
CASE DIMENSIONS: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: Steel
GLASS: Plexiglass
BRACELET/STRAP: This Kontiki comes with its original Eterna Gay Freres bracelet and a signed crown. Although it is a correct bracelet, the stamp indicates that it is not period correct (from the 1960s).
CLASP: Original Eterna Gay Freres Stainless Steel Clasp
BOX & PAPERS: None
TAX: Differential taxation according to §24 UStGMovement: The rotor is winding smoothly, the movement is in perfect operating order, and the watch maintains a respectable vintage timekeeping standard.
Dial: The dial is the most amazing feature of this watch. The dial is still in good overall condition, but it has turned a gorgeous tropical. All of the prints are still there, and the gilt dial is still incredibly glossy.
Glass: Original Plexiglass in good condition with no cracks or damage
Hands: Like the hands, the glowing substance has aged and taken on a rich yellow patina. For a first execution Kontiki, the lume on the hands is a shade or two lighter than the lume on the dial. This is because this Kontiki's dial and hands were purchased from separate vendors (when being produced by Eterna).
Case: The condition of this Eterna Kontiki First Execution is superb. It's one of the nicest I've seen and it's completely original. With all four lugs thick and even and all bevels still sharp, the stainless steel case is in superb shape.
Crown: This Kontiki comes with its original Eterna signed crown.
