1960s Diver saga continued...the KONTIKI. Many pics

Apr 09, 2011,03:15 AM
 

Dear all,

As a diver's watch enthusiast I would like to share with you the story of the KONTIKI, which has lead to a great and understated collection of diver's watches.  I was lucky to find a nice Eterna Kontiki Mk II so I decided to share with you.  All enthusiasts are welcome to bring any additional information and material to this thread.

The KONTIKI collection is the Diver's range from the brand ETERNA.  The story started with the idea of a Norwegian anthropologist and explorer named Thor Heyerdahl.  While conducting his research, Heyerdahl found some similarities between the statues that can be found in the Pacific Islands the Tikis and the statues in south America from the great Empire of the Andes.  He made a theory that the people from the Pacific Islands could originate from South America and could have reached the Islands diverting with the currents on some wooden rafts.  In order to prove his theory, Heyerdahl founded an expedition with 5 other men, left the coasts of Peru in 1947 on a wooden raft that they named KONTIKI to reach the atol of Raroia in polynesia after 101 days of navigation.  I can only encourage all fans of these kind of adventures to read the book.

I borrowed some of the pictures on the net and want to thank their authors.

Below some pictures of some statues

 

Here is the map of the incredible expedition and a picture of the Raft





Within the equipment that Heyerdahl took with him for the expedition were ETERNA watches that proved to perform very well and survive the expedition.  The Kontiki watch collection was introduced in 1958 to celebrate the expedition and ETERNA has been producing divers watches ever since within the Kontiki collection. 

ETERNA has always been very low key in terms of communication and Heyerdahl has always refused any kind of marketing activities which I suppose explain the fact that the story and the watch collection have always remained confidential, especially compared to some other famous brands...

The Kontiki watches are divided into explorer type watches simply called Kontiki and the diver watches called Super Kontiki.

I will focus on the Divers.  Here is a Mk I from 1965 (not mine, credit photo unknowned from the web)



Now I will focus on the watch I was lucky to find as a nice addition to my vintage divers collection, the Mk II.

This one is also called transitional as it is between the Mk I and the Mk III.  The MK II is the lowest production, so the rarest, production around 1968 and 1970 I believe. These super Kontikis were also used by the Israeli Defense Forces and the famous MOSSAD commandos so some military marked versions can be found, most of the times in poor conditions given their use!  (beware of the fakes though...).

The watch is 40mm which is a nice size for this period and has a nice domed plexi as other divers of the 60s. 

Here are the first pictures with the book as background
 






I was lucky to find the watch in all nice original condition with the original Kontiki bracelet.  I have put it on a 2 color Nato as I prefer to wear it like this.  Here are some pics of the bracelet:
 






On the back you can find a nice representation of the Raft, like on all Kontikis.  On this one it is a Golden version
 



Now lets open it and have a look inside.  The movement is automatic, in house, 1489K, 21600 bph and has a nice finishing as you can see from the below pictures.  This attention to details is quite unsual for tool watches of this period.  The watch has a very unique quick date set by pulling on the crown!

 












I find this one very sensual...

 




 

Now here is a duo picture with another famous diver from this era:

 




Here is a picture with a most recent "Red Kontiki"... LOL

 



I couldn't resist the Octopus shot!...

 



To finish the story, here is a picture from the MK III from 1973, and the Tribute version that was released this year with a limited edition of 1973 pieces.

(picture credits from the web)






Finally, a wrist scan...

 


There are more recent versions of the Kontiki for those interested in a nice alternative modern diver watch, including the 1000m Kontiki Diver, a very interesting 46mm concept watch.  A Porsche Design version of the watch also exists as a more flashy version...


Thanks for reading, discussions, additional information and pictures are very welcome.

Matt

This message has been edited by MattS on 2011-04-09 03:21:13


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Great Post

 
 By: sancerre : April 9th, 2011-05:50
thanks for taking the time to put together the wonderful history of the Kontiki. --Sancerre

Glad you appreciated. Matt [nt]

 
 By: MattS : April 12th, 2011-12:10
No message body

Beautiful Kontiki, I like it.

 
 By: VMM : April 9th, 2011-07:45
It looks great on that strap. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy it. Vte

thanks for your kind words. Matt [nt]

 
 By: MattS : April 12th, 2011-12:11
No message body

Do you have any comment on the relationship with non-diver Kon Tikis?

 
 By: mkvc : April 9th, 2011-09:27
Thanks for a nice post and congratulations on your Kon Tiki collection. I also enjoy Kon Tikis, but I gravitate toward the non-diver (although still water resistant) versions. Any comment on the relationship? It has often struck me as odd that the two gro... 

thanks for your kind words

 
 By: MattS : April 9th, 2011-09:45
I would say that non diver kontikis have no rotating bezel and the water resistance is lower as they are not made to dive, hence they are thinner. They are also very nice watches, both vintage and modern. Matt

like this one

 
 By: cazalea : April 13th, 2011-15:45
I always wonder why the 5 is larger? Cazalea...  

very nice watch!

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-00:18
Thanks for adding Matt

Great post, Matt!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : April 10th, 2011-05:58
Love your vintage Divers theme you have going on! Thank you for a great and enlightening post! Best Blomman

Thanks Blomman.

 
 By: MattS : April 10th, 2011-07:05
Glad you enjoyed it! Matt

good review and a nice selection of Kontiki's Matt

 
 By: G99 : April 11th, 2011-12:32
i had a 1st generation Kontiki some years ago which had IDF markings on it. whether they were correct or not i'll never know. it was a nice watch though, very similar to the Subs and SM300's of the day as you've pointed out. Eta have a lot to thank Eterna... 

thanks Graham,

 
 By: MattS : April 12th, 2011-12:13
Not many people know that ETA originally belonged to Eterna, and that the brand has a nice and long heritage, and they keep doingg nice watches, delivering great value for money. Matt

Great post! Here's a non-diver

 
 By: tee530 : April 11th, 2011-19:07
Matt, great review of the Super Kontiki. Below is my Kontiki 10. This is one of the non-diver line, made in about 1968. I found a vintage German ad of this model retailing for about DM350. You don't find too many of these in the States; I seem to remember...  

howdy Matt

 
 By: Hororgasm : April 11th, 2011-20:51
Excellent post. Certainly deserve its place in divers watch history. You have certainly done your due diligence and research, thks for sharing this wonderful piece. Best, Horo

Nice report Matt

 
 By: flightmaster71 : April 12th, 2011-03:21
I really like vintage divers too and your selection look fantastic. Great history to those Kontiki models. Thanks for sharing. Zac

Thanks Zac. Matt [nt]

 
 By: MattS : April 12th, 2011-12:16
No message body

Nice post Matt

 
 By: Ubik : April 12th, 2011-10:11
A very nice diver. One I've admired for many years. Great catch.

Thanks, Matt . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 12th, 2011-11:28
. . . from a long-time fan of Eterna. Their aesthetics and integrity as a manufacturer are a powerful draw; one of their recent offerings, the Madison Spherodrive . . . . . . is very high on my wish list. The Kontikis are appealing, too, both vintage and ...  

i'm intrigued by the sphero...

 
 By: G99 : April 12th, 2011-11:39
i'm intrigued by the sphero drive Art. i've seen ads for it, but havent figured what its all about yet. G

The technical innovation Eterna . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 12th, 2011-12:48
. . . brought recently was the employment of ceramic ball bearings in the winding system and barrel arbor for a mechanically-induced reduction in friction. Their figures indicate a significant increase in power reserve as a result. I'm neither a watchmake... 

thanks Art.   i hope...

 
 By: G99 : April 12th, 2011-12:52
thanks Art. i hope its something that works so they can come out of the doldrums and back into the limelight. G

Marcus told me . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 12th, 2011-12:57
. . . that he's had some experience with this model, and the winding characteristics were exceptionally smooth. The Madison Spherodrive was at the top of my list for the next new watch until the 130th Anniversary GS knocked it off its perch.

has anyone

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 13th, 2011-15:03
a 'in-the-flesh' picture of the madison with spherodrive? i, too, am enamored with the thing, but haven't seen any but the marketing pics.

Not yet, but I plan to get photos . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 14th, 2011-06:02
. . . at IGOTT because there's an AD in Vegas. Cordially, Art

Agree with you Art

 
 By: MattS : April 12th, 2011-12:09
very nice watches, you really get something for the price!...Matt

it would silly of me...

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 13th, 2011-11:38
not to comment, even though the comment is boring and predictable. beautiful watch!

Thanks and welcome!

 
 By: MattS : April 13th, 2011-12:06
Good to gather some eterna fans! such an understated brand! Matt

how true

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 13th, 2011-14:24
it is an understated brand. hard to find a manufacturer as low-key yet possessing the incredible history of eterna. i have only a few examples as i collect modestly;...  

as an eterna fan do...

 
 By: G99 : April 13th, 2011-15:29
as an eterna fan do you know how to date them ? i'd like to add one to my 1964 collection, but have no idea about dating. if you know the secret please reveal all. best Graham

good sir

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 13th, 2011-16:00
the dating is/was a mystery to me as well. however, i have heard rumblings from other eterna devotees that the company answers requests as to dating etc. i have never tried, so i cannot verify the veracity of that claim. perhaps a well-placed email could ... 

thanks, i'll give it a...

 
 By: G99 : April 14th, 2011-02:08
thanks, i'll give it a try. best Graham

an old thread

 
 By: eterna-fan : August 9th, 2013-11:24
i apologize for the effect this post may have on the board. i know reviving old threads is frowned upon in some circles. however, as g99 asked a question that, at the time, i could not answer, i felt it important to add that there is a list of serial numb... 

avert your eyes!

 
 By: eterna-fan : August 9th, 2013-15:53
outside link! please delete!

very nice watches

 
 By: MattS : April 13th, 2011-23:56
thanks for sharing your pictures. These are very nice classic watches, as good as the ones from much more expensive and "prestigious" brands. I love the centenaire watch which I didn't know as I am more into sports watches, divers and chronos! Thanks agai... 

Thanks for sharing, Matt!

 
 By: craniotes : April 13th, 2011-14:53
Eterna is a great brand with an exceptional history, which your write-up bring through beautifully. And as for the modern-day Eterna, I'm proud to have this one currently lurking in my watch box: Of course it wouldn't be a KonTiki without the medallion: R...  

that is cool. [nt]

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 13th, 2011-16:01
No message body

Thanks Adam.

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-00:10
Thanks for adding this great beast to the thread Adam! I love the Kontiki diver concept watch, such a unique watch that demonstrates the authenticity of the brand and the dedication to bringing new, innovative and functional pieces. It is certainly on my ... 

very good question...

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-01:00
There is no mention of WR on the vintage Super Kontikis!... I would like to have this info as well, 200m? 300m?...All caracteristics are there, screwed crown and back, super domed plexi...we would need somebody to have the original papers, documentation o... 

Looking at your pic..

 
 By: KC74 : April 14th, 2011-01:05
..it has a screw caseback and there is the rubber ring around the case, but i am not sure if the crown on the Super Kontiki is screw-locked? The turning bezel definitely points to the fact that it can be used to time diving..

I confirm it is a screw down crown! [nt]

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-01:11
No message body

all other brands of the...

 
 By: G99 : April 14th, 2011-02:17
all other brands of the same era are 200m Matt(rolex, omega sm300, bulova snorkel 666, etc) so although we shouldnt assume it is quite possible that this is the depth rating for the Kontiki. there must be someone who has some original adverts. G

I agree

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-02:35
My assumption is 200m, I'd love to get some material to add to my info, ads, catalogues... Matt

adverts

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 14th, 2011-09:07
although not quite the ones you were hoping for...no super kon-tiki, but interesting non-the-less. (well, to me) i am unable to read german. at least, i think it's german: i was interested in the following marketing material because of a claim contained t...  

oops

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 14th, 2011-09:10
for the citation for the source of the adverts. www.watch-fanatic.com

thanks for these. one thing...

 
 By: G99 : April 14th, 2011-09:14
thanks for these. one thing confirmed is that the Kontiki is 20ATM as we thought. i cant imagine a company going to the expense of testing their movements for COSC without marking it on the dial. i would expect its more likely that they counted ETA amongs...  

a fantastic bit

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 14th, 2011-12:25
of sheer stupidity on my part. not being able to read german certainly doesn't prevent me from deciphering the phrase '20 atmospharen'.

lol  ...

 
 By: G99 : April 14th, 2011-12:26
lol...  

Thanks for this!...

 
 By: MattS : April 14th, 2011-23:42
I really like the design of this non diver original Kontiki. hard to find one in good condition, if anyone owns this piece, please add pictures for the collection...Matt

No Kontiki...

 
 By: jporos : April 19th, 2011-21:03
but I did get to meet Heyerdahl when I was a kid at the Explorer's Club Annual Dinner. Now I think I do need the watch......  

That's fantastic!

 
 By: MattS : April 20th, 2011-00:32
For sure it looks like having a Kontiki would make sense! Matt

Follow up here

 
 By: MattS : April 20th, 2011-13:37
a group picture. Matt Matt This message has been edited by MattS on 2011-04-20 13:45:15...  

lovely

 
 By: eterna-fan : April 20th, 2011-14:54
they are all extremely lovely, but i think we can all agree the kon-tiki is the mostest loveliest. in fact, if you were ever to wear it around me, you might just lose an arm.

Great post

 
 By: nilomis : April 25th, 2011-08:05
Matt Thanks to point me to this post that brings me many memories. I was exposed to the Kon Tiki adventure during my teens and I was fascinated by this expedition. I had some Kon Tiki watches but I'm still chasing one in great conditions. Cheers

My humble contribution...

 
 By: mac_omega : May 1st, 2011-02:45
Hi Matt, hello to all Eterna fans, unfortunately I came very late on this thread... But I thought I should show you my only Kontiki - it is a Kontiki 20 most likely from the 70ies due to the dial design. It has a nice charcoal grey color with highly raise...  

Matt, i've just found a pic on the web of the model i used to own

 
 By: G99 : May 6th, 2011-01:51
i've been searching for weeks for pics of the model i used to own, the one also used by the IDF and finally i found one on a big auction site so i thank the seller for producing some great shots one of which i've borrowed just for id purposes. i really li...  

That's the MK1!

 
 By: MattS : May 6th, 2011-02:16
Very nice, just it is 38mm when the MKII is 40mm, as you've seen there are some for sale regularly and they sell for reasonable prices. For sure great value vintage watches, especially if one wants to remain rational!... We all have the same dilemna, shou... 

i just wish i knew...

 
 By: G99 : May 6th, 2011-02:22
i just wish i knew what part of 1960's they come from as i'd consider one if it just happened to fit into my very strict dating criteria. if any of the pieces you want to offload are from that magical year just pm me very soon i'll have more disposable in...  

Thanks!

 
 By: Bonatto : October 31st, 2011-17:00
Was trying to dig up some history on this one on google, thanks so much, great post and a most enjoyable read! All the best, FB

glad you enjoyed! Matt

 
 By: MattS : November 1st, 2011-04:05