CASE & BACK: Large 41mm wide (not including crown) x 45mm long x 14mm thick tonneau-shaped case in Excellent+ original condition with only minor scuffs and some very small nicks to the mirrored finish. Obviously, typical cosmetic grading systems are not particularly pertinent when discussing a vintage tool timepiece but this one is good enjoyable condition. Screw in water-resistant caseback is also extremely clean as is the original Eterna model number on the caseback bevel and the lovely KonTiki medallion. All correct internal nomenclature is also present and the back shows no real corrosion.
DIAL & HANDS: Original matte black dial with applied luminous markers, Eterna-Matic “five-ball” logo and framed date window. The dial shows slight aging and has all its original warm luminous material, which is still light reactive. Original hands with original aged luminous on the short hour and oversized minute hand, as well as the “tail” of the sweep seconds, are aged but original and will also glow briefly after light exposure.
CROWN: Original unsigned crown screws down and pulls out to the winding, quickset date and hacking time-set positions as it should. It does have a slight wiggle to it, which I believe to be characteristic of this era of Eterna crowns in general, probably due to a spring in the assembly.
CRYSTAL: Original high-pressure mineral crystal shows some clouding and has some marks but it does not affect the enjoyment.
BEZEL: Original thick ratcheting unidirectional rotating elapsed time bezel is exceptionally tight and clean with sharp, well defined knurling. The fantastic fat font black & silver inlay shows one or two small scratches and is in Excellent condition and its sunken luminous “12” triangle is intact and has acquired a handsome patina. Bezel insert has faded slightly to a gorgeous blue-black.
MOVEMENT: Eterna-Matic modified 25-jewel ETA cal. 2824 hacking and quickset date high-beat movement is running and all functions work , but the date is a little late in turning over. With its 6 positional & temperature adjustments, this is essentially a Chronometer-grade movement and it keeps good time. That said, I do not know the service history of the watch and assume it will need service to be perfect. I’ve worn it daily myself
BRACELET: Aftermarket mesh with seatbelt clasp similar to what was available when new. Fits my 7-3/4” wrist.
Over a decade of references. No trades, fundraising for a big purchase. -Mike
High res pictures here:
DIAL & HANDS: Original matte black dial with applied luminous markers, Eterna-Matic “five-ball” logo and framed date window. The dial shows slight aging and has all its original warm luminous material, which is still light reactive. Original hands with original aged luminous on the short hour and oversized minute hand, as well as the “tail” of the sweep seconds, are aged but original and will also glow briefly after light exposure.
CROWN: Original unsigned crown screws down and pulls out to the winding, quickset date and hacking time-set positions as it should. It does have a slight wiggle to it, which I believe to be characteristic of this era of Eterna crowns in general, probably due to a spring in the assembly.
CRYSTAL: Original high-pressure mineral crystal shows some clouding and has some marks but it does not affect the enjoyment.
BEZEL: Original thick ratcheting unidirectional rotating elapsed time bezel is exceptionally tight and clean with sharp, well defined knurling. The fantastic fat font black & silver inlay shows one or two small scratches and is in Excellent condition and its sunken luminous “12” triangle is intact and has acquired a handsome patina. Bezel insert has faded slightly to a gorgeous blue-black.
MOVEMENT: Eterna-Matic modified 25-jewel ETA cal. 2824 hacking and quickset date high-beat movement is running and all functions work , but the date is a little late in turning over. With its 6 positional & temperature adjustments, this is essentially a Chronometer-grade movement and it keeps good time. That said, I do not know the service history of the watch and assume it will need service to be perfect. I’ve worn it daily myself
BRACELET: Aftermarket mesh with seatbelt clasp similar to what was available when new. Fits my 7-3/4” wrist.
Over a decade of references. No trades, fundraising for a big purchase. -Mike
High res pictures here:
Eterna-matic Kontiki Super vintage
Explore this photo album by Michael Cook on Flickr!
www.flickr.com
Estimated Private Party Value $299 — $699
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