Eterna-Matic KonTiki Super Vintage Diver

Team,

I'm not a particular fan of vintage watches, not that I dislike those watches but I just prefer brand new stuff.

But we must "never say never" and here is the story:

When I was a boy, many and many moons back, I was exposed to the Thor Heyerdahl saga of the Kon Tiki. This saga excited my young brains and I just devoured the book.

Better brains already told this amazing adventure, see MattS post here: home.watchprosite.com

Because of this old relationship with KonTiki, I'm chasing an acceptable KonTiki watch since I start this hobby.
I had one, but it was far from being in good shape.

Last week, this one was offered to me and after an amazing fast negotiation with my preferred seller ... I took it without a single blink.

The set included the original SS bracelet (I don't do steel bracelets -- I just remove it and put on my bracelet repository), the original (?) box and a receipt for the last maintenance (1990).

A classic diver, I believe.





Unpolished case, with some "beauty" marks, impeccable dial, hands, even the plastic crystal carries the five Eterna dots.

Of course, a beautiful patina.

I was a little concerned about the bezel but a quick search here on the PuristSPro and ... bingo:



Another KonTiki post, this time by Ludi, included this advertising material with the same bezel (decompression table?).

Ludi's post can be accessed here: home.watchprosite.com
 
After a quick "pit stop" on my watchmaker for a full maintenance (believe it or not, it was subjected to a maintenance circa 1990!) the watch is performing just like a COSC one or better. I instructed my watchmaker to leave the case untouched, as it should be.

I don't have any movement pic but it's pristine.

Another picture. The green tone on the patina was caused by a combination of the patina with the amazing blue sky when I took those quick pics.

According to many sources, this one is called a Mark II model.

The case is around 40mm, not including the crown.

About the crown, that is screw down and is working perfectly, it does not have the five dots Eterna signature.

Is this correct? I don't have a clue.

The case back, with the perfect golden KonTiki raft. Lovely by my book. Civilian model (I don't do military watches),

I'm very happy with this watch.

It carries history, it reminds me of my boyhood and it's a very solid keeper.

I'm wearing it, as we speak, on a sailcloth black strap and is a pleasure on the wrist.

Thanks for seeing.

Cheers and a wonderful weekend to all,

Nilo