Vintage Watch Collection Share

Subexplorer · 2022-02-20T03:10:25Z

Explore Subexplorer's NOS Eterna KonTiki, a vintage collector's dream. Discover its unique ox red dial, Gay Frères bracelet, and community insights.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

22 replies2688 views7 photos

Subexplorer's recent acquisition of a New Old Stock Eterna KonTiki offers a fascinating glimpse into vintage watch collecting. His detailed presentation of this untouched timepiece, complete with original tags and a Gay Frères bracelet, highlights the thrill of discovering horological history. This article explores the nuances of his find and the community's insights into its unique characteristics.

… Hello dear friends!

I wish to share this catch which entered the collection just a few days ago.

It is a very humble and simple watch by Eterna, model Kon Tiki but it is just what a collector wishes to find: a complete NOS watch probably from the 1960’s/70’s never worn. (I still need to investigate its vintage and reference number, etc)

The watch seems never been worn except for small scratches and blemishes catched along the years.

It came with the original little cardboard tag and the usual Customs stamp glued in the back as required by our local import regulations. A.N.A. means: Agencia Nacional de Aduanas that is : National Customs Administration.

Regrettably it came without its original box or papers.

Watch has a screw down crown and its original bracelet signed Eterna but made by the prestigious firm of Gay Freres.

Dial is a beautiful gradient ox red color and lume on hand set and indexes has a beautiful creamy patina. Original plexi has the five balls Eterna logo on its center. (Same way Omega stamps its logo on their plexi center)

Curiously enough during my first intents of researching this watch I came across a video by well known auctioneer Aurel Bacs which surprised me so much while viewing and listening to the passionate comments he made about an almost identical watch (the watch in the video has a black dial).

I’m sharing said video which I found so interesting to view in following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6PTgLwnfAs

I’m sharing some shots of my new watch below.

Thank you so much for reading and viewing!

Have a great week ahead!

Cheers! Abel

Key Points from the Discussion

The original crown on this Eterna KonTiki, despite lacking the Eterna symbol, is confirmed as correct for the period. The date wheel's background color is also a notable detail, as some variations feature a black background.
The 'ox red' dial color is likely original, rather than a patina developed from a black dial, given the consistency observed in similar vintage pieces.
The inclusion of a video featuring auctioneer Aurel Bacs discussing a similar Eterna KonTiki underscores the watch's understated significance and appeal to seasoned collectors.
Discovering a New Old Stock watch like this Eterna KonTiki embodies the authentic spirit of watch collecting, emphasizing the joy of finding well-preserved historical pieces.
Another collector shared an image of a similar Eterna KonTiki, providing a visual comparison and further context for Subexplorer's find.

The Discussion

Watcholic_id

Feb 20, 2022

and enjoy it in great health. very lovely piece! cheers

S F

Feb 20, 2022

A chanced discovery, no hype…true satisfaction. Congrats!

Cpt Scarlet

Feb 20, 2022

It’s this kind of find that is the true spirit of our passion for collecting watches. Thank you for including the video. Enjoy !

Subexplorer

Feb 21, 2022

... of a person like Bacs who has seen and handled so many awesome timepieces talking about this humble watch. I´m enjoying it so much indeed. Abel

Subexplorer

Feb 21, 2022

... and it is wonderful we can still enjoy these noble pieces today. I wish you will keep enjoying your beautiful watch so much! Best cordial regards, Abel

Dr No

Feb 21, 2022

. . . color, Abel. The crown is original even though it lacks the Eterna symbol, but the most interesting aspect personally is the date wheel, as some have a black background. Congrats on the addition, Abel! Best, Art

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