Eterna Kontiki Automatic Watch, Year 65, Steel, Brown Dial

Eterna Kontiki watch, dating from 1965, in steel. Eterna is known for optimizing the operation of automatic movements through the use of ball bearings, hence its logo depicting a circle of balls, which is also found on the dial, and its folding clasp. Designing particularly high-performance watches, this renowned watchmaker was commissioned by anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl to accompany him on his maritime adventure between Peru and the Polynesian islands during the Kon-Tiki expedition, named after the “sun king” in an ancient Peruvian dialect. Tiki was also the name given to a chief god, “son of the sun,” considered the mythical ancestor of the Polynesian people, which led the Norwegian anthropologist to draw a direct link between the colonization of the Polynesian islands and the peoples of Latin America. His controversial theory led the anthropologist to commission the construction of a raft identical to what it might have been at the time, using ancestral techniques. Named Kon-Tiki, it was equipped with a simple cabin and a sail, in order to test the expedition. This vessel was therefore not equipped with modern navigational instruments, and in this context, the watch Thor Heyerdahl requested from Eterna was of crucial importance. The success of the Kon-Tiki expedition refuted the arguments of those opposing Thor Heyerdahl's theory and gave its name to this watch. The raft is depicted on its case back. The first Eterna Kon-Tiki was marketed in 1958. Particularly robust and reliable, this watch would later even equip some armies and commandos. The watch is therefore equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement. Designed to be water-resistant, it is durable, although its perfect water resistance cannot be fully guaranteed today, as it is a vintage watch. The dial features a date window. It has a particularly beautiful brown color and a lovely patina. Its folding clasp is signed by its maker, Gay Frères, confirming that the bracelet is original. The watch is therefore signed, as previously mentioned. In perfect working order and serviced, its proper functioning is guaranteed by us for one year (except in case of shock or immersion). Model: KonTiki. Special feature: celebrates the feat of Thor Heyerdahl's expedition. Complication: date. Year: 1965. Movement: self-winding mechanical. Lever escapement. Dial: original, with indices. Bracelet: steel (good condition), spring bars. Clasp: folding, original, signed Gay Frères. Crystal: plexiglass (original, polished), good condition. Payment can be made entirely remotely via the website. We remain at your disposal for any information regarding other payment methods. Are you a professional? We invite you to contact us directly at the boutique! Our reference: ES6662