Horologii

‘Reterna’ to 1973: The New Basel 2015 Super KonTiki Range From Eterna!

Eterna watches reflect on 50 years of producing outdoor adventure timekeeping wristwatches this year by revisiting their Super KonTiki range, focussing in particular on those special attributes of the 1973 limited edition. Retaining all of the remarkable features found in the famous KonTiki DNA such as the robustness, the ruggedness and theterna 1973e reliability factor, the much-awaited revival introduces a beautiful stainless steel model on mesh bracelet and an all-black 888 piece limited edition.

When Eterna birthed the first of the KonTiki generation to demonstrate a boundary-pushing and daring expedition across the Pacific Ocean performed by Thor Heyerdahl and his crew in 1947, new benchmarks were set for precision watchmaking with  annotations of extreme sportiness.  The very first releases were capabale of 200 metres water resistance and were equipped with easy-grab rotating bezels to supply professional divers with life saving devices, capable of accuracy and efficiency in poor lighting, chilling temperatures and high pressures. At a time when diversneeded a piece of equipment to aid them in monitoring their remaining air supply and guide them to the surface in safe time – Eterna watches came to the rescue with what was soon considered a national “first choice instrument”.  The watches occupied highly legible roman numerals on the dial, solid cases with contoured sides and the stylistic compass needle, triangular indices. Last week at Basel, the brand showcased a cloned collection of the originals with a sporty and sleek twist. Transformed through layers of smooth black shrouding – the Eterna KonTiki Limited Edition is a bona fide Super KonTike with its chunky exterior and knurled edged bezel, broken up by subtle super 1doses of warmth through its sturdy gold-tone trim.  The dial presents orange accents within the bezel triangular pointer, the 12 small tipped indexes, the date numerals and of course the hands themselves. The remainder of the watch is completely enveloped in a heavy black veil allowing the lugs to integrate the case and the black coated bracelet with ease. The stainless steel version again has unmistakably inherited characteristics of the 1973 model however, finished in a neutral white, the luminescent hands jump out of the black set. The Milanese bracelet completes a perfectly vintage look, and for those Divers watches aficionados, the huge case bands and integrated lugs should certainly appease. The watch sports a mixture of contrasting triangular and circular indexes encased in a bold 60 minute scale. Bearing historic exclusivity, the timepiece undeniably holds huge presence.

Both watches share the same simplistic dial and are powered by the out-sourced Sellita SW200 movement a close comparison to the ETA 2824.The Eterna Super KonTiki latest additions infuse the resolution of ethnology and archaeology with courage and adventure. These watches reflect the brand’s success in remedying underwater difficulties. Eterna continue to challenge themselves in producing a long line of reliable and brave innovations that remain faithful to their traditional metier – a must for any purist in search of a navigation aid that carries indispensible style and durability.