"Spherodrive" is a term that sounds really cool. I sort of want to shake the hand of the guy who penned it. Funny how the Swiss watch industry still has clever engineering-minded people who come up with this technology and these names. The industry is full of terms such as this like "co-axial escapement, silinvar, constant-force, and magic lever (that last one goes to the Japanese)." Often times these terms are much better than actual watch model names.

A few years ago Swiss Eterna debuted its new Spherodrive technology in a Madison watch. I discussed the Spherodrive Madison with the calibre 3505 movement here. In that article you can also learn a lot more about Spherodrive mechanism itself and what it is all about in comparison to more traditional mainspring barrel assemblies. In short, Spherodrive is a new way for mainspring barrels to connect to movements. It creates a more stable connection and one that is more reliable. It also uses ceramic ball bearings that require no lubrication. This all means that the watch requires less maintenance, is going to be more accurate, and less prone to being damaged over the long run. According to Eterna, before Spherodrive mainspring barrels haven't been given a lot of attention and should be considered one of a watch movement's weaker points.

To showcase the debut of the Spherodrive technology in the manually-wound Calibre 3505 movement, Eterna put the movement in a Madison watch. Simple and elegant, people argued that the conservative looking timepiece was perhaps not the most exciting way of debuting the novel mechanism. So Eterna followed up with a new movement called the Calibre 3510. Also manually wound, this movement added a big date mechanism and an 8 power reserve (via two barrels) with a power reserve indicator. Still a Madison, the watch was updated to look more modern and technical. While still a conservative looking timepiece, this Madison Eight Days is easily a better frame to show off the Spherodrive system.

The Calibre 3510 is easily the best part of the watch, and again is entirely made and designed by Eterna (a true in-house movement). The rectangular shaped movement is a visual spectacle with its two large mainspring barrels and attractive finishing. People don't expect it when you hand the watch to them and they turn it around to see the movement through the sapphire caseback window. The movement really makes the watch what it is. With 192 hours of power reserve it is necessary to have the power reserve indicator there to show you when to wind the movement. Winding the movement is simple enough but you need to wind for a long time. Yes, it is going to be more than just a few turns to wind enough power over a week, but I find that the Calibre 3510 seems to require even more than the expected amount of winding.

Also when winding the movement the barrels sometimes "jump." This means that while turning they sometimes turn a bit more rapidly for a second - which is sometimes called "slipping." This isn't so much an issue as a question I have as to what causes this. I think it might have to do with the fact that the barrels are series coupled. Operation of the movement is otherwise pretty simple. The crown could be a little bit grippier, but winding the Madison Eight Days is a breeze. I like Eterna crowns because the five point logo is integrated into them. Ironically that five point logo is supposed to be five ball bearings. While adjusting the time is easy, the date requires pressing an inset pusher located at about 10 o'clock on the case. While it works just fine, you will need a pen or stylus to adjust the date.

Eterna offers the Madison Eight Days with either a black, gray, or silvered dial (matched to a black or brown Louisiana alligator strap - which is really nice). On the dial you can begin to see the attention to detail Eterna places on the watch case as well as the movement. While tonneau in shape, the case and dial are attractive. The dial is easy to read with large properly sized hands and applied hour markers. Both the hands and hour markers feature very crisp mirror polishing and have luminant applied to them. The "cobble" textured center dial is also a nice touch.

While I am not a huge fan of asymmetric dials, the Madison Eight Days does it well. The large big date window is easy to see and the power reserve indicator helps visually balance it on the dial. While the face of the Madison is not exactly modern in its approach, it is done well and offers a satisfying visual experience that won't wear on the eyes over time. Interesting design elements do however appear on the case. The almost "architected" sides of the steel case help reduce visual mass (as this is not the thinnest of cases at 13.25mm thick).

Big in stature the Madison Eight Days case is offered in steel and is 38.5mm wide by 53.3mm tall. The slightly rounded lugs keep it looking good on medium to large sized wrists. Comfort is overall very good and - once again - the quality and finishing of the case impressed me. Over the dial is an AR coated sapphire crystal and the case is water resistant to 30 meters.

Understanding the Spherodrive technology and its benefits made me suggest back in 2009 that (and I am paraphrasing) "all mechanical movements should use this technology someday." Unless there are mechanical drawbacks that I am not aware of, the Spherodrive system for connecting mainspring barrels to movements is a no-brainer improvement over the the standard technique. There is however the matter of price. Eterna's Madison Eight Days watch retails for 11,950 Swiss Francs. True, quality is high and you get an in-house made movement, but it is still an expensive endeavor. Mechanical technophiles and serious enthusiasts will be attracted by the technology, though I am afraid many casual watch lovers simply won't understand the technology enough at this point. Eterna is moving in the right direction as a technical innovator, and I want to see Spherodrive technology implemented into more contemporary watches, in new movements with automatic winding, and at prices that are in the $5,000 - $8,000 range.

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5. Eterna Heritage Super KonTiki 1973 Limited Edition Watch ...

Bar none, my favorite new watch for 2010 from Eterna is this wonderful heritage re-release model of the classic Super KonTiki from 1973. While the new and older version of the watch have some differences, the character of the original classic remains (thankfully). I first wrote about the original Eterna Super KonTiki watch here, discussing how it was used by the famous IDF (Israeli Defense Force), and was a coveted collector's item. At that time I wondered if Eterna would ever revisit this model... and low and behold they did.

At Basel 2010, I walked by the Eterna booth, surprised and delighted to see this guy in a case. It made me even more excited to talk with the Eterna people and play with it. You'll notice below a comparison of the original model and the new Heritage model. Up a few millimeters in size, the Heritage Super KonTiki limited edition 1973 is 44mm wide in a steel case with a tall rotating diver's bezel. The case is 200 meters water resistant (why not 300m I am not sure, they could have easily made it that, I am sure). Nevertheless, it is a very capable diver's watch with a fantastic spirit.

The dial is super cool retro futuristic. Like the best of the 1970s on your wrist (without any of that mostly ugly brown and orange that was common at the time). With its white, yellow, and black tones, it feels pretty modern. The case has a great classic looking tonneau shape to it, behind the round dial. Hour markers are applied, and there is lots of SuperLumiNova on the dial and the hands. Eterna always intended the hour and minute hand to be different - making them easy to read underwater. Like the classic, the seconds hand is a large needle.

Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic, which should do nicely. Both watches have similar caseback engravings of the original KonTiki ship for which the watch was named. Eterna fitted the watch with a great mesh metal bracelet with a special deployment clasp for micro adjusting it. They all offer an extension segment for use when diving. Being a limited edition, the Eterna Heritage Super KonTiki 1973 watch will be limited to just 1,973 pieces (for the year it was originally introduced). It should be available this fall for about $3,300. I really want one of these and am happy to see collector demand high enough for Eterna to price the Super KonTiki back.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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1953 Eterna Kontiki Mark 1 Eterna Matic Black Faced Dial $1,571.90 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,571.90 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631183 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic COSC Chronometer Dark Waters 159444401154 $2,550.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 21m Bid now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic Power Reserve 1000 Meter $3,699.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3,699.99 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Mens Black Diver Watch 159444401154 $3,699.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3,699.99 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631184 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

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While there have been a few new releases from Eterna this year, the company has been relatively quiet. I did happen to notice this fine new release based on their re-issue of the classic KonTiki model. There have actually been a great deal of KonTiki watches over the years, but the versions with the four triangles are the purest in form. The recently re-released the KonTiki had a centralized date dial with an indicator hand, this new model has an internal date disc with a covertly placed date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. I must admit that it does improve the look of the watch — as the date window is functional, but not obtrusive. It further allows for greater appreciation of the dial and basic theme of the watch. The watch was designed as a sport watch back in the 1950s (I believe). Funny how what was informal then, almost looks formal now. Though the black and orange faced version is still quite sporty looking and certainly has the best personality of the two in my opinion. Really spectacular.

You’ll notice the new texturing in the middle of the watch display. It looks pretty nice, but I can’t tell if it is trying to emulate wood grain or a topographical map? Probably wood, but you can never be too sure with watches based on navigation! The KonTiki is a classic looking watch with a high degree of legibility. Classic enough to sit on anyone’s wrist, but it has enough character to stand out. It is really the little touches on the watch that add to the appeal. Take for instance the cross stitching on the fabric strap and the lovely blued hands and indicators. With hands the right size and finely applied hour markers, it is really a refined look. The small dash of red color of the seconds hands is a nice touch as well.

The good part is the Eterna has reserved this model as something affordable. Inside is a Sellita SW200 automatic mechanical movement. This is essentially a clone of the ETA 2824-2 movement. The solid movement is hardy, but not too expensive. I imagine this watch will run for between $2,000 - $3,000 (retail is 2,200 euros) when it is released soon. Plus, there will be over a dozen different versions given all the dial colors and strap options.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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1953 Eterna Kontiki Mark 1 Eterna Matic Black Faced Dial $1,571.90 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,571.90 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631183 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic COSC Chronometer Dark Waters 159444401154 $2,550.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 21m Bid now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic Power Reserve 1000 Meter $3,699.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3,699.99 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Mens Black Diver Watch 159444401154 $3,699.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 45m Buy It Now for only: $3,699.99 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631184 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

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Leave it to a very ordinary watch to showcase some cool new technology. This is really interesting because most watch brands would just go nuts with a wildly designed watch and marketing to tell the world about even the slightest movement improvement. This is actually quite a cool thing from Eterna. You should also know that Eterna actually started the major watch movement maker ETA before it was later acquired by the Swatch Group.

Here, the new technology is placed in the demure Eterna men's Madison watch. The new technology is called the Eterna Spherodrive and is a new type of mainspring barrel. That is the part of the mechanical watch the holds the mainspring, which is where all the power comes from. The mainspring is wound manually or via an automatic rotor. As the spring unwinds in a regulated manner, the power it released is used to power a mechanical watch. Every true mechanical watch that is out there uses some manner of main spring. As you can imagine, a mainspring is the heart of a watch's ability to be accurate. Sure there are many other things affecting accuracy, but it starts with consistency in the mainspring. The Spherodrive is a new type of mainspring barrel and has some interesting improvements. Here are some words directly from Eterna that sum up in general what the Spherodrive seeks to improve:

This invention is as efficient as its concept is simple. It provides the mechanical watch’s core element — its energy reservoir — with a straightforward, lubricant- free and ultra-efficient method of mounting. This eliminates virtually all the drawbacks watchmakers have had to contend with for decades.

The bearing mounting is not only a technical innovation; it also significantly improves the quality of a mechanical watch. The bearing is virtually maintenance-free since it is not subject to friction, but instead exhibits a rolling motion that requires no lubrication. The watch’s extended service intervals and service life, reliability and long-term accuracy will clearly be of major interest to consumers — quite apart from the fact that they will be wearing what is currently the most cutting-edge technology on their wrists.

To accomplish the above, you've noticed that the Spherodrive uses special types of ball bearings (zirconium oxide) that require no lubricant, it further features two, not one row of ball bearings. Also the "arbor" which is the features that holds the main spring barrel in place is richly advanced in the Spherodrive to be more stable, strong, and a better frictionless connecting point for the main spring barrel. You can see the two diagrams from Eterna. One that shows the traditional type of mainspring barrel assembly, and one that features the how the Spherodrive works. Older mainspring barrels did not utilize ball bearings, but just oil and the arbor - the new system changes all that. Further, the new movement changes the style in which the winding stem is connected to the mainspring barrel, effectively removing the connection so that the two connect only when necessary.

The first movement to house the new technology is the Eterna in-house calibre 3505. It is a manually wound movement with 56 hours of power reserve. While the new calibre 3505 movement is simple, it is a starting point for what will be a base for future Eterna movements that will expand on the Spherodrive technology. Adding of course further complications and soon an automatic movement I am sure. There is a lot more to this tech than I am able to understand and properly explain, but I think you get the gist of it. A really nice piece of useful technology and improvement in mechanical watches that is simple and not expensive. The best part is that Eterna makes a nice window into movement where the mainspring with the Spherodrive technology peeks through the dial. Spherodrive watches will be available at select Eterna dealers starting in the Fall of 2009.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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Eterna black leather ostrich watch band 22 mm $32.99 Time Remaining: 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now

Eterna dark blue leather peccary watch band 22 mm no buckle $30.99 Time Remaining: 2h 49m Buy It Now for only: $30.99 Buy It Now

Eterna Gold Filled STSteel 19mm Mens Watch Bracelet 165cm New Old Stock $89.99 Time Remaining: 4h 7m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 Buy It Now

Eterna snake leather watch band 14 mm + buckle $21.99 Time Remaining: 5h 6m Buy It Now for only: $21.99 Buy It Now

VINTAGE LADIES ETERNA 17J WRISTWATCH MOVEMENT FOR REPAIRS $40.00 Time Remaining: 9h 47m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now

NEW ETERNA 16304140 MONTEREY ETERNA MATIC CHR WATCH B $1,250.00 Time Remaining: 10h 4m Bid now

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Contessa by Eterna - Women's Swiss Watch model

It's very hard to please a woman.  Especially when we come armed with knowledge, taste, and high expectations.  It must be even more difficult for such a traditional manufacture to create a dynamic timepiece for modern women that includes technological performance and aesthetic appeal.

But I must admit that Eterna has done just that with its latest Contessa models.

Since 1865, the watchmakers of Eterna have toiled to maintain their image of perfection and selectivity.  The exclusivity of this brand makes it that much more desirable.  Known for the precision of their slim movements, Eterna is brand that stays true to itself and its traditions, even in today's fluctuating markets.

Eterna - Nothing But Watchmaking - was able to create a dynamic, versatile timepiece that is distinctively feminine yet a still a fine timepiece.  Their use of different textures within the dial creates an immediate, emotional response that cyclically moves your eyes across its dial.

While I'm not a fan of the collection name Contessa, which elicits images of pink tulle and doilies, I do see the direction in which Eterna wanted to head.  Obviously targeting strong, independent women, Contessa also stirs images of countesses and regal women of yore.  Today, though,  Contessa by Eterna is for strong women, with the tight rectangular face, and for pragmatic women, with the multiple straps and dial faces.

In order to manufacture this Art Deco timepiece, Eterna was able to capitalize on their own history of movement excellence while continuing its tradition of elegance.  Inspired by art, and driven by perfection, Eterna has captured a very wearable watch for women, and one that they will be proud to wear.

Often for women's watches only the aesthetic details are taken into consideration.  Which is a bit frustrating for female watch aficionados.  While the Contessa model does not feature any high complications, to show off Eterna's esteem as a manufacture, the simplicity of this timepiece is sure to attact women looking for a versatile, stylish everyday watch.

Contessa by Eterna promises to be a very exciting launch at this year's BaselWorld show.  With fashion trends going towards the more simplistic and understated, these models are the perfect fit.  I cannot help but look at the larger, flashier, decadent models that are flashed on wrists worldwide and see their popularity fade.  Contessa by Eterna has proven that you can have a fashionable, luxurious watch, complete with diamond accents, that does not overwhelm the wearer.  And yet still captures decades of watchmaking tradition.

I am particularly satisfied to see the level of details that are applied to this model, so that the wearer is not only wearing a gorgeous piece on her wrist, but is representing a brand that has focused on understated luxury for so long.  Coupled with the supple leather bands and sleek stainless steel bracelets, these models provide options to suit each woman - which is always a smart design decision.

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Watch lovers each have "hold grail" watches. These are prized pieces that are rare and desirable to the watch lover. They are sometimes new watches, old watches, expensive watches, or just plain rare watches. Here is an interesting one from Eterna, in the best condition I have ever seen. This is the Eterna Super KonTiki, which is a diver's watch at heart. Eterna is a laudable brand that just made a reappearance in the US after not being officially sold in the US for some time. I am glad to see them back. Back to the Super KonTiki at issue.

In the 1970s, Eterna started to supply the elite forces of the Israeli military with Eterna watches, most of them being this style of Super KonTiki. Most of those special forces were part of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) commando unit. This is the same group that was known for going on covert missions all over the world seeking out WWII war criminals, and performing missions on terrorist enemies (recall the movie Munich). Most of these highly trained certified bad asses wore Eterna watches. As you can imagine, this high impact duty was hell on the watches, even though they were ruggedly built. A few of these watch are available, but so few are in such good condition as this one is. I've seen these watches go for thousands, even in poor condition.

You know this watch is part of the original government issued watches because it is complete with the engraved serial number and Hebrew lettering on the caseback. Not surprisingly, this watch is being offered from Israel, where the watch probably resided since coming there from Switzerland. The watch itself has some signs on wear, most of which should be able to be cleaned off. I've never seen anything like this Super KonTiki, and it is a real part of not only watch history, but Israeli military history. The movement is an Eterna-matic automatic, and the bracelet is original. Often times these watches have also been placed on rubber diver straps. The price is close to $4,000, but an offer can be made, which I suggest you do.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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VINTAGE 1970 ETERNA MATIC SUPER KONTIKI MILITARY DIVER SHAYETET IDF WATCH w BOX $3,200.00 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 12m Bid now

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It is only recently that Eterna has returned to the US market. For a long time, the lauded watch maker just sort of ignored US shores with its branded products. That isn't true with the watches that it makes for Porsche Design though. In 2008, Eterna returned to the US market with a couple of beautiful KonTiki line watches, and I can't wait to get one myself. You should be aware that for years, Eterna has been offering really good watches in Europe, with very few trickling over into the States. The pictured watch is a good example. I am not certain what the watch is called, but it is a thorough two-tone Eterna diving watch. The "Eterna-matic" moniker refers to the fact that it has an automatic mechanical movement as most every Eterna watch does. Inside this watch is the very competent ETA 2892-2 movement with a gold plated (maybe solid gold) rotor. The crown is also signed and done in gold.

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Eterna black leather ostrich watch band 22 mm $32.99 Time Remaining: 2h 44m Buy It Now for only: $32.99 Buy It Now

Eterna vintage black leather watch strap 16 mm XL $19.99 Time Remaining: 12h 19m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now

Eterna black leather watch band 7 mm + steel buckle $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 50m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now

Eterna black leather suede watch band 14 mm + buckle $16.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now

Black Eterna leather watch band 6 mm with plated buckle $13.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 25m Buy It Now for only: $13.99 Buy It Now

Eterna black leather watch band 9 mm with steel buckle $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 29m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now

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What I really like about this watch is how handsome it is with the right mixture of style and functionality. No doubt that this is a legible diving watch with a high level of construction quality. At the same time, it has gold accenting, caseback decoration, an interestingly engineered bracelet, and other features which communicate the watch's heritage and quality, above mere functionality. This is really Eterna's best take on the two-tone Rolex Submariner. Water resistance is 200m (the Submariner is 300m but is really doesn't matter). Like the Rolex, it has a similarly laid out dial with analogous markers. The hands are simpler than Rolex Submariner hands,but they offer another take on the classic theme. Like the Rolex, the Eterna is a certified Chronometer. The Eterna diver is also about as large as the Submariner at about 40mm in size. There is probably as much attention to detail and fit and finish in the Eterna as well.

The diver's bezel is one of the best parts with its plated gold looks. It is really hard to do two-tone right. The resulting look is often gaudy looking. Rolex did it right, and here Eterna has shown that there are other nice ways of getting the same look. Going back to the bracelet, you'll notice lots of smaller links. This allows for a very form fitting bracelet that is going to be as comfortable as possible.

One of these rare Eterna watches is available on eBay right now for under $1000. I think it is totally worth it considering the fact that it is in mint condition, comes with the box and manual, and the extra links. There are few watches like this around, and even as something for daily wear, this Eterna diving watch would serve nicely.

See Eterna watch on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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The initial price for the Eterna Kontiki that I read about really discouraged me. 10 grand?! Really?! That is expensive, and up there in Rolex Seadweller and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms territory, which are great watches, but I mostly like something that I know is rock solid and only enthusiasts can really appreciate. For Rolex you pay a lot for the name. That should not be an issue with Eterna at this time. I am pleased to say that is looks like street prices for the Eterna KonTiki Diver watch are closer to $5,000. Which is by no means cheap, but a "fair" price for this type of quality and engineering.

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There is one of these examples on eBay right now, and this heralds a new level of accessability for Eterna watches, which are really top-notch. Remember that Eterna produces all the Porsche Design watches and was the company that started the ETA, the watch movement maker.

See the aBlogtoRead.com article on the Eterna KonTiki Diver here.

See Eterna KonTiki watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

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1953 Eterna Kontiki Mark 1 Eterna Matic Black Faced Dial $1,571.90 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,571.90 Buy It Now

Vintage ETERNA MATIC KONTIKI 20 Lady WristWatch $300.00 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 46m Buy It Now for only: $300.00 Buy It Now

Eterna Eterna Matic KonTiki Four Hands Automatic Date Watch 159241111146 $1,275.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $1,275.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631183 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic COSC Chronometer Dark Waters 159444401154 $2,550.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 21m Bid now

U168 Vintage Mens Eterna Matic Super Kontiki Chronometer British racing Green $577.89 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 37m Bid now

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5. Hamilton Below Zero Diver Watch: Art Deco Industrial Diving Instrument Design ...

The first watch to be sold along with their KonTiki Anniversary model, is the "Eterna KonTiki Diver." This watch is actually a few years overdue, having been announced a while ago. For me, this is the best combination of features and elements one could ask for in a modern looking technical dive watch. It is an accurate chronometer, it is easy to read, has a power reserve, and has a nice sophisticated look that does not make you look like you drive a large truck everywhere. The KonTiki Diver is simply a dedicated tool with an obvious element of style, but no outward aggressiveness like many other large watches.

The really unique aspect of the watch is the skeletonized external case that the make watch rests in, and can flip out. There are three main reasons for this. First is to help protect the inner case from shock and damage. Second is to allow for an easy way to winding the watch while it is on your wrist (and while underwater, as the large crown does not need to be screwed down). Third is to act as a lock to prevent the bi-directional bezel from rotating unintentionally. The external bezel actually rotating the internal bezel, which is really cool. However, to ensure reliability, the external bezel can only be turned when you flip out the inner case. Otherwise the bezel is locked in position. To release the internal case, you need to press two buttons on the sides of the external case.

The rubber strap has a really nice steel deployment with diving extension. The strap also helps reduce overall weight. Parts of the watch case are PVD titanium, which is really nice as well. Inside, the watch has a well-to-do ETA 2897. It is resistant to 1000 meters, so and certainly looks it. Due to the complexity of the case, it is about 46mm wide and relatively thick. Personally I love large watches like, but I don't think this watch will look totally appropriate in formal settings as it looks like you are a spy. Which may be good

Despite the very modern appearance of this watch, a lot of of the face styling is based in Eterna history. You'll notice the many triangles in the face of the watch that go back to the original KonTiki. These make for excellent places to put Super Luminova. The hands as well are based on legibility, but like other Eterna KonTiki watches are broad like swords. The numbering style as well is in traditional Eterna motif. On the back of the case you'll find a nice little engraved emblem. Eterna loves doing this with most of their models, in an attempt to give them each a reference point in the history of the company.

I'd say the only real downside of this watch is the price. The retail is about $10,000. Very steep and up there in Rolex Sea Dweller and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms territory. I'd expect a street price of $6,000 - $8,000 at first, but we shall see. Eterna made the right decision to make its way back to the US. Official presence here is sure to expand their line of offerings, which have always been of superb quality and taste. A real connoisseurs' choice of watch, even among watch connoisseurs.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

1953 Eterna Kontiki Mark 1 Eterna Matic Black Faced Dial $1,571.90 Time Remaining: 1d 11h 30m Buy It Now for only: $1,571.90 Buy It Now

Vintage ETERNA MATIC KONTIKI 20 Lady WristWatch $300.00 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 46m Buy It Now for only: $300.00 Buy It Now

Eterna Eterna Matic KonTiki Four Hands Automatic Date Watch 159241111146 $1,275.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 5m Buy It Now for only: $1,275.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Chronograph Date Automatic Watch Swiss Made 124041631183 $2,195.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 6m Buy It Now for only: $2,195.00 Buy It Now

Eterna KonTiki Diver Automatic COSC Chronometer Dark Waters 159444401154 $2,550.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 21h 21m Bid now

U168 Vintage Mens Eterna Matic Super Kontiki Chronometer British racing Green $577.89 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 37m Bid now

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