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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki wristwatch features a 40mm stainless steel case fitted with what the source describes as its original marked band. The black dial presents distinctive triangular luminous hour markers with Arabic numerals visible at the cardinal points, a framed date window at 3 o'clock, and central baton hands. The dial is encircled by a rotating black calibrated bezel with a triangular zero indicator. According to the auction catalog, the watch houses an automatic 17-jewel movement, caliber 1489K, bearing movement serial number 5318157, and dates to circa the 1960s.

Dial and bezel view of the Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki wristwatch
Dial and bezel view of the Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki wristwatch — MBA Seattle Auction LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Eterna
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
27
Source-reported date
circa 1960's
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5318157

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Bezel Configuration

The black dial displays prominent triangular luminous hour plots, with Arabic numerals 12, 9, and 6 visible within the cardinal markers, alongside a date aperture positioned at 3 o'clock within a white-bordered frame. The dial text reads 'ETERNA·MATIC' positioned below 12 o'clock and 'KONTIKI SUPER' situated above 6 o'clock, with 'T SWISS T' flanking the minute track at the bottom of the dial.

The dial is framed by a black rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units with Arabic numerals at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, centered around an inverted triangle marker at the top. Direct visual observation reveals surface wear and minor scratching visible on the bezel insert and crystal edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black dial inscribed 'ETERNA·MATIC' below 12 o'clock and 'KONTIKI SUPER' above 6 o'clock.”
  • “Prominent triangular luminous hour plots with Arabic numerals '12', '9', and '6' within the cardinal markers.”
  • “Date window positioned at 3 o'clock with a white-bordered frame.”
  • “Bottom of dial marked 'T SWISS T' flanking the minute track at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Black rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units with Arabic numerals at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, featuring an inverted triangle marker at the top.”
  • “Surface wear and minor scratching visible on the bezel insert and crystal edge.”

Case and Movement Specifications

The auction description records a '40mm case with black dial and luminous markers' and specifies a 'Stainless steel case with original marked band.' Any markings on the bracelet or band are not visible in the provided image.

The movement is described by the cataloguer as an 'Automatic 17 jewel movement, caliber 1489K' with 'Serial number 5318157' and dated to 'circa 1960's'. Because the caseback is closed in the provided record photograph, these movement specifications and serial numbers represent unverified source-reported statements rather than direct visual observations.

Evidence for this section
  • “40mm case with black dial and luminous markers.”
  • “Stainless steel case with original marked band.”
  • “Automatic 17 jewel movement, caliber 1489K.”
  • “Serial number 5318157”
  • “circa 1960's”

Source Documentation and Condition Claims

Cataloguing documentation from the October 04, 2018 auction lists the piece under the title 'Vintage Eterna Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wrist Watch.' However, no chronometer designation is recorded on the visible dial surface.

The listing notes 'scattered surface wear' alongside the seller assessment of 'Excellent running order'. This mechanical performance statement is an uncorroborated cataloguer evaluation and not verified by independent diagnostic testing.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vintage Eterna Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wrist Watch.”
  • “Excellent running order with scattered surface wear.”

Open research questions

  • What case reference number and internal hallmarks are stamped on the interior or exterior of the caseback?
  • Does the reported 'original marked band' feature specific Eterna Gay Frères or other manufacturer logos and date codes?
  • Does the caliber 1489K movement carry chronometer adjustment markings to explain the auctioneer's 'Chronometer' title despite lack of dial chronometer text?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementAutomatic 17 jewel movement, caliber 1489K“Automatic 17 jewel movement, caliber 1489K.”
Serial Number5318157“Serial number 5318157”
Datecirca 1960's“circa 1960's”
Case and BandStainless steel case with original marked band“Stainless steel case with original marked band.”
Case Size and Dial40mm case with black dial and luminous markers“40mm case with black dial and luminous markers.”
Auction Lot Number27“Lot 27 : Vintage Eterna Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wrist Watch.”
Auction HouseMBA Seattle Auction LLC“Fine Vintage Watches & Timepieces by MBA Seattle Auction LLC”
Auction DateOctober 04, 2018“October 04, 2018, 05:00 PM PST”

Visible details

  • Black rotating bezel calibrated to 60 units with Arabic numerals at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, featuring an inverted triangle marker at the top.
  • Black dial inscribed 'ETERNA·MATIC' below 12 o'clock and 'KONTIKI SUPER' above 6 o'clock.
  • Prominent triangular luminous hour plots with Arabic numerals '12', '9', and '6' within the cardinal markers.
  • Date window positioned at 3 o'clock with a white-bordered frame.
  • Bottom of dial marked 'T SWISS T' flanking the minute track at 6 o'clock.
  • Surface wear and minor scratching visible on the bezel insert and crystal edge.

Research qualifications

  • Internal caliber 1489K and movement serial number 5318157 are source-reported and not visible in the photograph.
  • The original marking on the bracelet/band is not visible in the provided image.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Vintage Eterna Matic Super KonTiki Chronometer Wrist Watch. Automatic 17 jewel movement, caliber 1489K. Serial number 5318157, circa 1960's. Stainless steel case with original marked band. 40mm case with black dial and luminous markers. Excellent running order with scattered surface wear. Est. $750-1,500

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 55fa8eb482

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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