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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki Ref. 1000 8943

Partially verified

This Eterna Super KonTiki, reference 1000 8943, is an automatic dive watch attributed to the 1970s. The watch is housed in a 41mm stainless steel 'cushion' case featuring a uni-directional rotating bezel with a black insert, a screw-down crown, and a screw-down caseback. The matte black dial displays applied indices filled with Tritium, a framed date aperture positioned at 3 o'clock, and an applied Eterna logo. It is completed by a steel bracelet with a signed, spring-loaded blade clasp. The vendor reports that caseback engravings identify the watch as an item issued to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Eterna, a manufacturer founded in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1856, is recognized for the development of the five-ball-bearing rotor system for automatic movements, a feature that influenced the brand's logo.

Front view of the Eterna Super KonTiki, showing the bezel, matte black dial, and steel bracelet.
Front view of the Eterna Super KonTiki, showing the bezel, matte black dial, and steel bracelet. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Eterna
Reference
1000 8943
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1970s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Case and Dial

The watch is presented in a 41mm cushion-style stainless steel case, designed for diving use. It features a uni-directional rotating bezel with a black insert, accompanied by a screw-down crown and a screw-down caseback. The crystal is composed of mineral material.

The dial surface is finished in matte black and includes applied indices treated with Tritium. A date aperture is located at the 3 o'clock position and is framed. The handset is painted in a high-contrast white finish, and an applied logo is present on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 'cushion' case comes in at a substantial 41mm in diameter and features a uni-directional rotating bezel with a black timing insert, a screw-down crown, a screw-down caseback, and a mineral crystal.”
  • “the matte black dial has applied Tritium-filled indices, a framed date aperture at 3 o'clock. an applied logo, and a high-contrast white-painted handset.”

Bracelet and Military Provenance

The watch is accompanied by its original steel bracelet, which incorporates a signed, spring-loaded blade clasp. This component is noted as correct for the reference.

The auction description reports that the caseback is engraved with markings that indicate the watch was issued to an Israeli Defense Forces special forces unit, establishing its military history.

Evidence for this section
  • “It comes fitted to its correct steel bracelet with a signed spring-loaded blade clasp.”
  • “the caseback engravings are a clear indicator that this piece was issued to the Israeli Defense Forces special forces unit, confirming its military provenance.”

Manufacturer Background

Eterna was established in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, by Josef Girard and Urs Schild. Initially a movement manufacturer, the company evolved into a major industry player during the early 20th century.

A notable technical development occurred in 1948 with the introduction of the five-ball-bearing rotor for automatic movements. This innovation improved movement efficiency and became a hallmark of the company, with the five-ball design integrated into the Eterna logo.

Evidence for this section
  • “Eterna was founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, by schoolteacher Dr. Josef Girard and Urs Schild, beginning life as a small movement manufacturer.”
  • “The brands greatest contribution came in 1948 with the introduction of the five-ball-bearing rotor, a seemingly simple innovation that dramatically improved the efficiency and longevity of automatic movements.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific text/serial engravings found on the caseback?
  • Is there documentation or records from the Israeli Defense Forces confirming the issuance of these specific Eterna watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki Ref. 1000 8943
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEterna“Eterna was founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland”
Reference1000 8943“Eterna Super KonTiki Ref. 1000 8943”
Datecirca 1970s“dates to circa the 1970s”
Case diameter41mm“41mm in diameter”
DialMatte black with applied Tritium-filled indices“matte black dial has applied Tritium-filled indices”
ProvenanceIsraeli Defense Forces“this piece was issued to the Israeli Defense Forces special forces unit”
Clasp typeSpring-loaded blade clasp“signed spring-loaded blade clasp”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with tritium-filled indices
  • Uni-directional rotating bezel with a black timing insert
  • Steel bracelet with signed spring-loaded clasp
  • 41mm cushion-shaped steel case

Research qualifications

  • Military provenance based solely on source interpretation of caseback engravings
  • Specific year of production not verified beyond decade estimation

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی غواصی نظامی Eterna Super KonTiki رفرنس 1000 8943

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 3fc1cb67d0

Terms in this record

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

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