As a kid, I read and re read until the book literally disintegrated. Admiring before it goes off the the spa tomorrow. Sharp case, clean dial and oh that logo!!!! Now do I strap it or buy a bracelet? Hmmm. Let’s see what is out there in OF! Thanks to @MikeMan2727!

 

A strap! A Strap! A strap!

Did I mention I am enthused about straps?

A lovely Eterna you have found.

 

Looks great Larry, glad you like it! You could go with the classic beads of rice bracelet or wear it on a vintage style tropic strap, which also looks nice. If you are looking for a bracelet, make sure it has KH stamped endlinks, which would be correct for this period.

I have shared mine a few times on the forum, but more photos in the thread can't hurt

A first generation dial with uncommon date complication. I do have it on a BOR but find a strap to be more comfortable.

 

Great catch, huge congrats and wear in good health
I have no Kontiki only a tiny 14k model „1000“ from ca. 1965

 

It's still hard for me to believe that this dial was originally black.

 

Kontiki 10 on leather for me ,

 

Gorgeous Larry. Congratulations. Agree that the logo on the caseback badge is a gem. Makes me want to lash some balsa logs together and set off across the Pacific.

I'd vote for a strap, since it would allow easier viewing of the caseback, and be less likely to scratch the KonTiki logo. I'd likely choose a darker tan color for the leather, and try to pick up the dial color in the stitching.

 

Congrats on the pick up Larry!
I sold this one off last year, but I find my eyes catch those KonTiki ads.

 

Lovely watch you have there... hope you enjoy it! I just got recently the new LE Eterna Kontiki bronze diver, and truly love it. I just kept the original leather strap, and so far it wears really well.

 

Congrats! Sharp case and medallion... fine example.

I’ll do my part. I love ‘em.

 

The Birks dial... WOW!!!

 

Congratulations Larry, that's a great looking Kon Tiki. I too have read the book multiple times, seen the original documentary once or twice and was thrilled when they made a modern movie about it. Here is my Super Kon Tiki 1973 that I picked up this past summer. I still need to add a vintage Kon Tiki to the stable.

 

Been on the hunt for one of these for my girl, classy watch.

 

Back from the spa ... tan stitched strap that I had in the bag fits perfectly. Full movement service and new crystal.

 

Looks fantastic!

 

Here's my KonTiki diver that I picked up yesterday from a WUS member. I'm in love! As far as I understand this is mid-80s vintage, in a reissue (or reuse) of the 1960s Super Kontiki case. Wears a lot like a Tudor BB! I can't wait to get the bracelet on it.

 

I think you beat me to that one! Looks great.

I've always been an Eterna fan. Had and flipped several, including the 4 hands and a 1973 Kontiki LE, both of them were too big on my small wrist. If they'd make a Kontiki in 40mm, I'd be all over it.

In the mean time, this one was just delivered from Germany. It's in killer shape. The case has been polished, but the dial has a nice patina and the crystal is original, with the 5 bearing logo intact. The gold seal is perfect (though the caseback has a dedication engraving). The bracelet is like new.

Just one question.....does anyone know how to adjust these Gay Freres bracelets? Mine could be 2-3 links shorter. I don't see any pins or blocks that can be hammered out, just a bunch of folded metal. It looks like I'm gonna have to do some careful unfolding and crimping.

 

Ok easy enough for shortening the bracelet. Sorry if y'all know this but when you flip this bracelet over, you will see that all of the center links are quite hollow and have a split in the middle. I carefully used the pin end of a spring bar tool (an extra one) to slip into the hollow of the center links from the side and wedged them open a bit. I then used a jeweler's screwdriver to pry them open more. Once they were open a bit, i was able to slip the links apart by sliding the open center links off the bar that runs between the outer links. I took one out from each side this way and put them back together. I used the body of a permanent marker to press the center links closed again. It's a pretty tinny bracelet but I think it looks best on the watch. Might have to buy a donor watch to have a spare.

 

Recent Purchase.

 

This is my one Kontiki which I like very much. Great size at 37mm and a lovely patina. Love those hour markers.
This one has the first gen. case back with the etched Kontiki and not the later gold inlay.