I came across a Kontiki that has me puzzled. I know the line was introduced in 1958 but the date on this one, according to the Eterna database, appears to be 1955. Fake comes to mind, as there are no movement photos, unless there's another explanation. Thoughts?

 

This got my interest as I've been looking at similar pieces. It doesn't offer much help but I found this. Same watch on 2nd post...

http://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886009961/m/747104752

 

I'm really wondering about the dating. How likely is it that a Eterna made a watch 3 years before the line was introduced? Would Eterna have stockpiled watches for a couple years before shipping? Would they have added Birks to the dial during production or just prior to shipping to Canada? Lots of questions.

 

Probably original, in my view. I've seen far greater gaps between production of movements or cases and final assembly than that.

 

Normally, I would agree. I'm wondering if they would have introduced a new line three years (approximately) after the first watches were produced?

 

Well... it's not unique.





http://watchestobuy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/EternaKonTikiOriginalb.jpg

 

I didn't think so but sold today for $2750. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eterna-Matic-KonTiki-1958-Thor-Original-Eterna-/351749893675?nma=true&si=XFlQO4cWfjVH7pDYNPJpQYpW5xU%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Is there something about this watch that I am missing?

 

What can I say? I really wanted it... as did one other madman, unfortunately.
I personally believe that there's something about these watches that everyone is missing... present company and @pitpro excluded.

The seller eventually added some movement shots. The movement serial dates the movement to 1957 (probably late 1957). I don't believe that the chart cited in the original post applies to case numbers.

 

Yeah, I finally figure that out, once the seller, at my request by the way, posted the movement photos. I loved that watch but wasn't willing to go that high. Congrats on the pick up. I never thought it would go for that kind of money.

 

Haha thanks. I asked him too. The result didn't surprise me very much. I think the KonTiki cat is slowly emerging from the bag. You may have missed this 34.5mm one (not sure how much value that Komfit bracelet added).



https://www.ebay.com/itm/262292831790Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I obviously did or I wouldn't have been so surprised.

 

100% original except for the goofy looking crystal
that's been replaced. Bracelet is correct and correctly dated, I
contacted him, 1958 clasp stamp. I have a Birks on the
dial exactly like this 60 serial numbers away from this one.

 

Yeah that crystal has got to go. What is it, mineral glass?
Those Mark I crystals weren't signed, were they?

 

Looks like it.
No they weren't signed.
Here's a mint one like your's(?), No balls

 

Oh mama.

 

Very nice.