No database that I am aware of, but having been down a similar road of discovery on this model to you I can attest that after a few days (/months) of looking at Kontikis, you will recognise the main design cues:
Dial Font - Earlier font is beautiful (circa 1958), as in the example you shared and from X350 above - later it becomes squared off and often has '20' on the dial. Ensure the dial is original - its almost impossible to replicate the iconic 'Munsters' Eterna font.
Dials - So many variations. Many redials and suspect alterations. I settled my sights on a dark blue one, but the light grey is also incredible. Some of the later examples have some truly funky 'dial furniture' with markers resembling mayan temples, tombstones and henges.
Hands - Earlier dauphine (late 50s I think), later stick, with as was the case with some many late 50s into 60s watches (see also Certina DS, another favourite in a similar league of awesome).
Case - I think these remained relatively similar throughout production - the 130TT. The original crown seems to be slimmer on earlier models, and be 'chunkier' on later models with the 1489K movement. It always fits 'just right' and it easy to operate, so I would always hold out for one if possible.
Bracelet - I only have one watch on a bracelet in my collect, and it is this Kontiki. The Gay Freres is an absolute wonder, though do check the end links and clasp are in good order. They can stand a lot of use but not abuse. Even if you have no interest in bracelets (like me), I would hold out for one that comes with it, for completeness and to try something new. On the GF bracelet it really becomes the complete package.
Movement - Not an expert on this but similar to hands you can roughly get a date from the movement - 1424 early on, 1489K at the end of the run and so forth. ranftt.de is really useful for sense checking and examining production times. Like many manufacturers I believe Eterna used 'whatever was available' from the supply and likely some have been swapped out over the years. If you want fully original, worth sense checking the ages of the hands/dial to the movement.
Casebacks - etched earlier, sometimes plan with an engraving/dedication, later always with the gold medallion on a raft. Some serial numbers are lightly stamped on the caseback outer circumference. Condition of the medallion was key to me. While on my search I developed a grading system for the gold medallions:
5 - Raft and sail visible, just.
4 - The Eterna logo on the sail (5 dots) is visible.
3 - The waves are defined nicely.
2 - The raft's logs are defined.
1 - The thatch on the raft is intact.
Took me about a year but I finally found one to my liking, and after scouring the globe it was for sale from the original owner just a few miles away. I put this at a '1 minus' on the medallion scale, as it was worn but everything was visible. The owner received it new as a 16 year old and stopped wearing it 10 years later when they acquired a Rolex. Luckily a service yielded no surprises and its been in regular use since. I kept the original crystal with a few marks, but underneath the dial is perfect.
They are not rare, so I would advise holding out for a good one with all the colours/variations you really want. Should be sub £500, but factor in a service. Good luck!
