Eterna-Matic Super KonTiki Ref. 1000 8943
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1970s
Maker / issuer
EternaThis 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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1970s
- Dial
- Matte black with applied Tritium-filled indices
- Type
- Dive watch
- Maker
- Eterna
- Reference
- 1000 8943
- Clasp type
- Spring-loaded blade clasp
- Provenance
- Israeli Defense Forces
- Case diameter
- 41mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Eterna
Design
- 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.
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 1000 8943
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Military provenance based solely on source interpretation of caseback engravings
- Research required: Specific year of production not verified beyond decade estimation