The history is pretty well known: the issuance to the Israeli Defense Force Commandos in the early 1970's. They were issued to Shayetet 13 (Flotilla 13), the elite Special Forces unit of the Israeli Navy. They specialized in sea to land incursions, counter terrorism, sabotage maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue and boarding. Their mission details and identities are classified. However, there is a new book out about the unit. They were respected as among the best of the world's special forces, often compared to US Navy SEALs and Britain's Special Boat Service.
So this original version of the Eterna Super Kontiki was meant for:
The movement is the ETA 2824. Water resistance is 200M and the edition is limited to 1973. There is a sturdy screw down crown without any wobble.
The tonneau case is familiar to many. The edges are slightly rounded and extremely comfortable. The 44mm size is just right, as is the 13.7mm height. I don't usually favor highly polished surfaces, but this one works for me. In spite of the mirror-like finish, it's not excessive bling.
The crown is missing the 5 Eterna spheres, but I believe the original was, too.
The Eterna mesh can only be adjusted for a wrist that's about 6.75 - 8.25 inches. That didn't include me, so I used a Jurgen monster mesh. I like the combination.
The dial is difficult to photograph in its correct color. It's more of a gray-black than deep black. The indicia are applied. The hands include that funky dwarf Eterna hour hand. It's actually black on the periphery and white in the center, this area being lumed. Though not the best hour hand from a visual aspect, it is virtually identical the the original, as are the minute and seconds hands.
Perhaps, as has been pointed out about the Ennebi Fondale (also of military design), the vintage Kontiki was not designed for missions lasting hours. Rather, for shorter missions requiring prominent minute and seconds hands.
The bezel is quite tall. It's 120 click and rotates with authority. The deep black bezel is a nice contrast to the gray black dial. The pip is yellow enamel; although not lumed, in low light conditions it gathers and reflects the light nicely. Also similar to the vintage version.
The lume is C1, which is adequate for us lume junkies weaned on C3. It does last for most of the night.
The back has the ubiquitous Eterna KonTiki balsawood raft. It's also polished to a mirror-like finish.
It's been suggested that Eterna might have 'updated' the re-issue. After all, it's been over 30 years since the original issue. Improvements might have included 1000M depth rating, domed sapphire and a rubber dive strap.
Well, Eterna's been there. Anyone remember...The Concept?
Improvements? This one's got 'em.
Here's a comparison:
All in all, it's a watch I love. It's easy on the eye as well as on the wrist. It can pass for casual as well as dressy. And, it's got some real cred.
With the increasing popularity of cool neo vintage editions such as those put out by Zixen and Helson, there has been a resurgence of appreciation for vintage divers. This re-issue is as close to owning a vintage military piece as many of us will ever come.
I'll eventually switch the mesh out for the Isofrane rubber or some nice leather. As you well know, I've been keeping my eye on this one for a while. Though I'd like to own an original issue, it's no easy feat to find one in all original condition. I enjoy whenever Mike posts photos of his vintage.
What put me over the edge for the re-issue was Juan/Vegaban's post. He's got some fantastic pics of the vintage and the re-issue, including shots on some zulus.
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7463&p=121245#p121245
good luck, Mike!
