Just in time for Baselworld 2016, Eterna is releasing the vintage-inspired Super Kontiki Chronograph. Keeping in line with the styling of last year’s reintroduction of the Super Kontiki, Eterna is adding a chronograph complication to the retro diver that joins the family of one of their most popular collections. Paying homage to Thor Heyerdahl’s wooden-raft voyage to determine whether or not ancients would have been able to journey across the Pacific Ocean, Eterna continues to emphasize exploration and adventure in this release.
The Eterna Super Kontiki Chronograph comes in a polished and brushed stainless steel case measuring 45mm wide, with a 60-minute rotational bezel. The crystal is antireflective sapphire, and the dial is marked with Eterna’s signature large, triangular indexes, with legibility further enhanced courtesy of generously applied Super-Luminova. There is a subtle black-framed date window at 6 o’clock that meshes surprisingly well with the busier dial and doesn’t add too much clutter. This is a tool watch, and Eterna has managed to retain the 200m water resistance which will add to the utilitarian appeal.
The movement in the Eterna Super KonTiki Chronograph is a 3916A Eterna manufacture and is a part of the Eterna 39 family. The unique aspect about this calibre is that it is a flyback chronograph. This means that at any time during operation, the chronograph can be reset to zero, instantly starting again. This is not something you typically see in a majority of chronographs, and it is definitely a feature worth appreciating. The gorgeous movement is rhodium-plated, has a 60-hour power reserve, and beats at 28,800 vph.
While maybe not the first name that comes to mind when researching a dive watch, Eterna has proven themselves as a high-quality option for those seeking a cool and unique watch. With this piece, you will have something that won’t be on the wrist of every other person in the room. Some may complain that the hands are a little underwhelming, but they do the job. The Eterna Super KonTiki Chronograph design is sleek and functional, with retro styling that still maintains a classic tool-watch appeal. This watch would not look out of place on a decent NATO strap, either. Ultimately, Eterna has provided another excellent Kontiki watch that contextually fits in and grows the collection.
The Eterna Super Konktiki Chronograph will be available in two versions: one with a classy stainless steel mesh strap, and the other a black rubber strap for when you decide to use it for its intended purpose. Price for the strap version is $4,700 and price on the bracelet is $4,900. eterna.com