Introducing the Eterna KonTiki Bronze Manufacture LE

The KonTiki has been a staple of Eterna’s catalog since the 1950s. The line is named after the legendary 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition led by Norwegian explorer and ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl, who–with a small crew–sailed 4,300 miles across the Pacific on a hand-built raft made of Balsa wood and other native materials. His goal was to prove that ancient civilizations could have crossed open water using primitive sailing crafts. On his wrist, it has been oft said, was an Eterna watch. (For a look at the journey itself, I highly recommend watching both the 1950 Oscar-winning documentary film Kon-Tiki, and the 2012 Oscar-nominated dramatization also called Kon-Tiki.)

To honor the 70th anniversary of that incredible journey, Eterna is releasing a limited edition run of their KonTiki diver for the first time ever in a bronze case.The KonTiki Bronze Manufacture measures 44mm wide and 14.05mm thick, with the bronze case featuring an all brushed finish. The bezel insert—which boasts a decompression gauge—is black ceramic. Turning to the dial, we’re met with a design that pays homage to the historical cues that helped to define the Kontiki line. The iconic triangular markers filled with luminescent material are contrasted against a textured black dial for optimal legibility. Additional specs include a sapphire crystal, an open case back and 200 meters of water resistance.

Save

Save

It’s been a while since I’ve been drawn to a bronze watch, but the combination of elements here is quite stunning. Bronze, of course, is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of sea water, partly because it oxidizes and forms what is essentially a protective layer that many of us lovingly refer to as patina.

Powering the watch is Eterna’s 3902A, a mass-produced and modular in-house caliber beating 28,8000 bph with a power reserve of 65 hours. Eterna’s caliber 39 base is now the foundation for more than 88 movement references from the brand.

The KonTiki Bronze Manufacture comes on a waterproof brown leather band with a bronze pin buckle. It is limited to 300 pieces and currently available for pre-order with a final retail of $2,650. Eterna

Save