
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Eterna KonTiki, Automatic, ref. 1222.41, 2021
- Maker / attribution
- Eterna (maker)
- Date
- 2021
- Historical period
- Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 42 mm
- Stock no.
- VWS3275
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (VWS3275)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Eterna KonTiki - Automatic - Model Reference 1222.41 - Box & Papers - 2021 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number VWS3275), this is a wristwatch by Eterna, made in Switzerland, dated 2021. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 42 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Superb 2021 Eterna KonTiki Model Ref: 1222.41 in Fantastic Condition, Sold with Original Box and Papers The Eterna KonTiki watch range traces its origins to a legendary maritime adventure in 1947. Named after the Kon-Tiki expedition led by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, the watch was born out of necessity and resilience. Heyerdahl and his crew sailed a balsa wood raft from Peru to Polynesia to prove that ancient civilizations could have made long sea voyages. They relied on Eterna watches for their precision and durability throughout the gruelling journey. Inspired by this feat, Eterna introduced the KonTiki watch in 1958, embodying robustness and reliability. The original design featured water resistance up to 200 meters, a significant achievement at that time, making it ideal for adventurers and divers alike. Over the decades, the KonTiki range has evolved technologically while retaining its iconic aesthetic and adventurous spirit. Today, it stands as a tribute to exploration and human endurance, continuing Eterna's legacy of innovation in horology. What's on Offer The Eterna KonTiki 1222.41 is a distinguished timepiece that epitomizes elegance and robust functionality. The watch features a meticulously crafted stainless steel case, ensuring durability while exuding a sleek, modern aesthetic. Measuring 42mm in diameter, it strikes a perfect balance between presence and comfort on the wrist. The dial is a rich black and grey colourway, providing a striking contrast to the luminous hands and markers that ensure readability in various lighting conditions. Powering this sophisticated watch is the reliable SW200-1 movement, renowned for its precision and longevity. Running well as it should having been inspected and timed by our watchmaker to confirm originality and accuracy! A sapphire crystal protects the dial from scratches, while the date function at the 4.30 position on the dial adds practical utility to its design and aesthetic. Completing the look is a sturdy leather strap, embodying style and substance in one exceptional timepiece. This watch is in superb condition, barely worn, and is sold with its original box and papers. It looks great on the wrist, is comfortable and stylish and will serve the wearer well through all manner of occasions. A great buy!
Historical context
Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)
Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.
Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance
Atlas type guide
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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