
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Eterna-Matic, Kontiki 20 Date, Blue Dial 36mm, circa 1968
- Maker / attribution
- Eterna (maker)
- Date
- c. 1968
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- vws3020
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3020)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Eterna-Matic - Kontiki 20 Date - Blue Dial 36mm - c.1968 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3020), this is a wristwatch by Eterna, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1968. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. 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
Beautiful Vintage Eterna-Matic Kontitki 20 Dating to 1968 with Lovely Blue Dial Eterna Watches, a renowned Swiss luxury watch brand, has a fascinating history that spans over 160 years. Founded in 1856 by Urs Schild and Joseph Girard, the company initially began as a small watchmaking workshop in Grenchen, Switzerland. Throughout the years, Eterna Watches became known for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. In 1905, the brand introduced one of its most significant inventions - the revolutionary EternaMatic movement. This self-winding mechanism set new standards in precision and reliability and became an industry benchmark. Eterna continued to thrive over the decades, captivating watch enthusiasts with its exceptional timepieces. The Eterna-Matic Kontiki was named after the famous 1947 journey across the Pacific Ocean by Raft from South America to the Polynesian Islands led by the Norwegian writer and explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The raft in question was named the Kontiki after the Inca god Viracocha. What's on offer This lovely blue dial makes this Eterna-Matic Kontiki pop with colour. Dating to 1968, the condition of this watch is unbelievable. The stainless steel case boasts its factory shine with only light blemishes present on the underside and side profile of the watch. The dial presents itself in a new-like condition in a dazzling blue tying in nicely with the chrome hour markers and baton hands. Internally you can find the ETA base calibre 1489k movement with 17 jewels and a lengthy power reserve of 49 hours. Paired with a blue leather strap which contrasts excellently with the blue dial, this watch is an excellent everyday wear but also has the capabilities of a classy dress watch and would be a great addition to anyone's collection.
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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.
Related records
Wristwatches · 1945
Wristwatch by Eterna, 1945
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1900–1999
Wristwatch by Eterna, Sweden, 1900–1999
Nordic Museum Foundation
Wristwatches · c. 1930s
Eterna wristwatch, c. 1930s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · 1934
Pocket watch by Eterna, Switzerland, 1934
Turun kaupunginmuseo
Wristwatches · c. 1945
Breitling Premier, ref. 790, c. 1945
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1945
Universal Genève Uni-Compax, ref. 22492, c. 1945
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1950s
Baume & Mercier wristwatch, c. 1950s
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1950
Jaeger Lecoultre Triple Calendar, c. 1950
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
