
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Eterna-Matic KonTiki 20 (Ref. 130FTT) Grey Dial, 1960s
- Maker / attribution
- Eterna (maker)
- Date
- 1960s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- EMK20130FTT-2
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (EMK20130FTT-2)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1960s Eterna-Matic KonTiki 20 (Ref. 130FTT) Grey Dial (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number EMK20130FTT-2), this is a wristwatch by Eterna, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. 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 — Craft & Tailored
Many iconic timepieces have been closely associated with expeditions, especially in the tool watch category, from the highest mountain accents to the deepest depths of the ocean, and even into outer space – the need for accurate timekeeping has always been a top priority. In 1947, there was a trek by raft from South America to the Polynesian Islands to establish the heritage of the indigenous Polynesians. That trek was known as the KonTiki expedition and its guide, Thor Heyerdahl, wore an Eterna on his wrist. In 1958, Eterna paid tribute to Thor and his incredible odyssey by using the KonTiki designation on the brand's most rugged watches. This KonTiki 20 is a descendant of that line, featuring a fantastic dark silver/grey dial with large hour indices and a date window at 3 o'clock. It's an understated, robustly built piece designed for exploration and discovery. And while you may wear it on a rafting expedition, it'll look good no matter what it's being put through. SPECS Stock # EMK20130FTT-2 Brand Eterna-Matic Style KonTiki 20 Model 130FTT Serial 530XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver Millimeters 37 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The excellent stainless steel case appears to have been lightly polished in the past but still shows its original factory dimensions with honest signs of use. The case retains its original unsigned screw-down crown. The case back retains its original gold KonTiki medallion which shows signs of gentle polishing as well. The watch comes supplied on a two-piece leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The dark silver dial is in beautiful condition with no notable marks of wear. The original lume plots have taken on a handsome dark cream patina and exhibit nominal degradation when inspected under UV light. The hour indices feature white enamel inlays that are still stark white. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under UV light inspection, the hands retain their original white enamel inlays as well. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.
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.
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