1970s Eterna Super Kontiki Israeli Defence Military Divers Watch

Brand - Eternamatic

Model - Super Kontiki

Refererence - 

Year - 1972

Dimensions - 40mm

Lume -  Tritium

Dial - Exotic, tropical dial

Movement -  Cal. 1489k

Accessories - Eterna Kontiki bracelet, Eterna box

Produced circa 1970, this Eterna Super KonTiki diver was conceived as a no-compromise professional tool watch and, in this rare configuration, produced for the Israeli Defense Forces.

 

This outstanding example features the highly distinctive solid gold medallion raft case back, engraved in Hebrew with a military issue number, firmly anchoring its genuine service provenance. The dial is nothing short of exceptional: a red circular ringed sector configuration that has aged into a truly remarkable tropical surface, offering deep tonal warmth seldom encountered—particularly on military-issued Eterna divers. To our knowledge, while one or two examples have surfaced in the wider market, none display a tropical transformation of this calibre.

 

The watch is fitted with correct baton hands and original tritium lume, now beautifully aged to a rich deep pumpkin hue, perfectly consistent across dial and hands. A bi-directional dive bezel, domed acrylic crystal, and large unsigned screw-down crown underline its utilitarian intent. Powering the watch is Eterna’s respected automatic calibre 1489, engineered for durability and reliability, and originally rated for 200 metres of water resistance.

 

While these watches were typically issued on NATO straps to be worn over diving attire, this example is exceptionally accompanied by its original stainless steel bracelet, complete with the correct KonTiki flip-lock clasp—a rare and highly desirable survival.

 

Condition is everything with military watches, and examples preserved in such all-original, honest configuration are exceptionally scarce. Built with hard-wearing dials, robust cases, and uncompromising construction, these watches were designed to endure real operational use—many did not survive unscathed.

 

This is a true military-issued diver, steeped in Cold War and Middle Eastern conflict history, and a watch that stands comfortably alongside issued tool watches from Blancpain, Doxa, Tudor, and Heuer.

 

A piece defined not by hype, but by authenticity, provenance, and quiet scarcity—the kind of watch that seasoned collectors immediately recognise, even if it passes unnoticed by the casual eye.