Watch lovers each have “holy grail” watches. These are prized pieces that are rare and desirable to the watch lover. They are sometimes new watches, old watches, expensive watches, or just plain rare watches. Here is an interesting one from Eterna, in the best condition I have ever seen. This is the Eterna Super KonTiki, which is a diver’s watch at heart. Eterna is a laudable brand that just made a reappearance in the US after not being officially sold in the US for some time. I am glad to see them back. Back to the Super KonTiki at issue.

In the 1970s, Eterna started to supply the elite forces of the Israeli military with Eterna watches, most of them being this style of Super KonTiki. Most of those special forces were part of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) commando unit. This is the same group that was known for going on covert missions all over the world seeking out WWII war criminals, and performing missions on terrorist enemies (recall the movie Munich). Most of these highly trained certified bad asses wore Eterna watches. As you can imagine, this high impact duty was hell on the watches, even though they were ruggedly built. A few of these watch are available, but so few are in such good condition as this one is. I’ve seen these watches go for thousands, even in poor condition.

You know this watch is part of the original government issued watches because it is complete with the engraved serial number and Hebrew lettering on the caseback. Not surprisingly, this watch is being offered from Israel, where the watch probably resided since coming there from Switzerland. The watch itself has some signs on wear, most of which should be able to be cleaned off. I’ve never seen anything like this Super KonTiki, and it is a real part of not only watch history, but Israeli military history. The movement is an Eterna-matic automatic, and the bracelet is original. Often times these watches have also been placed on rubber diver straps. The price is close to $4,000, but an offer can be made, which I suggest you do. Eterna

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

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