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Dje's reflective post delves into the motivations behind acquiring a dive watch, moving beyond aspirational 'hero worship' to practical considerations and personal connection. His journey to finding an Eterna Kontiki highlights the balance between brand prestige, functional requirements, and budget, offering a relatable perspective for any collector seeking a reliable tool watch.
A month ago I was once again, like each year, fighting against the nearly irresistible need of buying a Rolex watch for diving. Not that I plan to enter the Comex, or even the Ifremer that is more my local culture, but living on the seaside means that you can easily get caught on a ride on the ocean!
The bad summer weather meant very little time spent underwater so I was probably missing some beach time.
I easily resisted the IWC competition daily brought back by the vision of the Calypso in front of my office on the other side of the harbour.
Still I rapidly realized that once again I was looking for a tool watch for boating and diving, looking at vintage Rolexes that can hardly be a tool anymore, and risking to be looked at if I had the idea to choose a modern and shiny modern Submariner.
I had to find another solution and my budget was limited too, much too limited for an obvious JLC Diving GMT and even more for the other possible choices.
42mm of heavy steel
So I looked back in my old catalogues and brought back to the surface a watch I had seen two or three times and that had really marked my mind.
Inner bezel
Eterna produced for a few years an upscale version of its Kontiki diving watch, limited to 250 pieces a year. I could remember what I had at the time appreciated as superior build and finish.
A proper sport watch
Eterna is a very old and respectable brand although they've lacked the glamour necessary to shine in the last years. I wonder why because it is owned by the Porsche family, makes very nice watches, is even a real manufacture today. Eterna was also before a manufacture before its calibre department got separated to became ETA, no less!
Matt dial and brushed steel
The Kontiki line is dedicated to the 7600 kms crossing from Peru to Polynesia made in 1947 by the Norvegian scientist Thor Heyerdahl and his 5 crew in 97 days on a very small boat called Kontiki.
A nearly unknown legend
The Kontiki was built like a prehistorical boat could have been built to prove that populations could have made the same trip centuries before.
I love boats
Obviously Eterna diving watches specially made for the team were on their wrists and performed flawlessly. The Kontiki watch was born.
A diver's watch
Thor Heyerdhal died six years ago. Don't hesitate to search about his fascinating life! My grandfather died two years later. Don't look after him he was unknown, but not by me!
I had seen an Eterna on his wrist all long of his life since the 5th of January 1972, as is testified by the original papers I keep preciously with that watch. The watch was never serviced in that long time and stopped only was he was in the hospital. It is now serviced and it is my watch for the great times of my life!
Solid bracelet and very nice clasp
My little collection will soon welcome another diving watch named Polaris, but I will keep this Kontiki for my boating activities as it is the original intention of my choice, a watch to live!
The Kontiki
I hope to share more with you about this watch next year when the summer will be back !
Screw down crown
At least I know that sometime I wear a watch that bear the same name that the watch one of my heroes was bearing! 
Best regards
Dje
The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is notable as the first Submariner model to feature a date complication, marking a significant evolution for the line. Introduced in the late 1960s, it bridged the gap between the earlier no-date Submariners and later iterations, offering enhanced functionality while retaining the robust characteristics of the professional tool watch. This reference is distinguished by its single cyclops date magnifier on the crystal, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent Rolex models.
This reference typically features a 40mm steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is acrylic, commonly referred to as Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. Water resistance for the 1680 is rated at 200 meters, consistent with its design as a reliable underwater instrument.
For collectors, the reference 1680 is highly sought after, particularly early examples with "Red Submariner" dials where the word "Submariner" is printed in red. These variants represent a distinct period in Rolex's production history and are prized for their rarity and aesthetic appeal. The 1680 appeals to those who appreciate the blend of historical significance, functional design, and the tangible qualities of vintage Rolex manufacturing.
And a clever choice, my friend... So, this is the end of the teasing, my friend? LOL To answer to your question, Identify ourself as our heroes is part of the decision we make when choosing a watch, yes, it may be! Lucky you that you didn't identify yourself to a SAS Member, or your wwould end up with a Rolex Sub 5517! LOL Coming back to your new Eterna, yes, this is a clever choice. This is a lovely watch, with, which is a characteristic of Diving Watches, a very strong and appealing look. I lo
I don't think I have ever bought a watch because of a persons name on it(apart from the maker) or who is the brands "so called" brand ambassadors. In fact I've probably been turned off with some of them. Slytech - Sylvestor Stallone aaaaagghhh!!!!
So you're a Panerai Fan, too? Best. nicolas
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