Petter send in his Super Kontiki.
After a hard life this watch is in need of some love.Thor Heyerdahl’s tiny raft Kon-Tiki, on which he crossed the pacific from Peru to Polynesian islands.The movement looks considerably better than the case!I remove the oscillating weight.Movement out of the case and you can see the bent second hand that needs some attention.The dial looks pretty good!Performance is as expected.Tidy date mechanism.There are some scratches her and there but in overall good contition.Here you can see the quick set lever on the set lever that moves in a slot in the base plate. The underside of the automatic winding mechanism.I remove the cap jewels before removing the balance.Train wheel bridge removed so you can see the gear train.Everything clean and ready for reassembly.The cap jewels back in place and testing that the balance moves freely.The movement is coming back together.I put together the winding mechanism so that I can wind the watch without risking to scratch the barrel.As soon the balance goes back in, the movement starts beating.The date mechanism back in place. I like that black date ring!The Automatic winding mechanism back on the movement.Performances is not bad at all;)I manage to straighten the second hand and apply new luminous compound.The hands back on the dial and looking great!The existing bezel ring is not original and has been silver soldered into place. Christian files away the old solder and turns a generic ring to fit.And what a great result!We have also been able to get the original Eterna crystal and crown.Movement back in the case and looking great.And what an amazing transformation. Christian really did a masterfull job on that bezel ring.This must be one of the coolest divers watches around and I was bidding for it online, but lucky for Petter my apprentice budget stopped me;)
I have the same watch but cannot ‘pop’ the bezel off. Is it just a press fit like early Rolexes and Omegas? Or is there a special technique?
We have a special Bergeon tool for the job.
Can you elaborate on what this tool is. I believe the insert is screwed on, correct? But the bezel itself is pressure-fit? Much appreciated!
Hello
I am Gilbert and live close to Paris
Please, I am looking for the 3 hands for my Kontiki 1424, the same you have repaired.
Please tell me where i can find this
Best regards
Gilbert
Used on ebay is your only chance
Thanks Christian
Great job!
Can you tell me how did you remove the movement out of the case. Did you just remove the wining stem and crown or are there other screws holding the movement to the case?
Also, can you tell me the exact size and other dimensions of the crown?
Thank you. Best regards,
Francisco
I don’t remember – this is long ago…
GREAT JOB!
I have the exact same watch. Can you please tell me where can I get the original Eterna crystal and crown for this model. Mine does not have a screw down crown either.
I know it has been awhile since you serviced this fantastic watch but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and best regards
I’m afraid Eterna is out of crystals and crowns now …
can you get a crystal that will fit this if eterna have no more?
Thank you any ways.
How to remove the bezel in thuis model? And how to put it back ofcourse. I want to buff out a scratch from the crystal.
Bergeon has a special tool to remove bezels. Very expensive I’m afraid …
Thank you for your answer Christian,
Im really fan of your blog btw. I used to pop the bezel of my GMT master 2 with a knife to swap bezels. Is the construction of bezel from he Eterna about the same as an older version of Rolex?
Wow. Just wow. What an incredible job.
really lovely.
question- the super kon-tiki would have had a screw down crown. that does not appear to be the case here. any thoughts?
I know the movement went into production in 1958, and I think the Super Kontiki as well. (Kontiki’s had been around for a while).
The “first generation” did not have a screw down crown, but a pull-out quick set for the date.
So, assuming this one is original, it would date to the late fifties/early sixties. I’ve tried to contact Eterna for more info, but their website and me does not communicate very well! 🙂
Please correct me if I’m wrong, I’m no expert in Eternas …
yes, the very first kon-tikis did not have the screw down. but the super kon-tiki is a slightly different animal. it was absolutely intended to be a dive watch. so, if this particular example does not indicate that a screw down assembly was previously present…well, that would be interesting.
Hmmmm – I love a KonTiki… and a good restoration story 🙂
Can’t wait to have it back! I must admit I had my doubts about whether it was possible to bring it back from the dead … but you did it! Thank you very much!
What a transformation, it looks great!
I’m impressed. It looks good as new.
Nice job, just a shame you couldn’t match up the lume colour with that of the original and the markers.
Any more photos of Christian making the bezel? What insert was used?
Fantastic job!!! I love seeing a watch being brought back to life when it’s been in the wars 🙂
I was wondering next time if you might be able to show us how you re-lume the watch hands. It’s a tough skill to master, but it would be awesome to have some insight into how it’s done.
Thanks again and best wishes to you both 🙂
Regards
Nick