On the Wrist: The Incredibly Versatile (and Affordable) Eterna KonTiki Ladies Diver Watch

Looking for the perfect gift for the woman in your life who loves the water but also has a real sense of style? Or, looking for the perfect self-purchase for your winter dive trip but not too into buying dive-specific watch? You may want to stop looking after you have taken a close-up study of the Swiss-made Eterna Lady KonTiki Diver watch. Recently, we spent a couple of weeks alternating between two versions of these 200-meter water-resistant watches and we have to say, it was difficult to pack them up and ship them back. These watches, one with a bracelet retailing for $1,950, and one with a black rubber strap retailing for $1,800, are the ultimate envy when it comes to versatility in looks and function at affordable prices.

Right out of the package, the Eterna Lady KonTiki automatic 38mm watches had a look and feel that was super nice. We borrowed and wore the rose gold PVD version with a black dial, black ceramic ring bezel and black rubber strap, and a two-tone steel and rose-gold PVD bracelet model with a lacquered off-white dial and blue ceramic bezel. These watches were first shown at Baselworld 2016 earlier this year and are in stores now.

Both 38mm watches are powered by the Sellita SW200-1 Swiss-made movement and offer 38 hours of power reserve, as well as date at 4:00. Both models feature an unusual touch for a dive watch: 7 Top Wesselton diamond markers. The thing is, the diamonds are so incredibly discreet that you barely even notice they are there – sort of like your own little secret. However, this added detail makes the watches even more versatile, able to go from business to beach with no problem at all.

The color-coordinated rotating bezel with ceramic ring in blue or black (depending on the watch) is incredibly easy to read thanks to the luminescent diver triangle and bold markers and numerals with SuperLuminova coating. The anti-glare sapphire crystal helps with the readability – in both bright sunlight and under water.

We took the watches to the ocean and to the bottom of the pool. Both performed well. In fact, the black one, with great wave pattern on the strap, was immersed in ocean water for several hours and did its job beautifully. The white one was the pool buddy – and also didn’t miss a beat despite hours in the water.

Of course, you would expect this from a watch built by a long-standing highly reputable Swiss watch brand and billed as a dive watch. But what makes these watches so much more alluring is the fact that in addition to function, they have form – and that form is actually a great blend of sensual and elegant. Yes—I did use those words to refer to a dive watch.

As I mentioned, just taking the watches out of the box – they have a little weight to them without being too heavy – so they fit a little like a second skin. The discreet diamonds and the pop of rose gold PVD and color in the bezel make this watch a perfect package for that sort of sporty sexy chic feel.

While I personally liked the black one with rubber strap better at the beach, I actually got more comments while wearing the white dialed bracelet model – perhaps because this one has a more classic, dressy appeal. This is the first time Eterna has brought out a new KonTiki for ladies in 23 years – meaning the brand is paying attention to the demands of today’s women. While we wore the two versions seen here, the watch also comes in a host of other colors.

The other really nice thing about this watch is it comes with a narrative: KonTiki. Just the name conjures up visions of adventure and discovery. For those who love a sea adventure, the story of KonTiki dates back to 1947, when Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and five others crossed the Pacific in a wood raft made of balsa. Their more than 100-day journey across more than 4,000 miles of the most treacherous open waters as they made their way to the Polynesian islands was the stuff of pioneers and legends. In 1962, Eterna unveiled the Super KonTiki watch – to celebrate the spirit of adventure. KonTiki has remained an integral collection in the Eterna lineup.

So, when someone asks, “hey, what’s that watch on your wrist?” you can tell them a great story of history and adventure. Better yet, you can take it off and show it to them, because on the caseback, there is a great engraving of the famed KonTiki raft. Come on, you get sport, sexy, chic, elegant and adventure all in one package for less than $2,000 – get my drift?