Any watch enthusiast familiar with Eterna likely knows of Eterna’s close association with the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition. I won’t rehash that expedition here (the book and movies are worth your time), but following its successful completion, Eterna adopted the KonTiki name for a number of watch lines. This brings us to the watch in question, the Eterna Kontiki Adventure.

While the KonTiki divers receive the most attention today, one of the newest KonTiki lines is the “Adventure” series. Following a recent viewing of the 2012 Kon-Tiki movie, I was inspired to pick up one of the Adventure models myself. The Adventure line continues the heavily geometric cues from the KonTiki diver line (most notably the triangular elements), but sets off on a course all its own.

The dark grey sunburst dial features turquoise-lumed triangles at 12-3-6-9, with darker blue-lumed hour markers for the remaining positions and the same darker blue lume for the hour and minute hands. As someone who loves geometric design elements (see my Tudor Black Bay 36), I was instantly drawn to this no-numeral, no-date dial. It looks its best when the lumed triangles are charged and glow a bright blue, even in ambient light.

The attention to design is also seen in the mixed-finish case. The brushed bezel and lug tops contrast nicely with the rounded polished sides and lug facets. The 60-minute bezel rotates and provides the only numerals seen anywhere on the watch. The attractive Soprod A-10 movement is visible through the caseback.

Unfortunately, the Eterna Kontiki Adventure is a watch that doesn’t know quite what it wants to be. It arrived on a vintage-styled black strap, but the bold design elements are not vintage. It’s definitely not a dress watch. It might work best for someone who dresses in bold “upscale casual” style for work or a night out. Thus, despite my affinity for the dial design and overall quality, mine will be finding a new home soon.