This is an Eterna Kontiki Super dive watch issued to members of Shayetet 13, the Israel Defense Force(IDF)'s elite Naval Commando unit. Like any other special forces units, S'13 members must under go a rigorous training phase that lasts nearly a year and eight months. Many drop out during the initial training phase and only those who have successfully completed the entire training program are issued with the watch along with much coveted crest of the unit. The members then go on to perform much of IDF Navy's Special Warfare missions. The particular watch presented here is believed to be dated to late 1960s during which S'13 engaged in covert ops such as the Green Island Raid.

Watch has IDF issue markings on the caseback and came with Kontiki signed metal bracelet. It's a perfectly sized dive watch, not too big and not too small. The much colorful dial is rarer seen on civilian model of Kontiki Super of the same era. Perhaps IDF had special ordered the particular design. The inner circle within the dial is colored flourecent orange. The second hand is colored slightly darker orange and contrasts well with the overall appearance of the dial. The tritium markers have nicely faded to give that distinct patina of age. I really like the bezel on this Eterna. It slides smoothly in both direction with just the right amount of pressure.

As you can see, some of the codes are in Hebrew. The top part says '1 253761 Z'. The 'Z'-like letter is short for 'Zahal' which means IDF. The bottom marking says '1000 8943 UP OD'. The 'UP'-like letters are shortage for 'catalogue', while the 'OD'-like letters are shortage for 'number'. Thanks goes to Billy in Israel who translated them for me (and who also found me the watch). If you can provide any, please drop me a note. I'll add more information to this review as time goes by.