Enicar
1960s Enicar Sherpa Super Divette (Ref. 145/004)
Enicar today, though still relatively unknown, is known for being one of the more creatively designed vintage “golden era” watches that are still reasonably priced for the quality they offer. Enicar started its roots in La Chaux-de-Fonds Switzerland in 1913, however, it’s their sports models of the 60s and early 70s that collectors today cherish the most. Enicar was an early adopter of the EPSA-designed Super Compressor case and created watches with numerous applications for flying, diving, and racing.
Patented in 1956 by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA), the SuperCompressor case possessed a unique sealing system that set it apart from other dive watch cases of the day. When exposed to higher water pressure, the spring-loaded case back of the SuperCompressor case is sealed even tighter. Another innovation of the SuperCompressor was its approach to securing the bezel. As most diving watch timing bezels of the era rotated outside the case, the Enicar Super Compressor’s timing bezel rotated internally and was operated externally through a secondary crown. Dozens of other brands released dive watches with SuperCompressor cases, the most notable being Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Enicar, Benrus, and Wittnauer.
SPECS
| Stock # | ENSSD145004 | |
| Brand | Enicar | |
| Style | Sherpa Super Divette | |
| Model | 145/004 | |
| Serial | 70XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent and robust case retains all of its unique factory dimensions, wide chamfers, and angles on the broad lugs, showing gentle wear and nominal evidence of being polished in the past. The case retains its original twin crosshatch Enicar signed crowns. The case back retains all of its factory markings, though they are faint from wear but still visible. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original matte black dial is in very well-preserved condition, showing some minor elements of age in the form of darkening on the right side of the dial, though this is mostly invisible to the naked eye and no actual damage is present. The metallic inner rotating diving bezel is also in superb condition, which is rare for these watches, showing only gentle elements of age with the tritium marker fully intact and matching the lume plots on the dial. The tritium lume plots have achieved a charming golden-yellow coloration, under UV light inspection all the lume plots remain intact with no degradation present. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under UV light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.