Enicar
1964 Enicar Sherpa Guide 33 (Ref. 146/001) Mk II
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.
The Sherpa Guide was Enicar's rendition of a pilot's watch GMT and was a sturdy one at that, featuring numerous tools for tracking multiple locations housed within a waterproof case. The two-part outer bezel included an in-depth world-timer along with a rotating red marker, and the inner rotating "SuperCompressor" bezel is a traditional 24-hour scale. The large 43mm case housed the classic Enicar two-crown setting system, and the Mk II "33" featured the AR 1146 33-jewel movement.
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 # | ENSG33146001 | |
| Brand | Enicar | |
| Style | Sherpa Guide | |
| Model | 146/001 | |
| Serial | 67XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 43 | |
| Bracelet | NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case is remarkably well-preserved with the case retaining all of its unique factory finishing along with its wide chamfers and angles featuring on the broad lugs. The original world time bezel is in superb condition, showing only gentle age with no notable damage, the bezel also retains its independent rotating red marker as well. The case retains its original twin crosshatch Enicar signed crowns. The case back is in exceptional condition, with all of its original factory marking present with only gentle wear. The watch comes supplied on a single-pass nylon NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original silver dial is simply exceptional with no real age or damage present whatsoever. The inner rotating 24-hour bezel is also in fantastic condition which is rare for these watches, only gentle age is present. The original tritium markers all remain present under U.V. light inspection with only nominal degradation present in a few plots, the tritium lume has also aged to a handsome golden color. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light. The 24-hour hand is missing a small piece of its orange paint at its tip.
ACCESSORIES
None. This watch was recently serviced and is functioning and keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.