Tropical 1964 Enicar Sherpa Super Jet GMT (Ref. 146/003) Silver Dial

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 Super Jet was Enicar's straightforward GMT wristwatch design and was a sturdy one at that. The Super Jet model is generally understood to be slightly more uncommon than its smaller sibling model, which is aptly named just the Sherpa Jet. The 40mm Super Compressor case is creatively utilized in the application of the Super Jet, while the watch retains the same waterproof capabilities of the Super Compressor case as other Sherpa watches, altering the inner rotating bezel to a 24-hour bicolor scale effectively transforms the classic Sherpa into a robust GMT.

*Unpolished* 1960s Enicar Sherpa OPS (Ref. 144/35/03A)

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 # ENSSJ146003
Brand Enicar
Style Sherpa Super Jet GMT
Model 146/003
Serial 67XXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Silver
Millimeters 40
Bracelet Enicar Stainless Steel "Bead of Rice" Bracelet
CASE & BRACELET

The impressive and robust case is very well-preserved, retaining all of its unique factory dimensions, wide chamfers, and angles featured on the broad lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of light wear throughout. The smooth bezel is in excellent condition with light signs of use present. The case retains its original twin crosshatch Enicar signed crowns. The case back exhibits some general wear and tool marks from previous services and retains all of its original factory markings and "Seapearl" medallion. The original stainless steel Enicar "beads of rice" bracelet is long with 20 links and shows normal stretch for the style and age of the bracelet. Fully extended within the clasp the watch will fit up to an 8-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original sunburst dial has achieved a beautiful warm "tropical" champagne coloration throughout and shows some gentle signs of age which is expected but does not distract from the attractive and natural vintage aesthetic of the watch. The bicolor 24-hour inner rotating bezel is also in superb condition, which is rare for these watches, showing only gentle elements of age. The tritium lume plots have achieved a charming golden-tan patina, under UV light inspection all the lume plots remain intact, with only minor degradation present in the 6 and 8 o'clock plots. The original tritium hands have achieved a charming creamy patina, under UV light inspection the minute hand shows some degradation while the hour hand and seconds hand remain fully intact. The 24-hour hand is missing a small piece of 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.

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