Unpolished 1960s Enicar Sherpa Jet GMT (Ref. 126/002) Black 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 Jet was Enicar's straightforward GMT wristwatch design and was a sturdy one at that. The 36.5mm Super Compressor case is creatively utilized in the application of the Sherpa Jet -- while retaining the same waterproof capabilities of the Super Compressor case as other Sherpa watches, by switching the inner rotating bezel out for a bicolor 24-hour scale and adding the additional 24-hour hand to the hand stack, effectively transformed 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 #		ENSJ126002
Brand		Enicar
Style		Sherpa Jet GMT
Model		126/002
Serial		60XXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Black
Millimeters		36.5
Strap		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The exceptionally well-preserved and robust case retains all of its unique dimensions, wide chamfers, and angles featured on the broad lugs in factory crisp condition, exhibiting gentle signs of use with no evidence of previous polishing present. The smooth bezel is in excellent condition with minimal signs of use present. The case retains its original twin crosshatch Enicar signed crowns. The case back engravings and Seapearl medallion remain exceptionally crisp with almost no wear present apart from some very minor tool marks. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The original glossy black dial is exceptionally well-preserved exhibiting no damage with no notable age present. The bicolor, black and silver, 24-hour inner rotating bezel is also in superb condition, which is rare for these watches, showing only minimal elements of age. The tritium lume plots have achieved a creamy golden patina, under UV light inspection all the lume plots remain intact with no notable degradation present. The original tritium paddle-style hands have aged a shade lighter than the dial lume and coordinate beautifully with the watch overall, under UV light inspection the hands display no degradation.