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- 1969 Enicar Sherpa 'Jet' MK2 GMT - Mint case - Original Guarantee - Ref. 148-35-02
1969 Enicar Sherpa 'Jet' MK2 GMT - Mint case - Original Guarantee - Ref. 148-35-02
A Fine and Rare iconic watch with its original guarantee.
WHY IS THIS WATCH SPECIAL
First of all, the case is mint and was never repolished, the serial number is sharp and there are no opening scratches.
In 1969 Enicar announced a new two crown GMT et dive watch, based on the automatic AR1145 calibre movement. Dr Hans Hass was a well-known researcher who featured in advertising using the single crown Enicar diver models.
About 1969 a new model Jet was released coinciding with the Mark III Guide.
The baton hands have a thin pencil central lume on the minute hand and a lozenge lume on the hour hand, and the 24h hand is rallye style. The lume dots are reversed from the prior version. Thicker crowns were used. The case became a Supercompressor Sherpa 600, with model number 148.35.02 engraved.
The crown at 2hrs is for adjusting the internal diving countdown disc.
This particular, extremely well preserved model comes with its original guarantee from 1969. All parts are original, even the perfect unfindable crystal.
For more informations on this model, click here.
THE STORY
1854: In early 19th century, the small towns in northwest region of Switzerland such as La Chaux-de-Fonds and Granges, became the centers of Swiss watchmaking. At that time, Racine was a well-known family of watchmaking based in Granges.
1914: Founder Ariste Racine reversed his last name to establish the brand “Enicar”. Ever since, he devoted himself to produce high quality timepieces, among of few, his innovated readable pocket watches, were most-loved by European soldiers and railway crews during WWI.
1930: The new factory set up in Bienne was a significant move that enabled the growth of Enicar’s avant-garde watchmaking excellence. With its name widely spread across European countries, the automatic waterproof collection successfully made its debut to the markets.
1931: Late 30s – 50s were the period of great change. Enicar created a series of Sherpa watches: Dive, Divette and Mini-dive with endurable designs that can live up to extreme harsh environment - corrosive seawater, high pressures, and rapid temperature changes.
1946: With pioneering vision, Enicar’s mechanical watches never ceased to lead the markets with trends. During the 40s, the brand continued to grow with an aim to explore new boundaries. The first chronograph model appeared for the first time in the market marked a prominent step to success.
1951: Enicar took a great step forward with the design of Sherpa jet watches, which were designated by US Air Force during WWII. After war period, Sherpa Collection entered Asian market with gusto to offer Asians both the advanced complications in aviation timing and later on, the mountaineering timing. Today, Sherpa Collection still remains as one of the most remarkable models.
1955: In the early 50s, Enicar received the first certification of accuracy from the renowned Neuchâtel Observatory - the forerunner of C.O.S.C. (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). The certificate was a symbol of highest precision and reliability.
1956: The 1956 Swiss Expedition set out to conquer successfully the summit of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Ranges, was equipped with Enicar chronometers which had brought the world’s acclaim after the ascent. One of the members, Ernst Reiss, credited the watch for its exceptional precision in extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, the waterproof Ultrasonic dive watch – Sea Pearl was introduced.
1957: Enicar Ultrasonic Sherpa Chronometer was installed on the rudder of Mayflower II – the replica of 17th century Mayflower. Though immersed into seawater for the 50-day Atlantic voyage, the watch was proved to run with excellent performance in face of harsh conditions, as credited by the ship Captain Alan Villiers.
1958: The British Formula One Champion Stiring Moss took Enicar Ultrasonic Sherpa Chronometer as the reliable timekeeper at his trials. Struck by exceptional performance, the Sherpa varieties were later on, highly acclaimed by Australian World Tennis Champion Ken Rosewall and British Motorcycle Racing Champion Geoff Duke.
1960: An exhibition illustrating the daily life of Lei Feng, the China's people comrade, showcases the accessories including his Enicar watch - all in his Memorial Hall.
1962: Evolving beyond the traditional confines of watchmaking, Enicar unveiled the latest model – Supertest that featured Rubyrotor movement with 30 jewels. The simplicity of the system guaranteed high precision and kept correct time to the second.
1970: Late 60s to 70s were the world of quartz movements. Enicar introduced quartz watches featuring Beta 21 movement developed by the renowned Centre Eletronique Horloger in Switzerland and had won “The Watch of Precision”.
1993: In 1993, Sotheby’s had a large auction of Soviet space ware, of which the antiques Enicar vintage models firstly became a spectacular part. These timepieces were a splendid collection owned by Sergey Korolyov, the eminent Soviet rocket engineer during 50s – 60s.
1994: Enicar was selected as the official watch sponsor for the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan. In 1996, Enicar also became the official gift sponsor for the Chinese delegations in the 26th Atlanta Olympic Games.
THE DATA
- Maker: Enicar
- Model: Sherpa 'Jet'
- Reference: 148-35-02
- Case N°: 12610XX
- Year: 1969
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimentions (WxHxT): 36x44x14mm
- Caliber: Enicar AR1145
- Bracelet/Strap: Original Enicar Stainless Steel
- Lug width: 18mm
- Box/Papers: Original Enicar 1969 guarantee.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
This iconic diving watch is in very well preserved condition, the serial number is clear and visible and the black dial is flawless. The matching original guarantee makes this legendary watch a rare and very appealing timepiece. All parts are original and untouched. It has a virile and sporty presence on the wrist an can be worn daily. This impressive timepiece will, for sure, draw attention from all the watch collectors who appreciate design and rarity !