Enicar Sherpa Super Dive
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1960s
This Enicar Sherpa Super Dive is a vintage wristwatch designed for diving, manufactured in Switzerland during the 1960s. The watch is housed in an Ervin Piquerez S.A.
This case features a dual-crown configuration, with one crown intended for time-setting and the other for operating an internal rotating diver’s bezel. The watch features an automatic movement and a date display positioned at the 3 o'clock mark on the dial. The case back is characterized by a polygonal shape and utilizes a bayonet attachment system for secure closure. While the SuperCompressor architecture allows the watch to remain functional at depths exceeding 600 feet, the design notably lacks screw-down crowns.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Diving watch
- Maker
- Enicar
- Model
- Sherpa Super Dive
- Case type
- SuperCompressor
- Case diameter
- 41mm
- Functionality
- Water resistance to 600 feet
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case back design
- Polygonal with bayonet attachment
- Maker / attribution
- Enicar
Design
- Case and Crowns
- The watch utilizes a 41mm SuperCompressor case manufactured by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA). This housing is notable for its functional, spring-loaded case back which increases pressure resistance when submerged. The case construction omits screw-down crowns, opting instead for a bayonet-style polygonal case back to ensure a secure fit without risking cross-threading. Two crowns are present at the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, both featuring a distinct cross-hatch finish on their exterior surfaces. One crown is designated for setting the time, while the other provides external manipulation of the internal rotating diver's bezel located beneath the crystal.
- Dial and Display
- The dial features applied hour markers treated with luminous material, showing signs of aging. A date window is integrated at the 3 o'clock position, displaying the date in red numerals. The dial is encircled by an internal rotating bezel with dive timing markers, adjusted via the upper crown. The face is signed with the Enicar logo and 'Sherpa Super-DIVE' nomenclature. The overall layout adheres to the functional requirements of mid-century diving instruments, emphasizing legibility through the contrast of the indices against the dark dial surface.
- Visible features
- • Cross-hatch pattern on both crowns • Internal rotating bezel with numeric markers • Date window with red numeral at 3 o'clock position • Applied indices with patinated luminous material
- Background and Technical Context
- Enicar transitioned into the diving watch market in 1958 with the launch of their Sherpa dive series. The company utilized the EPSA SuperCompressor case design, which became a common choice for high-end diving watches throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Despite the lack of screw-down crowns, these cases were rated for depths exceeding 600 feet. The Sherpa line evolved from the earlier Seapearl models, taking its name from the mountain guides who assisted in climbing expeditions. During the 1960s, Enicar developed a wide variety of Sherpa models, with the Super Dive variation representing a specific iteration within this larger collection of sports watches.
Identification
- Reference
- AS01443
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact year of manufacture within the 1960s is not specified
- Research required: The source does not confirm if the luminous material is original to the piece