1969 Enicar Sherpa Super Divette 165-35-05

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 Divette ref. 165-35-05 is a beloved anomaly within the Sherpa model lineup, featuring a different case than the more commonly seen Divette, with some models utilizing a black PVD-coated case which was also seen in the Sherp Ops model.

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.

Condition:

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black applied logo dial is virtually flawless, showing no age or damage whatsoever. The orange and grey inner rotating diving 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-yellow coloration, under UV light inspection all the lume plots remain intact with no degradation present. The original tritium hands have achieved a charming creamy patina that coordinates with the dial nicely, under UV light inspection the minute hand shows some degradation while the hour hand and seconds hand remain fully intact.

CASE

The exceptional and unpolished stainless steel case exhibits minimal signs of previous wear with crisp angles throughout. The brushed steel bezel provides a charming contrast to the rest of the case and shows almost no signs of previous use. The case retains its original twin Enicar-signed crowns. The case back retains the factory markings and engravings, along with the 'Sherpa 600' medallion in exceptionally crisp condition with minor tool marks present.

MOVEMENT

The in-house automatic calibre AR165C was just serviced in March 2025.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter

Material: Stainless steel

Crystal: Domed plexi-glass

Caliber: Automatic in-house calibre AR165C

Lug Width: 19mm (can fit 20mm straps)

Serial number:  1366200 (estimated 1969)

Accessories:  NOS rubber ‘tropic’ divers’ strap. No box or papers.