1973 ENICAR SUPER JET 166-36-01

Enicar is well-known for its Super Compressors and several lines of fascinating tool watches. But many of them didn’t recognize that Enicar also created a number of reputable pilot watches in the middle of the 20th century and even competed with Rolex in their efforts to rule the skies. One of those outstanding timepieces was the Super Jet, which was also one of the legendary Super Compressors of the 20th century and could be clearly identified by its inner bezel of black and white.

The Enicar Sherpa Super Jet Super-Compressor refers to a patented case sealing method developed by watch case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez. The design takes advantage of the water pressure the case is exposed to at depth to press the case back against the o-ring seal. More depth equals more water pressure equals greater seal.

In 1964, the Enicar Super Jet, a bigger variant of the Enicar Jet, was introduced. It had a 40mm diameter, which was large at the period when the majority of wristwatches were 34–36mm in size.  With its larger case and twin crown layout, the Sherpa Super jet is the big brother to the 36mm Sherpa Jet. This, like the latter, features a bi-directional inner GMT bezel, which rotates using the upper of the two crowns (the lower, similarly signed crown sets the time and provides initial winding if required).

This reference 166-36-01 was the last (and most colourful) version of Super Jet released by Enicar before their unfortunate demise in the late 1970s (due to the ‘quartz crisis’).  Utilising a revised case (43x44mm) with its combination of brushed and polished surfaces and short lugs. The 24 hour bezel has a vibrant yellow (night track), the minute markers with lovely orange tails and then there's that unique chequered GMT hand! All wonderful details.

Specifications

Fitted with an automatic movement, gilt-finished, 27 jewels, monometallic balance with timing screws, flat hairspring, shock absorbers, snap on case back engraved “Sherpa 600”, “Seapearl” case water-resistant to 200m (at the time). Dial, case, and movement signed. Dim. 44.60 x 43 mm. Thickness 13.65 mm. The Sherpa Super Jet, Ref. 166-36-01, is illustrated and described in Enicar, A time to change, by Martijn Van Der Ven, first edition, page 248.

Condition

This watch in mint, NOS-like condition with no visible scratches on the exterior.

Likewise the dial & hands have no visible imperfections. All lume “pips” are fully intact an have lovely patina.

Service history is of the watch is not known, however on the timegrapher the movement indicates a strong amplitude of 296, gaining approximately 28 seconds per day.  Crowns operate correctly and time setting is smooth.