Many experienced watch collectors know well the connection between famous explorers and their watches. Companies like Rolex, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre are a few of the more notable brands to send their watches on far reaching expeditions. One of the lesser known Swiss brands to do so was Enicar, a brand with certain models really growing in collectability.

Intended for use by pilots, travelers, and airline and marine personnel, the Sherpa Guide gained its name for the fact that Enicar watches had been recently used on an expedition that summited Mt. Everest. It is a wonderfully rugged full-featured travelers watch with a very robust for the era 43mm diameter and its large crowns make it wear even larger than that.

Although it has a 24 hour GMT hand, the watch is better characterized as a World timer. In its advertising, Enicar claimed it was the only watch of its kind. Besides the 24 hour GMT hand it features the names of important cities from around the globe grouped together by time zone and printed on the rotating bezel dial so the owner could see the exact time of any location in the world at just a glance.

Powering the watch is its original Enicar AR1146 automatic movement with date.

Besides is very cool design and both GMT and World Time features, what is quite striking about this watch is its size. Its ESPA Super Compressor divers case. Almost 10% larger than the largest Rolex sport watches from the day, its wide bezel makes it feel much larger than them, and its two large crown further strengthen that feeling.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all of its original parts in honest and pleasing condition.

Unlike what is normally the case with these, the World Time bezel does not show lots of wear. The case back shows light remnants of wear and signs of previous fairly light to moderate polishing; Only the back appears to have been polished - the rest of the case appears never to have been and retains nice lines. The sides of the clasp of its original beads of rice bracelet show wear - otherwise the bracelet presents as scratch-free.

Its untouched original dial presents nicely with darkly toned luminous.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, broaching the center wheel, polishing the original crystal, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Photos of the inside available upon request.

It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new high-level chronometer in our testing position.


Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Enicar:
For those unfamiliar, Enicar made high quality Swiss watches that rivaled the quality of those of Breitling, Tag Heuer, and other more recognized luxury brands. Particularly popular in Asia, where prices for their watches were lower than the companies competing for market share in the luxury market yet of similar quality, Enicar carved out a very successful business. Their watches like the Seapearl 600 faired on par or better in U.S. Navy's tests than the Rolex Submariner 6538 and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Milspec and also scaled Everest on the wrist of Albert Eggler's expedition party.

Enicar is the Swiss watch mogul and founder Ariste Racine's last name spelled backwards.

• Manufacturer: Enicar
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1964
• Case no.: 513,001
• Model: Sherpa Guide 33 GMT (so-called Mark II version)
• Functions: World Time, Automatic, Hours, Minutes, GMT, Date, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case markings (inside): ESPA Swiss Case, Enicar Watch Co.
• Case condition: Honest and pleasing condition. Unlike what is normally the case with these, the World Time bezel does not show lots of wear. The case back shows light remnants of wear and signs of previous fairly light to moderate polishing; Only the back appears to have been polished - the rest of the case appears never to have been and retains nice lines.
• Dimensions: 43mm diameter (without crown)
• Dial:  Matte black with steel applique baton indexes, signed Enicar Sherpa Guide 33, black and white 24 hour markings, aperture for the date, original, excellent condition with light aging
• Hands: Original, batons
• Movement type: Enicar signed automatic caliber AR1146, 33J, shock resistant, gilt finish
• Band: Original, signed Enicar, beads of rice, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. 7 inches, adjustable, The sides of the clasp of its original beads of rice bracelet show wear - otherwise the bracelet presents as scratch-free.
• Width between lugs: 22mm
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, broaching the center wheel, polishing the original crystal, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time on par with with a brand new high-level chronometer in our testing position.
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true.
• Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide