Enicar Sherpa Ultradive

A Brief History

Enicar was founded in 1914 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Ariste Racine. The company initially started as a manufacturer of pocket watches and small movements.

One of Enicar’s notable achievements was the introduction of the Sherpa line in the 1950s. The Sherpa watches were designed to withstand extreme conditions, including mountaineering and exploration. These robust timepieces quickly gained popularity among adventurers and professionals seeking reliable and durable watches.

During the 1960s, a time when dive watches were gaining popularity, Enicar created the Sherpa Ultradive. This timepiece was designed to meet the demands of professional divers and enthusiasts seeking a reliable and capable dive watch.

Design and Features

The Ultradive boasted an inner rotating bezel, which is adjusted using the top crown. The time was then adjusted with the lower one. Both crowns were protected by the bridge that lay between them. The sturdy “Super Compressor” stainless steel case with a rotating bezel, allows divers to measure elapsed time underwater. With a high water resistance rating of 200 meters, it demonstrated its ability to withstand the challenges of deep-sea exploration. The dial featured luminescent markers and hands for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

The term “Super-Compressor” pertains to an innovative technique for sealing watch cases, which was devised by Ervin Piquerez, a renowned manufacturer of watch cases. This method capitalises on the substantial water pressure experienced by the case when submerged to significant depths, effectively exerting pressure on the case back and enhancing the effectiveness of the o-ring seal. As the depth increases, so does the water pressure, consequently augmenting the sealing capacity.

Enicar offered various iterations of the Sherpa Ultradive, incorporating unique design elements and technical advancements. Some models featured cushion-shaped cases, while others featured traditional round cases. Enicar also introduced innovative features like helium escape valves, ensuring safe decompression during saturation dives.

The Sherpa Ultradive gained recognition among professional divers and organisations. It found favour among underwater exploration teams and received endorsements from renowned divers of that era. The timepiece’s reliability, accuracy, and durability established its reputation as a trusted tool watch for serious divers.

Decline and Resurgence

The popularity of the Ultradive waned during the quartz crisis of the 1970s, resulting in financial challenges for Enicar and the eventual discontinuation of the model. Following its bankruptcy filing in 1987, Enicar underwent a gradual dissolution, with the Enicar name gradually being disassembled. The remaining watch cases were subsequently acquired by the owner of ChronoSwiss.

In a subsequent turn of events, the Enicar brand name was put up for auction and ultimately purchased by an investment company based in Hong Kong.

However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage Enicar timepieces, including the Sherpa Ultradive, reviving the brand’s legacy and increasing its collectibility. Sherpa Watches rebranded in 2019 and revived the Ultradive in 2021. These can be seen here.

The Enicar Sherpa Ultradive remains highly regarded among collectors and dive watch enthusiasts. Its rich history, robust construction, and association with underwater exploration contribute to its allure and enduring presence in the realm of vintage dive watches.