Enicar Sherpa Graph Mark IV, Rare, Impressive and Extremely Clean, Circa 1967
This is an excellent example of the rare Enicar Sherpa Graph Mark IV from 1967. Enicars are increasingly sought-after collectible vintage watches because of their interesting, oversized case designs, bold and innovative dials, high-quality movements, and the association of the brand with legendary sports personalities. Famed Scottish Formula 1 race car driver Jim Clark wore an early version of this Sherpa Graph from 1960. Later in his career he presented his chief mechanic Dick Scammell with a newer version of the Sherpa Graph in appreciation for helping him win the F1 World Championship.
Sherpa Graphs were the first chronographs to make use of white sub-dials against a black background and were influential in the design of other more famous auto-racing watches, such as the Rolex Daytona and the Universal Geneve Compax.
Mark III Sherpa Graph
The Mark III model was released as Enicar model number 2343 and upgraded to a Sherpa 300 bayonet Seapearl back (circa 1965). The second hand had a round lollipop red dot, and the sub-dials all had stick pointers. On the dial, the word tachymeter was sometimes used instead of tachymetre for the 500 scale, and the scale went to 300 or 500, and rarely 1000.
The case back also featured 072/001 as a designation, with number 72 referencing the Valjoux 72 movement. The same movement that was used in the early Rolex Daytona.
Condition Report
The bold case with thick, masculine lugs is unpolished and measures 40mm in diameter. The case is actually 50mm from lug-to-lug but wears comfortably because of the downturned lugs. The case presents only light scratches consistent with age. The perfect original black dial is free of any defects, and the Tritium hour indices have picked up a warm and uniform ivory patina. The watch has its original paddle style handset, along with a period-correct, red lollipop chronograph hand.
Model: Sherpa Graph Chronograph 300 MKIV – Ref. 072-02-01
Functions: chronograph, hours, minutes, sub-seconds
Features: tachymeter scale, unrestored dial
Case: 40 mm stainless steel
Crystal: plexiglass
Technical Data
Movement: Mechanical manual-winding Cal. Valjoux 72
Jewels: 17
Power Reserve: 48 hrs
Frequency: 18,000 VpH
The Valjoux 72 VZH (“Valjoux Counter Heures”) is a celebrated hand-winding chronograph movement produced from 1938 through 1974. Implementing Willy Breitling’s dual-pusher design with a column wheel, it remains desirable to this day. The design of the chronograph works, visible at the back, are particularly appealing.
