Mk4 072-02-01 Enicar Sherpa Graph

There is little that draws my eye like a damn lovely Sherpa Graph. The attraction is threefold: the obvious physical beauty, what an Enicar says about you (i.e. you know watches and care little for snobbery), and the value they present relative to other Valjoux 72 peers. Plus, there’s the collector community which is almost universally comprised of helpful, friendly people. Rolex Forums, Enicar are not. With the recent vintage value explosion of mainstream manufactures such as Rolex and Patek, collectors are increasingly peering into the more dimly lit corners of collecting for attainable and interesting watches. Enicar is one of those dark corners that, when observed closely, you find to actually be a hallway with other rooms attached. There’s dedicated scholarship, a cult following, and some extremely lust-worthy vintage steel to be enjoyed.

The Sherpa Graph was Enicar’s automotive, aviation, and lightweight-watersports offering. Stirling Moss and Jim Clark were strapped with Enicar Sherpa Graphs whilst Jack Heuer and Steve Mcqueen were metaphorically in diapers. Brand ambassadors in this watch’s domain don’t come stronger. The model sustained Enicar through the 60s in full, until production ceased in 1970 in the looming Quartz Crisis. It incorporated a 40mm EPSA compressor case with bayonet lock and Valjoux 72.

This latter Mk4 iteration was introduced in 1967 and though not limited, these navy dials are a tough hunt. This is particularly true of this example, with its lovely taupe inner tachymetre. The Mk4 is distinguished by its handset, where the minut and hour hands are lumed batons with a triangular chronograph hand. The black subdial hands with one orange hand for the minute counter is correct. The crown is signed, and it comes with the lovely Seapearl caseback engraving we’ve come to know and love. There are many more expensive chronographs running a Valjoux 72; there aren’t many as nuanced or storied.

This example has a lovely case, sharp lugs with all their multifaceted angles preserves. All its caseback engravings are still visible. The dial shows no signs of damage, a lovely even slightly-lightened by UV exposure navy tone. The tritium applications all match in a light cream tone. The crown is correct, as are the pushers. It comes from a well-regarded London retailer, sans box or papers.

Find this Mk4 Sherpa Graph here from Subdial for 8250 GBP.