Enicar Sherpa Graph Ref. 072-02-01 (1960s Chronograph)

The Enicar Sherpa Graph is one of those watches that serious collectors whisper about. While the big names in vintage chronographs (Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster, Heuer Autavia) dominate the headlines and the auction records, the Sherpa Graph has been quietly building a devoted following among enthusiasts who appreciate its racing heritage, its exceptional movement, and its increasingly scarce supply. Ref. 072-02-01 is the reference that most collectors seek, and finding one in honest, original condition has become genuinely difficult.

A Brief History of Enicar

Enicar was a Swiss watch company founded in 1913 in Lengnau, Bern. The name is actually "Racine" (the founding family's surname) spelled backwards. For much of the 20th century, Enicar produced well-regarded watches that competed directly with the biggest Swiss brands. They were particularly strong in the sports and diving watch categories, and their quality was widely respected within the industry.

The company had a real presence in motorsport during the 1960s, sponsoring racing teams and drivers. This is where the Sherpa Graph enters the picture and earns its place in horological history.

The Jim Clark Connection

The Sherpa Graph is inextricably linked with Jim Clark, the legendary Scottish Formula 1 driver who won two World Championships (1963 and 1965) and the Indianapolis 500. Clark was frequently photographed wearing an Enicar Sherpa Graph, and the association between the driver and the watch has become one of the great stories in vintage watch collecting.

Clark was not simply a paid endorser. Enicar had a genuine relationship with the Lotus F1 team, and Clark appears to have worn the watch by choice. His tragic death at Hockenheim in 1968 at just 32 years old cemented his legend, and with it, the legend of the watch he wore.

The Valjoux 72 Movement

At the heart of every Sherpa Graph beats the Valjoux 72, one of the most celebrated manual-winding chronograph movements ever produced. This is the same caliber that powered the early Rolex Daytona (as the Rolex 722 or 727), the Heuer Autavia, and numerous other legendary chronographs of the era.

The Valjoux 72 is a column-wheel chronograph with a lateral clutch, offering a buttery-smooth pushbutton feel and precise timing capability. It operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) and provides a running seconds subdial, 30-minute chronograph counter, and 12-hour chronograph counter. The movement is robust, serviceable, and capable of excellent accuracy when properly maintained.

Enicar used the Valjoux 72 in its standard manual-winding form. The movement is hand-wound through the crown, and a well-maintained example will run for approximately 45 hours on a full wind.

Understanding the Mark Variations

The Sherpa Graph was produced in several distinct variations (commonly called "Marks" by collectors), all sharing the 072-02-01 reference number. Understanding these variations is essential for collectors:

Mark I (circa 1962-1963)

The earliest Sherpa Graphs feature a distinctive dial layout with applied indices and an outer tachymeter scale. These are the rarest and most valuable variants, particularly in original, unrestored condition.

Mark II (circa 1964-1965)

The Mark II refined the dial design and is the variant most closely associated with Jim Clark. It features a clean, legible dial with applied hour markers and a contrasting minute track.

Mark III (circa 1966-1967)

Further dial refinements distinguish the Mark III. Some examples feature different subdial configurations or slightly modified case details.

Mark IV (circa 1967-1968)

The final iteration of the 072-02-01, the Mark IV appeared in late 1967. It retains the essential character of the earlier versions while incorporating minor cosmetic updates. Mark IV examples are somewhat more common than earlier Marks but remain highly collectible.

The EPSA Case

Sherpa Graph cases were manufactured by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA), a renowned Swiss case maker. The EPSA "Seapearl" case design features a distinctive screw-back with the Enicar Sherpa clamshell logo. The case measures approximately 39mm in diameter (not including the crown), with 20mm lug width.

Inside the case back, you will typically find a date stamp indicating the month and year of manufacture (for example, "6-66" indicates June 1966). This date stamp is one of the most reliable ways to narrow down when a particular watch was produced.

The case is stainless steel throughout and was rated for water resistance, hence the "Sherpa" branding that Enicar used for their more robust sport watches.

Condition and What to Watch For

Buying a vintage Sherpa Graph requires careful attention to originality and condition. Here is what to examine:

Dial Condition

The dial is the single most important element. Original, unrestored dials with honest patina are far more valuable than refinished dials, even if the refinished dial looks "better" cosmetically. Look for:

• Consistent lume patina across hands and indices (mismatched lume suggests replacement parts)

• No signs of repainting (check under magnification for brush strokes or uneven text)

• Tritium lume plots that match the correct profile for the Mark variant

• Original printing that is crisp, even if slightly faded

Case Condition

Examine the case for:

• Sharp lug edges (over-polished cases lose their definition)

• Correct crown (should be signed Enicar)

• Original pushers (replacement pushers are common)

• Legible case back engravings and date stamps

• No case stretching from improper case back removal

Movement

Have the movement inspected by a watchmaker experienced with Valjoux 72 calibers. Look for:

• All original parts (replacement chronograph wheels or springs are common)

• Clean, functional chronograph operation

• Smooth winding action

• Good amplitude and accuracy on a timegrapher

Market Values

The Sherpa Graph market has heated up significantly in recent years as collectors have discovered this "under the radar" chronograph.

Condition	Mark I	Mark II	Mark III	Mark IV
Exceptional (all original, excellent dial)	$15,000 - $25,000	$12,000 - $20,000	$10,000 - $16,000	$8,000 - $14,000
Good (original dial, normal wear)	$8,000 - $15,000	$7,000 - $12,000	$6,000 - $10,000	$5,000 - $8,000
Fair (refinished dial or replaced parts)	$4,000 - $8,000	$3,500 - $7,000	$3,000 - $6,000	$2,500 - $5,000
Project (non-running or significant issues)	$2,000 - $4,000	$1,800 - $3,500	$1,500 - $3,000	$1,200 - $2,500

Prices on Chrono24 for 072-02-01 examples currently range from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 for presentable examples, with exceptional pieces commanding premiums above these ranges.

Fakes and Frankenwatches

As values have risen, so has the prevalence of problematic watches. Common issues include:

• Franken-builds: Watches assembled from parts of multiple Sherpa Graphs (or even from other Enicar models). The case, dial, hands, and movement should all be consistent with a single Mark variation.

• Redials: Aftermarket dial refinishing that attempts to replicate the original printing. Redials are sometimes detectable by overly crisp text, incorrect font weight, or misaligned printing.

• Replacement hands: Hands from other Enicar or Valjoux 72-powered watches may fit but are not correct for the Sherpa Graph.

• Aftermarket modifications: Added lume, replaced crystals with incorrect profiles, or polished cases.

The best protection is buying from dealers who specialize in vintage chronographs and who stand behind their sales. The Enicar collector community (active on several watch forums and social media groups) can also provide guidance and second opinions.

What to Look for When Buying

1. Originality over cosmetics. A well-patinated, unrestored watch is worth significantly more than a polished, refinished example. Embrace the honest wear.

2. Verify the Mark variant. Make sure the dial, case, and hands are all consistent with the same production period.

3. Check the movement. Request a photograph of the movement or have it inspected. A genuine Valjoux 72 with original parts is essential.

4. Examine the case back. The Sherpa clamshell logo and date stamp should be clearly legible. The inside case back should show the EPSA markings.

5. Ask about service history. A recently serviced watch with a known service record is preferable to one of unknown mechanical condition.

6. Join the community. Connect with Enicar collectors through forums like WatchUSeek, Omega Forums (which has an active vintage section), and Instagram. These communities are generous with knowledge and can help you evaluate potential purchases.

7. Be patient. Good Sherpa Graphs do not come up for sale every day. It is better to wait for the right watch than to compromise on one with issues you will regret later.

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