Enicar Sherpa Ultrasonic Seapearl 120/013 AR 1121

What does the Brevet 314962 engraving mean on this watch?

The Brevet 314962 engraving on the caseback means this Enicar uses an original, Swiss-patented super compressor case made by EPSA (Ervin Piquerez S.A.). Instead of a simple snap-on or screw-down back, this design uses a special bayonet system and gasket that are pressed tighter as external water pressure increases. In its day, this made the watch one of the more serious water-resistant and diving-oriented models on the market.

For a buyer today, this detail is both a technical and a collector’s highlight. Technically, it shows the watch is built with an advanced case construction that goes beyond standard “waterproof” watches of the era. Collectors also value Brevet 314962 because it is closely associated with Enicar Sherpa and Seapearl models from the late 1950s and early 1960s, which are now sought-after vintage dive watches. Please note that, as with any vintage watch, original water resistance is not guaranteed today without proper servicing and pressure testing.

Enicar Sherpa Supercompressor 1963 — First impression - AR 1121

The Enicar Sherpa Supercompressor Ref. 120/013 from 1963 is a compact yet highly technical vintage dive timepiece that embodies early Swiss experimentation with advanced water-resistant cases. Its matte black dial, gilt printing and applied markers create a purposeful but elegant aesthetic, while the date at three o’clock adds everyday practicality. The distinctive Sherpa script and Saturn logo immediately identify it as part of Enicar’s most collectible family. Combined with an EPSA super compressor case, original armed Enicar plexiglass and a period-correct NOS Tropic band, this watch offers both genuine tool-watch pedigree and refined mid-century design. It is a collectible historic wristwatch that sits comfortably between skin diver and full professional diver, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety over bulk.

Matte black Sherpa dial

The dial is a deep matte black, designed to eliminate reflections and maximise contrast under changing light. Applied gilt markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 alternate between Arabic numerals and block indices, while slim baton markers fill the remaining hours. Each baton carries a small lume plot at its base, now tastefully aged, providing the low-light readability expected from a diving-oriented watch of this era. A precise minute track encircles the dial, useful for timing decompression stops or everyday tasks. At three o’clock, a framed date window with white disc and black numerals introduces welcome practicality without dominating the design. Gilt “ENICAR” and the Saturn logo at twelve, paired with the flowing “Sherpa” script at six, complete a dial layout that is both functional and distinctly Enicar.

Sherpa Supercompressor Hands

The hand set follows the Sherpa tool-watch formula. Broad dauphine hour and minute hands in polished metal carry central lume strips, ensuring excellent legibility against the matte black background. Their bold geometry and differing lengths make it easy to read the time at a glance, even when the watch is viewed off-axis. A slender central seconds hand sweeps the full width of the dial, featuring a small circular counterweight near the pinion. The luminous material has developed an even patina that matches the hour markers, reinforcing the watch’s originality and adding to its vintage character while still supporting functional legibility.

EPSA super compressor stainless steel case

The 35.0 mm stainless steel case is a classic early EPSA super compressor design, compact yet substantial on the wrist. Short, slightly faceted lugs extend cleanly from the round central body, giving an effective lug-to-lug length of around 42.0 mm and allowing the watch to hug the wrist securely. The fixed external bezel is a slim polished ring, framing the original armed Enicar plexiglass crystal and focussing attention on the dial. Caseback engravings include “Sherpa”, “Ultrasonic”, “Incabloc”, “Seapearl”, “Swiss”, the reference 120/013 and the Brevet 314962 patent mark, confirming both the super compressor construction and Enicar’s positioning of this model as a serious water-resistant timepiece. Inside, the caseback is signed EPSA Swiss Case and Enicar Watch Co. Swiss, underscoring the watch’s authentic vintage Swiss watchmaking pedigree.

Crown

The crown at three o’clock is proportioned for secure operation while maintaining the streamlined profile expected from a super compressor case. Its coin-edge knurling offers excellent grip for winding and setting, even with wet or gloved fingers, which is particularly important given the watch’s diving orientation. The crown nests neatly against the case flank, minimising the risk of accidental knocks while still remaining easy to access. Its design complements the rest of the case architecture, contributing to the overall impression of a carefully engineered tool watch rather than a simple dress piece.

Enicar Sherpa Supercompressor Tropic Strap

This Sherpa is fitted with a high-quality original Tropic band from the 1960s, a period-correct NOS rubber strap that greatly enhances both comfort and collectability. The strap features the characteristic textured surface and ventilated holes that made Tropic bands popular among divers, allowing water and air to circulate while keeping weight low. Its black colour harmonises with the dial and stainless steel case, giving the watch an authentic vintage dive-watch appearance. For collectors, the presence of an original Tropic band is a significant bonus, as many examples on the market are now found on later service straps or generic leather replacements.

Enicar Sherpa AR 1121 manual movement and precision timekeeping

Powering this Enicar is the in-house calibre AR 1121, a manually wound movement configured here with date. Built during a period when Enicar was heavily invested in its own mechanical engineering, the AR 1121 is known for robust construction and reliable long-term performance. The movement employs Incabloc shock protection, as indicated on the caseback, and operates at a traditional frequency suited to durability and ease of servicing. In this example, the calibre has been fully serviced by a professional watchmaker, ensuring clean lubrication, secure amplitude and stable rate performance. The tactile act of daily winding not only connects the wearer to the watch’s mechanical heart, but also underscores the difference between this Swiss-made tool watch and modern quartz instruments.

Heritage of the Enicar Sherpa Supercompressor in 1960s Swiss diving

The Sherpa line is central to Enicar’s contribution to vintage Swiss diving history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Enicar partnered with EPSA to use super compressor cases in its Sherpa and Seapearl models, creating robust, water-resistant watches aimed at professional and recreational divers. These watches accompanied expeditions and mountaineering ventures, helping cement the Sherpa name as a symbol of rugged reliability. The Ref. 120/013 with AR 1121 manual wind movement sits in that early generation of Sherpa Supercompressors, defined by modest case sizes, clean dials and serious engineering. Today these pieces are highly regarded among collectors for their blend of vintage Swiss watchmaking, innovative case technology and real-world exploration heritage.

Condition, originality, warranty & worldwide shipping

This Enicar Sherpa Supercompressor is offered in attractive used condition with a strong emphasis on originality. The matte black dial shows even ageing, with intact gilt print, matching patina on the lume plots and correct Sherpa script. The stainless steel case retains its sharp lines, clear Brevet 314962 and model engravings, and the original armed Enicar plexiglass crystal is present. The AR 1121 manual wind movement is fully serviced, fully operational and retains all original components, supported by a 12-month mechanical warranty. The NOS Tropic band completes the package, making the watch ready to wear while preserving period authenticity. discover additional diving vintage watches with historic Swiss water-resistant designs across our store.