This vintage, steel Enicar Sherpa “Jim Clark” MKIII Chronograph 300, ref. 072-02-01 from the 1960s is a beautiful example of an increasingly sought-after, collectable vintage watch. It has its original, black dial with warm patina on the Tritium hour indices. It also has its original paddle style handset, along with a period-correct, red “lollipop” chronograph hand.  

Colloquially referred to as the "Jim Clark”, the watch was made famous by renowned British Formula 1 driver Jim Clark OBE, who was often photographed wearing the reference. By the time of his passing, Jim Clark was motor-racing’s most successful winner, with 25 Grand Prix victories to his name. Enicar’s association with motorsport also extends to British Formula One Champion Stirling Moss, who chose Enicar’s Ultrasonic Sherpa Chronometer as his personal timekeeper during time trials. The “Sherpa” name is inspired by that of the resilient local carriers of the 1956 Swiss Himalayan expedition to Everest, which relied on Enicar timepieces. These chronographs were intended to be tool watches and were used as such in a range of professional endeavours.

This Enicar Sherpa Graph 300, with serial number 126 XXXX has a round, stainless steel ‘BREVET’ case with large chronograph pushers and an original, Saturn cross-patterned crown. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and is sharp and thick, retaining its definition. The screw-down case back features the Sherpa clamshell hallmark, 'ENICAR' and 'STAINLESS STEEL INCABLOC - ULTRASONIC - SHERPA' on the outside, along with its unique reference numbers. The case has straight-line lugs with sharp bevels and comes on a tan brown suede strap and steel tang buckle.

Interestingly, this MKIII Enicar Sherpa Graph also (unusually) comes accompanied by an Enicar bracelet. Whilst not typically found with this particular reference (in this style), its overall condition suggests the two have been together for quite some time.

The reverse panda configuration displays great legibility, owing to its contrasting black dial and grey outer ‘Tachymeter’ scale. Furthermore, what is characteristic to the watch is the steel-edged, luminous 'paddle' minute and hour hands. Over the years, the lume on this watch has aged to a consistent, dark orange patina, complementing the concentric, grey oversized registers fantastically. It features a white Enicar logo and applied Saturn, while 'SHERPA GRAPH' is referenced on the dial at twelve o'clock. A 'SWISS MADE' marking is visible at six o'clock below the twelve-hour sub-register.

Enicar Sherpa Chronographs such as this ‘Jim Clark’ are differentiated by the use of exceptional mechanical movements. Quartz mechanics dominated much of the late 60s and 70s, including Enicar’s very own Beta 21 quartz movement. This Enicar Sherpa Graph 300 however boasts a 17-jewel Valjoux 72 calibre, the same tried and tested column wheel chronograph mechanism famed for dependability and widespread use by manufactures such as Rolex.

The Enicar Watch Company was established in 1914, after its founder Artiste Racine, started a 'Manufacture d'Horlogerie Ariste Racine' in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Born of an artisanal family, the trademark ‘Racine” had been registered some 44 years prior. An anagram of the family name ‘ENICAR’ formed the symbol of quality the brand came to adopt throughout the 60s and 70s, and relationship with haute-horology associated today. 

Viewings can be arranged in Central London.

Closer look