Enicar Aquagraph

Why We Love It

In 1960 Enicar released the Sherpa Graph. It featured a distinctive 40mm case manufactured especially for Enicar by Ervin Piquerez, SA, or EPSA, famous for their SuperCompressor cases used throughout the Swiss watch industry. Known as the Bayonet Case, it differed from the SuperCompressor case in that the case back was shaped differently, reminiscent of a mount for a camera.

Enicar marketed the Sherpa Graph to all manner of sportsmen, like Sir Stirling Moss (who appeared in their advertisements, declaring the watch to be “the watch [he] always wanted”). But the watch also found a niche among other sportsmen of a more aquatic kind. The Bayonet case’s construction made it ideal as a diver’s chronograph.

As with the Sherpa Graph, the Aquagraph came with a variety of dials, from the silver-on-silver to the rare all-black configuration seen here.

This particular Aquagraph pairs the tapered triangular hands of later versions with the stunning black dial, which is reminiscent of the Enicar SuperCompressor. But touches of color like the wedge-shaped chronograph sweep hand and the inner ring on the bezel make it a truly stunning watch, visually speaking. Technically, it is powered by the Valjoux 72, one of the most desirable chronograph movements known to man.

Enicar summed up the Aquagraph by calling it “another really rugged attractive chronograph.” On an Enicar-signed beads of rice-style bracelet, this Aquagraph is certainly all that—and more.  

The Story

While being still relatively unknown in the United States, Enicar is brand with roots reaching back into the 19th century Swiss clock making community of Granges near Le Chaux-de-Fonds.  The brand's progenitor, Ariste Racine (who derived the name 'Enicar' from reversing his own last name) grew the company steadily into the 20th century when they receive wide acclaim for their robust pocket watches that became favorites among officers in WWI.  

By the 1930s, Enicar was producing wristwatches and set its sites on building watches that could be worn in any environment.  Drawing from the needs of mountaineers and explorers, Enicar launched their Sherpa line, developing various sports models through the 1960s.  Among these was the Sherpa Guide, a beefy tool watch that incorporated date, GMT and 24-hour timing functions that, when used in conjunction with the world-time bezel, enabled the wearer to calculate the time in major cities across the world.      

Accordingly, in 1967 Enicar released the Aquagraph. The Aquagraph featured a rotating bezel, which allowed divers to “record either time elapsed or time available by setting the cursor and the bezel.” However, unlike other chronographs with rotating bezels, the Aquagraph’s had a cursor at 12 o’clock which allowed the wearer to “record either time elapsed or time available by setting the cursor and the bezel.” 

In advertisements, Enicar boasted that the Aquagraph was ”awarded the distinctive 4 star pearl by the World Confederation of Subaquatic Activities.” 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.