Found these on Chrono24 and keen for your help

[C0ders]

Hi again, my search continues for my first Sherpa and I found these on Chrono24 - keen for your opinion please...

1) like the slightly battered look of this but worried about import/vat fees from America: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/enicar/enicar-sherpa-diver-600--id15669576.htm

2) I love the great dial on this one: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/enicar/sherpa-super-divette-mint-condition--id15130378.htm

3) just the most stunning dial and love the strap too: https://www.chrono24.co.uk/enicar/sherpa-ultradive--id5556553.htm

 

[jbcollier]

The Super-Divette has two different crowns, neither of which is original.

The Diver 600 looks to be the 36mm version. The 40mm version is considered more desirable. I have, and like, a 36mm Diver but just want you to know exactly what you would be getting.

Not up on Ultra-Dives but it looks nice.

That's a wide range of watches. Why not do a bit more research and be a bit more focussed in your search.

 

[paulb12]

I would echo this sentiment. That's a wide range of watches indeed. Each have different aesthetics and condition issues to pick apart.

... The wonderful thing about Enicar is the vast array of bold designs and models (and within those model ranges, the slight variations and idiosyncracies that make them fun to collect).

My advice would be to do a deep dive on the whole Sherpa catalog -- and then target your search on a particular variant/model, etc.

Some good resources here to help with your research:

Enicar Archives - The Spring Bar

Time for a Change

Home of the Enicar Book

enicar.org

Enicar 101

Sherpa Graph Reference Guide

enicar101.com

One thing I will add, and perhaps others on the forum would agree, is that dealers have been trying to drive up the price of Enicar Sherpas, with varying degrees of success. (this has been going on for some time, but it's really picked up lately). At any given time, there might be dozens of the more "desirable" models sitting for sale on Chrono24 and eBay that have been sitting for sale for a looooooooong time -- because of condition/authenticity issues and way-too-ambitious pricing. Just a note of caution in that regard.

This is a handy guide to get a sense of the market (though not updated): https://enicar.org/2019/09/30/watch-value-barometer-4/

You might also want to research Omega Forums/Chronotrader/etc. to get a sense of the historical market value.

I would also put a plug in for the Forum here. Many great Enicar collectors sell here at fair-market-value prices.

Of course, good luck.

 

[C0ders]

Thanks all - that really helpful.

After some further investigation, I prefer the clean look of the dual crown super compressor models - preferably the Ultradive or the Super Divette.

I see the prices on the barometer are a long way from what they seem today.

I'm in the UK if anyone is keen to reduce their collection . I'll put a note in the forum and see what happens,

many thanks!
Mark

 

[paulb12]

If you're looking to start with the dual-crown super-compressor models, and you like the divers, I'd definitely key in on the Super-Divette. They're still out there, and you can often find models in good condition for much lower than the UDs. Nice examples can still be had for $2000 USD - $3000 USD. Their big sister, the Super Dives, are a bit more, of course.

The Ultra-Dives are very desirable as you probably know, and can command very high prices.

L'affich'heure, a dealer in France, has a black-dial Divette for sale now (I believe). Worth checking out. Also, a dealer I know in the states has a champagne-dial Super-Divette that he might have for sale soon. I can inquire with him if you'd like me to.

One thing to note, as John pointed out, is that the 40 mm case-models tend to be more desirable, if you ever want to or need to flip. Regarding size, I own a number of the 36 mm dual-crown super-compressor cases and I find them to wear bigger than 36. With the crowns and the tall crystal and the distinctive lugs, they wear closer to 38 mm. Just my opinion.

I personally prefer the 36 mm to 40 mm cases. But that's just me.

I would also check out the early Sea Pearls, Diver 600s, and Divettes with the single-crown. They're a great introduction to the diver range.

Happy hunting.

 

[jbcollier]

Dual crowns come on the Guide, Jet, Super-Jet, Super-Divette, Super-Dive, Ultra-Dive and OPS. You can read all about them here:

Enicar Sherpa Pilot (2 Crown Models) - The Spring Bar

The Enicar Sherpa is made for watch enthusiasts. Earlier development of the brand culminated in the Sherpa GMT and Sherpa World Time of the early 1960s.

thespringbar.com

and here:

Enicar Sherpa Diver (2 Crown Models) - The Spring Bar

In 1964 Enicar Sherpa announced a new two crown diver watch, and this article moves to the two crown models based on the automatic AR1145 calibre movement.

thespringbar.com

Earlier watches tend to have thinner crowns, less colourful dials and bezels, and old-fashioned hands. My favourites are the early to mid Guides before the dials and bezels went carnival. But, everyone has their own favourites. Values tend to be higher for earlier watches in original condition. The Rubyrotor and 33 jewel movements are very well made indeed. My watchmaker was reluctant to hand mine back!

 

[paulb12]

"Went carnival" ... That made me lol

They really went for it in the early 70s didn't they?