Since I have a currently empty MK1a case and my daily MKIII here, I just swapped casebacks.
conclusion: you can swapp them both ways, totally interchangeable!
conclusion: you can swapp them both ways, totally interchangeable!
Sherpa Graph Mark I? Gray and White
- Thread starter Joe_A
- Start date
Interesting. Thank you for doing that!
I thought so!
We have seen more than a few examples of early watches with late case backs and there is a recent example of a Mark IV on Chrono24 with a Mark III case back. I contacted the seller on Chrono24 suggesting he contact the other seller to possibly arrange a swap. The swap did not happen.
I don't see such an issue as a serious one if say, you own a Mark III with a Mark IV case back and a Mark III with a Mark IV case back and you swap the two.
I am sure someone would object, but not I.
We have seen more than a few examples of early watches with late case backs and there is a recent example of a Mark IV on Chrono24 with a Mark III case back. I contacted the seller on Chrono24 suggesting he contact the other seller to possibly arrange a swap. The swap did not happen.
I don't see such an issue as a serious one if say, you own a Mark III with a Mark IV case back and a Mark III with a Mark IV case back and you swap the two.
I am sure someone would object, but not I.
Extremely helpful, Nico! Another Enicar mystery solved.
Does anyone else wonder where all these extra casebacks are coming from? Given the rarity of these watches, casebacks are not growing on trees. Some watches certainly get parted out, but cannot be too many.
Does anyone else wonder where all these extra casebacks are coming from? Given the rarity of these watches, casebacks are not growing on trees. Some watches certainly get parted out, but cannot be too many.
I wouldn’t say rare with around 10.000 produced Sherpa Graphs alone. I guess most of the swaps happened back in the day, maybe on the desk of a „enicar-certified“ watch maker who worked on more than one watch.
Have seen this with other watches, like Omegas Speedmaster, several times before.
Nico
Have seen this with other watches, like Omegas Speedmaster, several times before.
Nico
Wow, I thought about half that amount.
I think there are at least 10,000 Speedies for sale right now!
I think there are at least 10,000 Speedies for sale right now!
Perhaps Enicar stocked cases with pre-numbered case backs and sold a few as replacements from time to time.
I suppose that, because the case backs are interchangeable, now and then accidental swaps may have happened at the watchmaker as Nico suggests.
Another possibility:
S.G. Owner: "Hey watchmaker! I see that Enicar has just come out with a beautiful new case back with a 3D oyster and pearl on the back to replace those crappy looking, flat clover-leaf cases they used to use. Can you supply me with one of those new cases please? I'd like to throw mine away because it's pretty obvious to me that 50 years from now these watches will be worthless anyway."
Watchmaker: "Sure, I'll order one of those new ones from Enicar for you, but be prepared to pay a high price. I think they'll cost you $25 plus $1.70 for shipping. Keep the old one or throw it out as it's useless to me."
I suppose that, because the case backs are interchangeable, now and then accidental swaps may have happened at the watchmaker as Nico suggests.
Another possibility:
S.G. Owner: "Hey watchmaker! I see that Enicar has just come out with a beautiful new case back with a 3D oyster and pearl on the back to replace those crappy looking, flat clover-leaf cases they used to use. Can you supply me with one of those new cases please? I'd like to throw mine away because it's pretty obvious to me that 50 years from now these watches will be worthless anyway."
Watchmaker: "Sure, I'll order one of those new ones from Enicar for you, but be prepared to pay a high price. I think they'll cost you $25 plus $1.70 for shipping. Keep the old one or throw it out as it's useless to me."
A quick update: The watch is still in-transit. I have imported many watches from outside the US but in every situation something different happens. This one has been another learning experience.
First it got held up in Europe for three days on a Customs hold for insufficient item description despite seller providing US Watch Worksheet (that I completed for him). I was first told by UPS we needed a commercial invoice. Provided that, but it was still on hold. Then told we needed a power-of-attorney document. That made no sense for this shipment, so I kept pushing UPS. Finally, was told about the description, so merely repeated the info. from the Watch Worksheet and it finally left Europe.
Then upon arrival in the US Monday, it got flagged for inspection and sat another day+. It is now moving again tonight and without any further delays will arrive tomorrow.
I thought I had this importation business figured out but, no, I experience something new every time.
First it got held up in Europe for three days on a Customs hold for insufficient item description despite seller providing US Watch Worksheet (that I completed for him). I was first told by UPS we needed a commercial invoice. Provided that, but it was still on hold. Then told we needed a power-of-attorney document. That made no sense for this shipment, so I kept pushing UPS. Finally, was told about the description, so merely repeated the info. from the Watch Worksheet and it finally left Europe.
Then upon arrival in the US Monday, it got flagged for inspection and sat another day+. It is now moving again tonight and without any further delays will arrive tomorrow.
I thought I had this importation business figured out but, no, I experience something new every time.
Finally arrived. All is in order. It looks fantastic on the wrist and as long as I don't turn it over to see the back!
Thanks for all the discussion and insight.
Thanks for all the discussion and insight.
Hint: WRUW Today! Such fantastic Graph deserves some pics
Sorry, wrong thread!
Say, Nico,Its not all about hands and dials. and the caseback is a defintiv difference
When may we all look forward to your wife not being at home again?
She must be keeping close watch on you; pun intended.
Edit: I was searching for something and this thread popped up. I'd forgotten about it a very long time ago, lol