Anyone out there know much about the pre-Sherpa to Sherpa Graph transition (2303-->2343)? I am trying to figure out, prior to purchase, whether the 2303s ever originally had the hands more associated with the early Sherpa Graph 300s (2343). Or, anytime I'm seeing 2303s with the later hands, are they replacements? 1. Reference SG 300 2. Reference 2303 3. 2303 with spindle hands (original, or replacement . . .?)
Is it established knowledge that these are "pre" Sherpas? Ive always wondered because the design cues seem so much more modern as compared to the deets on the older sherpas. The fully applied logo and subdial hands on the mark I Sherpa graph, for instance.
Well, my understanding is that the "Sherpa" designation didn't begin until after the 1956 Swiss Himalayan expedition. They weren't marked "Sherpa" before then (which would have been rather cheeky, no?). Of course, it's the same lovely Valjoux 72 movement inside, regardless. For the record, I prefer the older ones (I think #3 dates to 1955), even though they tend to be less sought-after. There's a lot more going on in the Sherpa, and the panda subdials make a nice contrast, but I like the understated elegance of the plain black dial and the crazy "future is now" numbers on the subdials. That having been said, I'm not a fan of the chunky rectangular hands on #2. So, if it can be confirmed that some 2303s ("pre-Sherpa," or what have you) did have the hands generally associated with the later/official Sherpas, I will try to hold out for one of those! http://the-watching.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/enicar-star-jewels.html
BTW, this has already answered one question I had, which is whether or not this watch has a repainted dial: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Enicar-Ch...joux-72-/361378479010?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network And the answer seems to be yes, since the lumes visible on watch #3 above have clearly been painted over (and the color of the inner dial does not match that of the outer dial). Isn't there a Rolling Stones song along these lines, "I see a black watch and I want to paint it . . . black."
I'm by no means an expert but I do think the "chunky hands" on #2 are synonymous with later Enicar models, while the spindle/paddle hands are on earlier watches. @io8194 is really the person whom you should contact for all Enicar-related matters.