In 1958, for scientific research in Antarctica, a well-equipped individual would require a combination of specific clothing, technological equipment, and practical necessities to withstand the harsh Antarctic climate and carry out scientific work. This would include thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy insulated boots, protective headgear, and communication devices, alongside specialised scientific instruments such as thermometers and microscopes. Additionally, a comprehensive medical kit, high-calorie foods, and emergency shelters would be essential for survival and safety in the challenging Antarctic environment. All this, and a great watch.
For a decade straight, from 1958 to 1968, the Japanese Antarctic Observation Teams relied on the precision and reliability of Enicar Sherpa watches to navigate the unforgiving landscape of Antarctica. Equipped with models like the Sherpa Guide, Super-Jet, Super-Dive, Jet, and Super-Divette, Enicar watches proved their mettle in the harshest conditions imaginable.
The Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) is a series of scientific expeditions conducted by Japan to Antarctica. These expeditions aim to conduct various scientific research activities, including studies on meteorology, geology, biology, glaciology, and oceanography, among others. At the heart of these expeditions lay Showa Station, a bastion of research nestled on East Ongul Island in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. The project was a part of the International Geophysical Year. Established in 1957 by the inaugural Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, Showa Station served as a beacon of exploration in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Enduring temperatures plummeting below -45 degrees Celsius, the station stood as a testament to human determination and the quest for knowledge.
The icy grip of Antarctica served as the ultimate proving ground for Enicar watches. While the continent boasts the lowest average humidity on the planet, the extreme temperature fluctuations and relentless ice formations posed formidable challenges for wristwatches. Yet, year after year, Enicar watches stood the test, providing the Japanese observation teams with the accurate timekeeping necessary for their scientific endeavors.
Documented accounts reveal that each Japanese observation team dispatched to Showa Station carried a different, and likely newer, Sherpa model with them every year. As Mr. Hiroshi Kusunoki, leader of the 10th expedition, attested in November 1968, “Antarctic observation requires the most precise time, and these most dependable Enicar watches lead to successful data collection in Antarctic observation.”
Beyond their utilitarian value, the presence of Enicar watches on the wrists of Japanese scientists symbolized a fusion of tradition and innovation. It epitomized the unwavering commitment to quality and precision that characterized both the Japanese Antarctic expeditions and the Enicar brand.
If you want to read more Enicar stories from the golden age of watches, make sure to order a copy of the Enicar book MkIII.
