As civil aviation flourished in the late 1950s, transatlantic flights became more accessible and brought global destinations closer than ever. With Boeing launching direct routes from New York to London in 1958, that year saw more passengers crossing the Atlantic by air than by ship for the first time. The “jet age” had arrived, and with it came the need for practical tools suited to the lifestyle of globetrotters.
Enicar recognised this shift and responded with something special: the GMT models. These watches were designed with the world traveller in mind, featuring an additional hand and a 24-hour bezel to display two time zones simultaneously. These GMT models, in particular the Sherpa Guide and Sherpa GMT, made their debut at the 1960 Basel Watch Fair, displayed alongside Enicar’s other tool watches like the Sherpa Graph chronograph and Sherpa Dive, showcasing Enicar’s growing reputation in professional-grade timepieces.
The Enicar GMT wasn’t just another watch—it was marketed as a travel essential, an ideal companion for the sophisticated flyer who wanted to keep time both at home and abroad. By 1964, Enicar had solidified partnerships with major airlines, including Swissair, Japan Airlines, and Scandinavian Airlines System (S.A.S.), securing its place as a trusted choice among professional aviators and adventurers alike.
In a few weeks, we’ll be diving deep into the fascinating world of Enicar’s GMT models, exploring their design, their heritage, and what made them stand out in an era defined by innovation and style. Whether you’re a collector or just an admirer of classic timepieces, this is a story of Enicar’s legacy you won’t want to miss.
