Sherpa Watches: A Mantra of Time, Heritage, and Innovation

By Oster Jewelers | October 29, 2025 0 Comments

Sherpa Watches represents a rare fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and spiritual philosophy in modern horology. Founded by Swiss-born engineer and lifelong watch enthusiast Martin Klocke, the brand is a heartfelt revival of the legendary Enicar Sherpa timepieces that conquered the world’s harshest terrains, from the ocean depths to the heights of Mount Everest.

Sherpa’s Foundation | Tradition and Spiritualism

^{Sherpa Ultradive on Black Rubber Strap}

With a deep appreciation for the Swiss and German watchmaking traditions, Klocke’s vision was to bring these classic compressor dive watches back to life. Klocke and his team have stayed faithful to the original technology while enhancing them with today’s precision engineering and premium materials. Every Sherpa timepiece is built by hand, representing the collective skill of expert case makers, dial creators, and mechanical engineers who share a common passion for crafting watches that endure both time and adventure.

^{Sherpa Ultradive Moon on Black Rubber Strap}

Sherpa’s rebirth is not merely about nostalgia, it’s about continuing a legacy. Each design tells a story of exploration and innovation, balancing the technical prowess of mid-century watchmaking with modern performance standards, while also honoring the Sherpa people whose name symbolized endurance, humility, and strength. The result is a collection of mechanical timepieces that are as emotionally resonant as they are mechanically exacting.

Sherpa’s Collections | Ultradive and OPS

^{Sherpa Ultradive Atoll on Ivory Rubber Strap}

At the core of Sherpa’s current collection are two remarkable models: the Ultradive and the OPS. The Sherpa Ultradive reimagines a 1964 classic, a casual yet refined compressor dive watch with a curved sapphire crystal, Superluminova for ultimate clarity, and diamond-cut indices that shimmer with depth and dimension. In addition to the classic Ultradive, this piece is also available in several distinctive versions: Satin, Tuxedo, Moon, Sun, and Atoll. The Ultradive captures both elegance and adventure, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern sophistication. It’s as fitting for daily wear as it is for deep sea exploration.

^{Sherpa x TRTS OPS on Olive Green Rubber Strap}

The Sherpa OPS, by contrast, channels a bolder, more tactical energy. Inspired by the 1960s models once favored by naval forces, this military-style compressor dive watch combines utilitarian strength with contemporary refinement. Its 40 mm DLC-coated stainless steel case, double compressor crowns, and Swiss Mantramatic MM01 movement ensure precision and durability under pressure. The OPS also comes in a special collaborative edition: the Sherpa x TRTS OPS, created in partnership with The Real Time Show podcast, featuring a satin-blasted stainless steel finish and subtle design nods to this partnership.

A Diving Tool | DNV Certified

^{Sherpa Caseback of the Sherpa x TRTS OPS}

Sherpa watches are far more than stylish tributes to vintage design, they are true professional-grade dive instruments built for real-world adventure. Each model is water resistant up to 200 meters, ensuring dependable performance whether exploring coral reefs or navigating unpredictable coastal conditions. Certified by the German DNV for underwater use, these timepieces meet stringent standards for durability and precision. At the heart of their reliability are Sherpa’s handmade MONOFLEX® compressor crowns, meticulously engineered to automatically increase sealing pressure as depth and water pressure rise. This ingenious system, a hallmark of classic compressor dive technology, guarantees that every Sherpa watch remains as secure and functional beneath the surface as it is on land.

Mantramatic Movement | A Hidden Buddhist Mantra

^{Sherpa’s Mantramatic movement}

Powering both the Ultradive and OPS models is Sherpa’s exclusive Mantramatic movement, an innovation that transcends traditional mechanics. Hidden within, two wheels are intricately laser-engraved with the Tibetan Buddhist mantra Om Mani Peme Hung, a sacred phrase symbolizing love, wisdom, and compassion.

^{The seconds wheel featuring a Tibetan Buddhist mantra}

Inspired by the ancient prayer wheels of the Himalayas, these components spin continuously, over 30 million times a year, quietly radiating positivity from your wrist into the world. Though invisible to the naked eye, the mantra’s energy is ever-present, a subtle heartbeat that connects the precision of Swiss engineering with the serenity of Buddhist philosophy.

Customizable Experience | Straps & Bracelets

^{Sherpa Ultradive Sun on Ivory Rubber Strap}

Completing the look on the wrist are Sherpa’s rubber straps inspired by the classic “Tropic” dive straps of the 1950s–70s. Made from vulcanized natural rubber, they feature a breathable waffle-patterned underside for comfort and a refined textile-like texture on top for a sophisticated look. Crafted in France, the straps come in black, ivory, dark grey, olive green, and orange, each paired with a custom stainless-steel clasp, polished for the Ultradive, satin matte DLC-coated for the OPS, and satin-blasted for the TRTS collaboration. Available with either traditional or quick-release spring bars, these straps perfectly balance style, function, and Sherpa’s fusion of vintage heritage and modern craftsmanship.

^{Sherpa Ultradive Tuxedo with Polished & Brushed Stainless Steel Bracelet (sold separately)}

Additionally, Sherpa offers meticulously engineered bracelets, designed to integrate seamlessly with each model. The satin-finished DLC black stainless steel bracelet mirrors the OPS’s case texture and tone, transforming its aesthetic and comfort for a truly unified design. With a micro-adjustable double-button release buckle and a hidden engraving reading “May all beings be happy and free,” it embodies the brand’s dedication to both craftsmanship and mindfulness. The Ultradive’s matching bracelet, available in brushed & polished offers the same refined engineering and thoughtful detail, ensuring a perfect fit for any wrist or occasion. Lastly, the satin bead-blasted stainless steel bracelet adds a muted seamless finish to the deep matte look of the Ultradive Satin and TRTS OPS.

^{Sherpa OPS with DLC Black Stainless Steel Bracelet (sold separately)}

In a world where luxury often chases excess, Sherpa Watches stands apart by honoring authenticity, durability, and meaning. From its spiritual heart to its mechanical precision, every Sherpa watch is more than a tool, it’s a companion for life’s journeys. With the Ultradive and OPS, Martin Klocke and his team have not only revived a historic lineage but also infused it with a modern soul, making Sherpa one of the most compelling new names in contemporary watchmaking, and a welcome addition to Oster Jewelers.

Explore the Sherpa Collection at Oster Jewelers.