Model: Seiko SARD012 / 6R24-00G0
Year: July 2016
Features:
Retrograde Movement. A silky 28,800bph 6R21 double retrograde movement (day and date), with a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
The Face. There is but a single Urushi lacquer artist whom Seiko has entrusted with producing these lacquered dials: Mr Isshu Tamura. Every dial is hand-painted in an extraordinarily painstaking process that involves adding layer after layer of lacquer by hand. To describe this dial as black is unfair; it’s the richest, sleekest black you’ve ever seen on a watch. Finished by attaching tiny rose gold flakes, through a process known as Maki-e, the hands provide the perfect contrast to the jet-black dial.
The Theme. The rose gold maki-e hands are almost peach in colour, which perfectly matches the dial markers and text. The rose gold case, and crocodile stamped leather strap complete the exotic look, not commonly seen in other Seiko watches.
Discontinued: Discontinued nearly a decade ago, the SARD012 stood as the crowning jewel of Seiko's SARD collection, priced above its double retrograde siblings. The rarest watch of the bunch, with a retail price of ¥180,000 ($1,700 at the time, not adjusted for inflation), it’s no wonder this watch has become highly sought after. This is not a watch that comes up for sale very often, with the most recent visible sale being on WUS in 2017!
Specifications:
Condition: In very good condition overall. There are some minor abrasions and marks on bezel.
Scope: Box or papers.
Movement: 6R24 automatic. 28,800 bph, 31 Jewels with a 45-hour power reserve
Dimensions:
- Lug to Lug: 46.0mm
- Case Width: 39.2mm
- Case Thickness: 13.0mm
- Strap Width: 20.0mm
