The Occasion. This rare watch was commissioned by BEMAC, a Japanese electronics company, to celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2016. During the celebrations, BEMAC gifted these watches to select employees as a token of appreciation for their hard work. There are actually two BEMAC designs - the Retrograde and the Whirlpool - but neither watch was made available to the public, so official details are scarce.
The Rarity. Judging by how infrequently either has appeared for sale in Japan, I suspect the Retrograde BEMAC is the rarer of the two - perhaps reserved for senior company figures? That’s not to say either version is common. I’ve seen just four examples of the Whirlpool for sale, and only one of the Retrograde.
The Complication. To add weight to my theory, normal Seikos powered by the three-handed 6R15 movement are typically much more affordable than those powered by the six-handed 6R24 movement. So the SZSD001, fitted with the latter, was likely intended as the more prestigious gift.
The Design. There’s no whirlpool on this dial, but the colourway alone makes it special. Black with rose gold accents - one of Seiko’s least used and most elegant combinations. It definitely stands out from the crowd, and feels exactly like something middle-upper management at a Japanese electronics company might wear... because that's exactly what it is!
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. No marks of any significance. Original cow leather strap and BEMAC signed buckle.
All of our watches are inspected and verified for authenticity - both inside and out. We have over 15 years of sourcing and collecting rare watches in Japan, which is often considered to be one of the best markets for authentic and fully original vintage watches.
Do you ship globally?
We are based in Japan and regularly ship all over the world. We typically use FedEx and it takes:
3-7 business days to reach North America
3-7 business days to reach Europe
3-7 business days to reach Asia and Oceania.
All of our packages are securely shipped, fully insured, and trackable door-to-door.
What condition are your watches?
Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of the watches we typically sell, the condition varies from watch to watch. However, our photos are high resolution and our descriptions are accurate. You can buy with confidence knowing there won't be any nasty surprises.
If the condition of a watch is ever misrepresented, we would offer a full refund.
Are all of your watches serviced?
Most but not all of our watches are serviced. The "Condition" section of each watch will confirm if the watch has been serviced.
All of our watches are tested by an independent watchmaker - if a service is needed, the watch will be serviced. If a service hasn't been conducted, it's because the watch itself is too new to need a service, or there is evidence of a recent service.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by all major Credit Cards and Wise.com
Do I have to pay customs or taxes?
It depends on so many factors, including but not limited to the cost of the watch, the type of watch you've bought (vintage or new), and the import laws of your country. If you're unsure we recommend checking the import laws that relate to your country before ordering.
Are your watches water resistant?
Our serviced watches are typically tested to their original water resistant specifications, but we would never recommend pushing vintage or neo-vintage watches to their depth limits.
What is your returns policy?
Due to the vintage and neo-vintage nature of most of our watches, we do not offer returns under normal circumstances. All sales should be considered final.
