Kirin-Seagram Promotional Quartz Tank
Dress Watch / Promotional Timepiece · Kirin-Seagram (Produced by a Japanese OEM supplier like Seiko/Citizen for corporate gifting)
Period: Quartz Revolution / Retro (Late 1980s - 1990s)
Type
Dress Watch / Promotional Timepiece
Brand
Kirin-Seagram (Produced by a Japanese OEM supplier like Seiko/Citizen for corporate gifting)
Movement
Japanese Quartz movement (likely Seiko/Epson or Miyota), battery-powered
Dimensions
25mm width, 33mm lug-to-lug, 6mm thickness, 18mm lug width
Description
This is a classic 'Tank' style dress watch produced as a promotional item for Kirin-Seagram, the joint venture between the Japanese Kirin Brewery and the Canadian Seagram company. It utilizes a design language heavily inspired by the Cartier Tank, characterized by its rectangular case and Roman numeral dial. It serves as a commemorative piece representing the era of Japanese corporate gifting culture.
Key Features
Rectangular 'Tank' case, Kirin-Seagram logo, 'Quartz' branding, Roman indices, stepped case design
Dial Description
White matte dial with black printed Roman numeral indices, thin black baton hands, 'KIRIN-SEAGRAM' logo below 12 and 'QUARTZ' text at 6
Case Material
Gold-plated base metal (likely brass) with a polished finish
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass crystal; appears clear with minor surface dust
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated rectangular bezel, polished gold-tone finish with a stepped 'tank' silhouette
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, gold-plated, no crown guards
Bracelet or Strap
Brown textured pigskin or pebbled leather strap with matching gold-tone pin buckle
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel snap-on caseback, likely containing branding or serial number (not visible)
Movement Type
Japanese Quartz movement (likely Seiko/Epson or Miyota), battery-powered
Water Resistance
Not water resistant; splash-proof only. Avoid immersion or high humidity.
Origin & Provenance
Japan; manufactured for the Kirin-Seagram joint venture distillery
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995
Cultural Significance
Represents the boom of the Japanese 'Bubble Economy' and the commercial partnerships between Western spirits giants and Japanese conglomerates.
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor plating wear on the lug edges, dial is clean, strap shows light use. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$30 - $80 USD based on being a corporate promotional item with niche brand appeal
Care & Maintenance
Requires battery replacement every 2-3 years; avoid water exposure due to lack of gaskets; clean gold plating with a microfiber cloth only.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Louis (luxury original), Seiko SFP005 (Japanese alternative), Citizen Elegance Tank
Interesting Facts
Kirin-Seagram was a real joint venture established in 1972 to distribute Chivas Regal and Martell in Japan and produce local whiskeys like Robert Brown.