Advertising clock Nippon Rent-A-Car / Hertz - Japanese digital clock from a cooperation campaign - revised

Corporate promotional watches are a distinct field of Japanese timepieces that remains largely overlooked in Europe. They were not sold, but given away – to business clients, contract partners, and employees – and therefore exist in small, undocumented production runs. When they do appear, they appear individually.

The case back bears the engravings STAINLESS STEEL BACK and JAPAN. A manufacturer's name is missing, as is typical for contract work of this kind. The dial features the lettering "No.1" in a red field, as well as the company logos of ニッポンレンタカー (Nippon Rent-A-Car) and Hertz.

Promotional watches as historical documents

The cooperation between Nippon Rent-A-Car and Hertz provided the Japanese car rental company access to its American partner's international network – and the American partner access to the Japanese market. Such alliances in Japan were traditionally accompanied by tangible gifts, and the wristwatch was the medium of choice: durable, visibly worn, and used daily.

This is appealing to collectors because these watches were never featured in a catalog. There is no reference list, no production number, and no original retail price. What exists is the piece itself and the campaign from which it originated.

Design

An octagonal plastic case, the front panel of which remains entirely black. There is no legend for functions, no brand name, and no scales. The only visual elements are the small display field and the three color fields surrounding it: the red "No.1" field to the left of the time display, and below it, side by side, the red-and-white logo of ニッポンレンタカー and the yellow-and-black Hertz signet.

This reduction is not a cost-saving measure, but intentional. In a promotional watch, the brand is the content; anything else would have been a distraction.

Dating

Dating is not possible due to the lack of a manufacturer or reference mark. The construction, display technology, and design suggest the 1980s. We provide this as a guideline, not as a verified date.

Condition and Provenance

The watch originates from Japan, where it was opened, inspected, cleaned, and fitted with a new battery. It is running.

This is a worn original with signs of use. The dial printing with both company logos is complete and vibrant in color. There are several fine, diagonal scratches on the plastic crystal that do not impair readability. The LCD is functional and clear. On the upper left edge of the case, there is a small, light scuff mark in the plastic. The case back shows slight signs of wear, but the engraving remains legible. The original polyurethane strap is intact and supple.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: no manufacturer mark (Japanese contract production)
• Movement: Quartz, digital (LCD), battery-powered
• Functions: time, seconds
• Case: plastic, octagonal, with stainless steel back
• Dimensions without crown: 32 × 30 mm
• Height: 5.8 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 36.9 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. strap: 17 g
• Dial: black with Nippon Rent-A-Car and Hertz logos
• Strap: original polyurethane strap
• Dating: presumably 1980s
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors of Japanese promotional and corporate watches. For lovers of the early digital era who prefer a piece with a story behind its origin over just another nameless watch. And for anyone looking for a watch that, with some certainty, no one else in the room possesses.

The company logos on the dial serve solely for the description of the original piece offered.

Warranty (used)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

Water resistance is not guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.