{"product_id":"chateau-calendar-19-jewels-takano-fruhe-ricoh-ara-japan-ca-1962","title":"Chateau Calendar – 19 Jewels – Takano \/ early Ricoh era – Japan, ca. 1962","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn elegant Japanese vintage dress watch from the early phase of the modern Japanese watch industry. The Chateau Calendar belongs to a model family originally developed by the Japanese watch company Takano Seimitsu Kogyo (高野精密工業), and is now considered an interesting chapter in Japanese watch history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model combines the clear elegance of the early 1960s with a reliable Japanese hand-wound movement and a date display. The silver sunburst dial with applied gold-colored indices and slim dauphine hands gives the watch a timeless classic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly characteristic is the domed plexiglass with date magnifier (Cyclops), a typical design feature of many high-quality dress watches of this era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistorical Background – Takano and the Chateau Series\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model name \"Chateau\" was introduced in the late 1950s by the Japanese watch company Takano Seimitsu Kogyo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTakano was a technically ambitious manufacturer from Tokyo that began developing its own mechanical wristwatches in the late 1950s. Despite the brand's relatively short existence, Takano watches are now among the most interesting early examples of Japanese hand-wound watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey model lines included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Chateau \u003cbr\u003e- Chateau Deluxe \u003cbr\u003e- Chateau Nouvel \u003cbr\u003e- Chateau Frontier \u003cbr\u003e- Chateau Calendar \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chateau Calendar, introduced in 1962, was the first model in this series with an integrated date display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe Ricoh Takeover – A Rare Chapter in Japanese Watch History\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShortly after the introduction of the Chateau Calendar, a crucial event occurred:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1962, Riken Optical Co. (Ricoh) acquired the financially troubled manufacturer Takano.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the acquisition, the Takano brand was gradually phased out, but many designs and model lines were initially continued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this transitional phase, watches were produced:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- with Takano design \u003cbr\u003e- some with Takano calibers \u003cbr\u003e- some already with Ricoh technology \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, some of these models continued to be sold under their original model names – without the Ricoh name appearing on the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present watch fits precisely into this historical transitional phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCaseback and Reference\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe caseback bears the engraving:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTAINLESS STEEL BACK \u003cbr\u003eCHATEAU CALENDAR WATER PROOF \u003cbr\u003e541111\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis reference is typical for cases from early Takano and early Ricoh production in the early 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- gold-plated case \u003cbr\u003e- stainless steel back \u003cbr\u003e- reference 541111 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003every clearly indicates manufacturing shortly after the Takano acquisition by Ricoh, i.e., around 1962–1963.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eMovement\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, a mechanical hand-wound movement with 19 jewels operates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese movements are based on designs originally developed by Takano and later partially continued in Ricoh production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypical features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- classic hand-wound \u003cbr\u003e- date display at 3 o'clock \u003cbr\u003e- 19 jewels \u003cbr\u003e- robust construction for long life \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMovements of this generation are considered solid and durable and are typical representatives of early Japanese hand-wound technology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDesign\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch embodies the classic style of the early 1960s:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- silver sunburst dial \u003cbr\u003e- applied gold-colored hour markers \u003cbr\u003e- dauphine hands \u003cbr\u003e- date display at 3 o'clock \u003cbr\u003e- domed plexiglass with Cyclops magnifier \u003cbr\u003e- elegant gold-plated case \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a diameter of 37.5 mm, the watch appears relatively modern for a vintage dress watch and wears very comfortably even today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau Calendar \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Takano \/ early Ricoh era \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e mechanical hand-wound movement \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJewels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 Jewels \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e gold-plated metal case \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaseback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 541111 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 37.5 mm (without crown) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-Lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45 mm \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9.6 mm \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLug Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18 mm \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47 g (incl. leather strap) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plexiglass with date magnifier \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eStrap\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is fitted with a new brown leather strap that perfectly matches the gold-colored case and emphasizes the elegant vintage character of the watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is in good vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- beautiful original dial \u003cbr\u003e- functioning date display \u003cbr\u003e- plexiglass with age-related micro-traces \u003cbr\u003e- new leather strap \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gold-plated case shows typical age-related wear of the plating in places, as is common with watches of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Takano Watches are Increasingly Sought After Today\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a long time, Takano watches were barely known even among collectors. In recent years, however, this has changed significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several reasons for this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Extremely Short Production Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTakano produced wristwatches under its own name only from about 1957 to 1962. As a result, only a comparatively small number of original models exist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Historical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brand represents an important segment of Japanese watch history: the transition from small specialized manufacturers to large industrial conglomerates like Ricoh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Growing Collector Demand in Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince about 2022, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in Takano models, especially in Japan. Vintage magazines and collector forums have rediscovered the brand, leading to stronger demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModels from the Chateau series, in particular, are now considered particularly typical representatives of this short but interesting phase of Japanese watch production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e---\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs this is a used watch, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage \u0026 JDM (Japan Domestic Market)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52944136438098,"sku":"A252","price":289.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/0771BEAA-ACF3-4722-A627-752A6B7C6BE1.jpg?v=1773558375","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/chateau-calendar-19-jewels-takano-fruhe-ricoh-ara-japan-ca-1962","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}