{"product_id":"chateau-calendar-takano-19-jewels-handaufzug-februar-marz-1962-japan-frisch-revidiert","title":"Chateau Calendar – Takano – 19 Jewels – Manual wind – February\/March 1962 – Japan, freshly serviced","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Japanese dress watch from a remarkably short historical window: The Chateau Calendar was Takano's last new development – and was produced in its original form for less than two months.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eChateau Calendar with 19 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e comes from one of the most interesting episodes in Japanese watch history, yet still little known outside of Japan today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the name \"Chateau\" stands \u003cstrong\u003eTakano Seimitsu Kogyo\u003c\/strong\u003e, that ambitious Japanese watch manufacturer whose independent wristwatch production lasted only a few years before the company was acquired by Riken Optical – later Ricoh – in 1962.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chateau Calendar was not just any model at the end of this story. It was \u003cstrong\u003eintroduced in February 1962 as the last new model series under the original Takano name\u003c\/strong\u003e and was also the \u003cstrong\u003efirst Chateau with a date display\u003c\/strong\u003e. As early as April 1, 1962, the company's management transferred to Riken Optical. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThus, the Chateau Calendar belongs to an exceptionally small production window in Japanese watch history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTakano – the almost forgotten third way alongside Seiko and Citizen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTakano Seimitsu Kogyo began manufacturing its own wristwatches in the late 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company was technically very ambitious. The Chateau models offered from 1959 onwards used their own flat hand-wound movements and were positioned at the time as particularly flat Japanese watches with a movement height of only about \u003cstrong\u003e3.5 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e. The movements were offered with 19, 21, or 23 jewels depending on the version. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model family included, among others:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChateau\u003cbr\u003eChateau Deluxe\u003cbr\u003eChateau Nouvel\u003cbr\u003eChateau Frontier\u003cbr\u003eChateau Calendar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Takano's history as an independent watch manufacturer remained extraordinarily short. Economic difficulties – exacerbated by the consequences of the devastating Ise-Bay typhoon of 1959 – ultimately led to its acquisition by the group of companies led by Riken Optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTakano later developed into the watch production of \u003cstrong\u003eRicoh\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrecisely for this reason, original Takano watches today are a fascinating link between the small Japanese manufacture world of the post-war period and later industrial watch production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Chateau Calendar – Takano's last model\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil 1961, Chateau watches were pure three-hand models without a calendar complication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was not until \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e that Takano introduced three new Calendar calibers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaliber 524 – 19 Jewels\u003cbr\u003eCaliber 534 – 21 Jewels\u003cbr\u003eCaliber 544 – 23 Jewels.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present watch with \u003cstrong\u003e19 JEWELS\u003c\/strong\u003e therefore belongs to the 19-jeweled version of this last Takano calendar generation; the \u003cstrong\u003eCaliber 524\u003c\/strong\u003e is documented for this variant. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically interesting is that Takano did not simply place the date display on an existing movement. For the Calendar version, the construction was adapted and the movement plate was enlarged to accommodate the date mechanism. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, only a few weeks after the introduction of the Chateau Calendar, the original Takano era ended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official Takano company history explicitly refers to the \u003cstrong\u003eChateau Calendar as the last model introduced under the then TAKANO brand name\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the central collector's appeal of this watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA model from a production window of less than two months\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chronology is unusually precise:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 1962:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introduction of the Chateau Calendar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApril 1, 1962:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transfer of company management from Takano Seimitsu Kogyo to Riken Optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Chateau Calendar thus existed as a new Takano model for a very short period. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater, Chateau designations and technical elements were partly continued under the new company structure, which is why for individual preserved watches, the exact distinction between the last Takano and early Ricoh production can be difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the Chateau Calendar remains one of the most historically interesting Chateau variants precisely because of this transition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDesign – Japanese elegance of the early 1960s\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutwardly, little of this eventful company history is visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is a distinctly classic early 1960s dress watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver-colored dial has a fine sunburst finish. Large applied gold-colored baton indexes divide the surface, with a wide double index at 12 o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdded to this are slender gold-colored hands and a fine central second hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow 12 o'clock, in a curved script, it reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChateau Calendar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 6 o'clock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19 JEWELS\u003cbr\u003eWATERPROOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date is classically positioned at 3 o'clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall design is much more understated than many Japanese watches of the later 1960s and 1970s. Precisely for this reason, the Chateau appears surprisingly timeless today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCase\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gold-colored case has long, narrow lugs and a very classic round basic shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stainless steel case back bears the circumferential marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAINLESS STEEL BACK\u003cbr\u003eCHATEAU CALENDAR\u003cbr\u003eWATER PROOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eas well as the case number \u003cstrong\u003e54111 or 541111\u003c\/strong\u003e – the last digit is not completely unambiguous in the available photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of a gold-colored case and a stainless steel case back was typical for Japanese dress watches of this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brown leather strap currently fitted harmonizes very well with the case and dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMovement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, a mechanical \u003cstrong\u003ehand-wound movement with 19 jewels\u003c\/strong\u003e is at work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the 19-jewel version of the Chateau Calendar introduced in 1962, the Takano \u003cstrong\u003eCaliber 524\u003c\/strong\u003e is documented. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is classically wound via the crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to hours, minutes, and central seconds, it has a date display at 3 o'clock – this calendar function was precisely the decisive innovation within the Chateau series in 1962.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is in authentic vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver-colored dial is attractively preserved for its age and shows only age-appropriate traces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gold-colored case shows visible abrasion of the coating and minor signs of wear. Especially on the lugs and case edges, decades of use are visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stainless steel case back also shows typical scratches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brown leather strap is a later replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch has been fully serviced in Japan in July 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Chateau Calendar is of interest to collectors today\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appeal of this watch lies not only in its aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt combines several features that are interesting for collectors of early Japanese watches:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ean independent Japanese brand with an extremely short history,\u003cbr\u003ea mechanical movement developed by Takano,\u003cbr\u003ethe first date display within the Chateau family,\u003cbr\u003eits status as the \u003cstrong\u003elast new model of the original Takano era\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand a production window of only a few weeks before the acquisition by Riken Optical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTakano is thus one of those collecting areas where historical significance is much greater than current brand awareness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterest in it has recently increased further: The historical brand \u003cstrong\u003eTAKANO was revived in 2024 under the leadership of Japanese watchmaker Hajime Asaoka\u003c\/strong\u003e – explicitly with reference to this short but technically interesting company history. The original Chateau models thus form the historical starting point of a currently active Japanese watch brand. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chateau Calendar is one of the most interesting models within this history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau \/ Takano\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau Calendar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Takano Seimitsu Kogyo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction period:\u003c\/strong\u003e February\/March 1962 or immediate transition phase 1962\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e mechanical hand-wound\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaliber:\u003c\/strong\u003e probably Takano 524\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJewels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 Jewels\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, central seconds, date\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e gold-colored \/ gold-plated\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase back marking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chateau Calendar · Water Proof · Stainless Steel Back\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 54111\/541111\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 37.5 mm without crown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLug-to-Lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 45 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 9.6 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 18 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight incl. strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 47 g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silver with sunburst finish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e brown leather strap\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is \u003cstrong\u003e12 months from delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNote on Water Resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscription \u003cstrong\u003e\"WATERPROOF\"\u003c\/strong\u003e is a historical manufacturer's mark and describes the original condition when new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the age of the watch, \u003cstrong\u003eno current water resistance is guaranteed\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo protect the historical 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":54200820498770,"sku":"A252","price":389.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/A6A3CA34-03CA-4FDF-A2B9-3215B621EC07.jpg?v=1786068817","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/chateau-calendar-takano-19-jewels-handaufzug-februar-marz-1962-japan-frisch-revidiert","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}