Rare item: Hamilton-Ricoh Electric E1002 – Japan, ca. 1963–1964

A true rarity and one of the most fascinating chapters in watchmaking history: the Hamilton-Ricoh Electric – the result of a unique transcontinental collaboration between the US-American Hamilton Watch Company and the Japanese Ricoh Company Ltd.

This model, Ref. E1002 , dates from the short production period of 1962–1964 , during which only a few thousand pieces were manufactured. The aim was to combine Hamilton's electric movement with Ricoh's Japanese manufacturing expertise – one of the earliest forms of technological cooperation between East and West in the watchmaking industry.

The electric caliber is based on the Hamilton Caliber 505 (Electric Movement) .

Technical data

• Model: Hamilton-Ricoh Electric
• Reference: E1002
• Caliber: Hamilton Electric 505 (Japan-Ricoh Assembly)
• Drive: Electromechanical (battery + contact control)
• Origin: Japan (Hamilton-Ricoh Watch Company, Tokyo)
• Production period: approx. 1963–1964
• Case: Gold-plated brass with stainless steel base
• Engraving: “HAMILTON-RICOH WATCH COMPANY – Electric – E1002”
• Diameter: 34.1 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 41.7 mm
• Height: 13 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight: 45 g (including leather strap)
• Glass: Acrylic glass (original, slightly curved)
• Dial: Silver-colored with gold-plated indices and hands, signature “Hamilton-Ricoh Electric”
• Work: visibly in excellent condition
• Strap: new black leather strap

Condition

The case is in very good condition with only minor signs of wear and the gold plating is intact. The dial shows a slightly mottled but charming patina, typical of 1960s models. The plexiglass crystal is original, with fine scratches consistent with age. The movement is clean, complete, and fully functional – an absolute rarity for Hamilton-Ricoh electric watches.

Historical context

The Hamilton-Ricoh Electric marks a turning point in watchmaking history.
In 1962, Hamilton (USA) and Ricoh (Japan) founded a joint venture to bring the production of electric wristwatches to Japan. Hamilton supplied the technology, Ricoh the manufacturing capacity.
The goal: To combine Japanese precision with American innovation.

However, the project failed as early as 1964. The reasons: overly complex technology, high failure rates, and Seiko's nascent development of quartz movements. Only about 10,000 watches were produced – many of which never survived in working order.
Thus, every functioning Hamilton-Ricoh clock is a rare testament to the transition from mechanical to electrical timekeeping.

Special features

• Early electric clockwork (pre-quartz era)
• Cooperation between Hamilton (USA) and Ricoh (Japan)
• Short production period (approx. 1963–1964)
• Original, functioning piece in excellent condition
• Original acrylic glass, classic "Electric" dial

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims based on defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Important NOTE
As this is a vintage watch with a delicate electromechanical movement, water resistance and reliable operation under everyday use are not guaranteed. It should be used exclusively for collector's purposes.