Ricoh Expo '70 Pendant Watch – Cherry Blossom Case, Blue Dial – Unworn with Original Box

A souvenir from the Osaka 1970 World Expo that was never used: the authenticity seal from the World Expo Association is still stuck to the case back, the watch is in its original presentation box, and the chain is untouched.

The dial bears the signatures EXPO'70 and RICOH. On the reverse, there is the official seal "土産品類 証紙" with the identifier EXPO'70-3-OT-5 and the publisher 財団法人 日本万国博覧会協会 — the Japan Association for the 1970 World Exposition.

Osaka 1970 and the cherry blossom emblem

The Osaka World Expo was the first to be held in Asia and, with over 64 million visitors, the largest one ever at the time. To this day, it remains a symbol of Japan's post-war breakthrough – those years when the country transformed from reconstruction into a technology nation.

The exhibition's emblem – five circular segments forming a stylized cherry blossom around a center point – was designed by Ōtaka Takeshi. It represents the five continents gathering around Japan as the host. The shape is so iconic that it appears in countless souvenirs; here, it forms the case itself.

Ricoh, known in Europe as a camera and office technology manufacturer, had its own watch production at the time and was one of the exhibition's official licensees. The authenticity seal on the case back confirms exactly that: it was issued by the World Expo Association for approved souvenir items and is almost always detached or worn off on surviving pieces.

Design

The case is designed as a five-petaled cherry blossom: five petals of polished stainless steel surround the round dial, with each petal featuring a matte, fine-grained circle that contrasts with the polished surfaces. The result is an interplay of luster and texture that changes with every movement.

The dial picks up the emblem again: on a silver background lies a turquoise four-lobed pattern that translates the flower shape into the surface. Slim black baton indices and matching hands are placed on top. The lettering EXPO'70 is above the center, with the signature RICOH below.

The watch is worn on the original steel chain, which is hooked onto a loop on the top petal – as a pendant watch on a chain or in a pocket.

Dating

The watch was produced for the duration of the World Expo from March 15 to September 13, 1970, and sold through authorized points of sale on the exhibition grounds. An individual serial number is not recorded.

Condition

The watch is unworn. The dial, hands, and crystal are flawless; the cherry blossom case shows no signs of wear or polishing, and the matte circles are fully intact. The authenticity seal on the case back is present and not detached; it shows age-related discoloration. The original chain is complete and free of signs of wear.

The original presentation box in mint green with gold Ricoh lettering, a gold flower emblem, and a viewing window is included. It shows signs of storage: foxing on the lid, rubbed edges, and slight discoloration. The red inlay is complete.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Ricoh
• Occasion: World Expo Osaka 1970 (Expo '70), licensed souvenir with authenticity seal EXPO'70-3-OT-5
• Movement: mechanical, manual wind
• Case: stainless steel in cherry blossom shape
• Diameter excluding crown and loop: approx. 39.6 mm
• Height: 9.8 mm
• Weight incl. chain: 48 g
• Dial: silver with turquoise four-lobed pattern, signatures EXPO'70 and RICOH
• Chain: original steel chain
• Dating: 1970
• Origin: Japan
• Scope of delivery: watch, chain, original presentation box with red inlay

For whom?

For collectors of Japanese design history who view Expo '70 as a turning point and are looking for a piece that has preserved the condition of 1970. For Ricoh collectors documenting the watch division of the company. And for everyone who wants a watch with a case shape you won't see a second time.

Warranty (used)

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

Note on water resistance

The watch dates from 1970 and is not water-resistant. To protect the movement, it should not come into contact with water or moisture.