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

A souvenir from the Osaka 1970 World Expo that has never been used: the world fair committee's seal of authenticity is still affixed to the case back, the watch rests in its original presentation box, and the chain is untouched.

The dial bears the signatures EXPO'70 and RICOH. On the back, there is the official seal "土産品類 証紙" (Souvenir Product Certificate) with the ID EXPO'70-3-OT-5 and the issuer 財団法人 日本万国博覧会協会 — the Japan Association for the World Exhibition.

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 ever at that time. To this day, it remains the symbol of Japan's post-war awakening—the years in which the country transitioned from reconstruction to a technological nation.

The exhibition's emblem—five circular segments forming a stylized cherry blossom around a central point—was created by Ōtaka Takeshi. It represents the five continents gathering around Japan as the host. The shape is so striking that it can be found on countless souvenirs; here, it forms the case itself.

Ricoh, known in Europe as a camera and office equipment manufacturer, was producing its own watches at the time and was one of the official licensees of the exhibition. The seal of authenticity on the case back confirms exactly that: it was issued by the World Expo committee for approved souvenir items and is almost always detached or worn away on surviving pieces.

Design

The case is designed as a five-petaled cherry blossom: five polished stainless steel petals 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 shifts with every movement.

The dial picks up the emblem again: on a silver background lies a turquoise four-leaf clover pattern that translates the flower shape onto the surface. Sitting atop are slender black index markers and matching hands. The lettering EXPO'70 is placed above the center, the RICOH signature below.

The watch is worn on the original steel chain, which is attached to a loop on the top petal—as a pendant watch on the chain or in a pocket.

Dating

The watch was manufactured for the duration of the World Expo from March 15 to September 13, 1970, and sold through authorized retailers on the exhibition grounds. No individual serial number is 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 perfectly preserved. The seal of authenticity on the case back is present and intact; it shows age-related discoloration. The original chain is complete and free of signs of wear.

The original presentation box in mint green with golden Ricoh lettering, a golden 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: Osaka World Expo 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-leaf clover pattern, signatures EXPO'70 and RICOH
• Chain: original steel chain
• Dating: 1970
• Origin: Japan
• Included: 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 state of 1970. For Ricoh collectors who document the company's watchmaking division. And for everyone who wants a watch with a case shape that 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 back to 1970 and is not water-resistant. To protect the movement, it should not come into contact with water or moisture.