{"product_id":"ricoh-expo70-ref-43035-weltausstellung-osaka-1970-nos-mit-prufsiegel","title":"Ricoh EXPO'70 – Ref. 43035 – World Exhibition Osaka 1970 – NOS with test seal","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis watch, a coveted Japanese design icon, is an absolute rarity in this NOS condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFrom March 15 to September 13, 1970, the first World Expo on Japanese soil took place in Suita near Osaka. Over 64 million visitors and a country that showed the world what it was capable of after 25 years of reconstruction. Ricoh released a watch for this occasion, whose case does not depict the exhibition's emblem, but \u003cem\u003eis\u003c\/em\u003e the emblem. This particular piece comes from unused Japanese retail stock – with original inspection seal and original strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eA case as an emblem\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Expo '70 emblem shows five stylized cherry blossom petals around a central point – the cherry blossom as Japan's national flower, rendered in a radically reduced, era-typical form. Ricoh translated this emblem directly into the case design: the case is pentagonal, with a circularly elaborated petal at each corner, and the dial continues the figure inside, so that the case and dial form a single continuous graphic. Not a commemorative watch with a printed design, but a design idea that runs through the entire object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA common misconception should be cleared up here: online, the design is regularly attributed to Okamoto Tarō, the creator of the Tower of the Sun. In fact, the Expo '70 emblem was designed by Ōtaka Takeshi; Ricoh developed the watch design based on this. The sales price in 1970 was 5,000 to 5,500 yen. In addition to the wristwatch version, the model was also available as a pendant watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eDeadstock: unused since 1970\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis piece has never been used. It comes from Japanese retail stock and has spent 56 years on a shelf, not on a wrist. This explains two things that are rarely found with this model otherwise: the completely preserved paper inspection seal on the back – and the original leather strap, which was practically always replaced on worn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe original Japanese inspection seal (証紙) is affixed to the case back, complete and legible:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e土産品類 証紙 — EXPO'70-3-OT-5 — 財団法人日本万国博覧会協会\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSo: inspection seal for souvenir articles, approval number EXPO'70-3-OT-5, issued by the Japan World Exposition Association, the organizing body of the World Expo. The seal officially certifies licensed exhibition merchandise and distinguishes this piece from the countless unauthorized souvenirs sold around Osaka in 1970. We have consciously not removed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is merchandise that has been stored for over fifty years. The inspection seal shows the typical browning for paper of this age, and the original strap shows the usual stiffening for leather of this age. Both are normal conditions for deadstock of this era and are shown unretouched in the product photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eDesign and Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dial combines a champagne-colored base with a dark, starfish-like central figure derived from the emblem. The hour markers are set as slender black strokes, doubled at 12 o'clock; the signatures \"EXPO'70\" at the top and \"RICOH\" at the bottom share the field. Together with the gold-colored, matte case, this results in a graphic that is immediately associated with 1970 – optimistic, geometric, without any nostalgia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe dimensions are unusual for a piece from 1970: 40.7 mm wide with only 35.3 mm lug-to-lug and 9.6 mm high. The watch is therefore wider than it is long – a consequence of the pentagonal shape, which allows it to sit flat and prominent on the wrist at the same time. At 41 grams, it remains light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\" class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3 print:block print:space-y-1\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBrand: Ricoh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eModel: EXPO'70, commemorative model for the World Expo Osaka 1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eReference\/Case Number: 43035\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMovement: Manual winding with 17 jewels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCase Width without Crown: approx. 40.7 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLug-to-Lug: 35.3 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHeight: 9.6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLug Width: 18 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWeight including strap: 41 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCondition: Deadstock, unused from Japanese retail stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSpecial Feature: original inspection seal of the Japan World Exposition Association, approval number EXPO'70-3-OT-5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStrap: original leather strap with Ricoh logo on the clasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eFor whom?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor collectors of 1970s Japanese design who are looking for an object where form and occasion are one. For Expo and World Expo collectors who value proof of license and original condition. And for anyone who wants a watch that doesn't quote a predecessor, but is an emblem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eWarranty (used)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\" class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eNote\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a watch over fifty years old, for which water resistance cannot 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":54150925451602,"sku":"A370a","price":690.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0911\/3908\/0530\/files\/EC1DB083-5E52-43A8-B292-EB6F90998804.jpg?v=1785718670","url":"https:\/\/japanese-microbrands.com\/en\/products\/ricoh-expo70-ref-43035-weltausstellung-osaka-1970-nos-mit-prufsiegel","provider":"Japanese Microbrands - Mario Lenke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}