Ricoh Japan Expo '97 Tottori – Commemorative watch for Sanin Yumeminato Haku – Quartz, 31.9 mm

In 1997, Tottori Prefecture hosted the Sanin Yumeminato Haku in Sakaiminato – a regional exhibition on Japan's west coast, whose mascot was a winged little bird. This watch was created as an official souvenir for it, manufactured by Ricoh Elemex.

The Exhibition and the Watch

Japan has a long tradition of regional exhibitions that far exceed German state garden shows in size and ambition: their own mascots, their own corporate identity, a complete merchandising program. This watch originates from this tradition.

The champagne-colored dial features the inscription JAPAN EXPO '97 · TOTTORI in blue lettering at 12 o'clock; below the center of the dial sits the exhibition's mascot – a small bird with wings and an aviator's cap, drawn in a few clear colors. The Arabic hour numerals are slender and complete, the minute track finely dotted.

The case back states RICOH · RICOH ELEMEX CORP. · WATER RESISTANT · BASE METAL · ST. STEEL BACK · 912106 · JAPAN.

Regarding the case material: The case back is made of stainless steel, the case itself of gold-plated base metal ("Base Metal") – the usual construction for commemorative watches of this type and accordingly marked on the back. We explicitly state this so that the material specification is clear from the outset.

Design and Character

With a diameter of 31.9 mm, a height of only 6.7 mm, and weighing 27 grams, the watch is distinctly small and flat – a unisex model that works equally well on slender wrists or as a deliberately understated second watch. It comes on a new dark green leather strap that picks up the blue-green tone of the lettering.

The watch has been fitted with a new battery and its function checked.

Condition

Only minor scratches and signs of wear - to be expected, especially considering a watch nearly thirty years old. 

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Ricoh (Ricoh Elemex Corp.)
• Model: Commemorative watch Japan Expo '97 Tottori (Sanin Yumeminato Haku, Sakaiminato)
• Reference: 31206
• Case number: 912106
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Hour, minute, second
• Case material: Gold-plated base metal, stainless steel back
• Diameter without crown: 31.9 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 36.8 mm
• Height: 6.7 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight including strap: 27 g
• Dating: 1997
• Strap: New dark green leather strap
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors of exhibition and commemorative watches for whom the major world exhibitions are too obvious. For anyone looking for a flat, small watch with a story. And as an affordable entry into a collector's category where pieces are only becoming rarer.

Background: Ricoh – emerged from the Takano watch manufacturer acquired in 1962 – has produced official watches for Japanese exhibitions for decades, from the 1970 Osaka World Expo to regional exhibitions in the 1990s. Those who wish to pursue this thread further will regularly find more Japanese commemorative and exhibition watches in our vintage category.

Warranty (used)

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

Note

As this is a used watch, water resistance cannot be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.