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 the Japanese west coast whose mascot was a small winged bird. This watch was created as an official commemorative piece, 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 scope: individual mascots, distinct corporate identities, and a full merchandising program. This watch originates from that tradition.

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

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

On the case material: The back is made of stainless steel, while the case itself is made of gold-plated base metal—the standard construction for commemorative watches of this type, as indicated on the case back. We explicitly mention this so that the material specifications are clear from the start.

Design and character

With a diameter of 31.9 mm, a height of only 6.7 mm, and a weight of 27 grams, the watch is intentionally small and flat—a unisex design that works just as well on slender wrists as it does as a deliberately understated secondary 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 has been tested.

Condition

Only minor scratches and signs of wear—expected, especially considering the watch is nearly thirty years old.

Technical data

• Brand: Ricoh (Ricoh Elemex Corp.)
• Model: Japan Expo '97 Tottori commemorative watch (Sanin Yumeminato Haku, Sakaiminato)
• Reference: 31206
• Case number: 912106
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
• Case material: Gold-plated base metal, stainless steel back
• Diameter excluding 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 who find large world exhibitions too mainstream. For anyone looking for a flat, small watch with a history. And as an affordable entry into a collector's category where pieces only become rarer.

Background: Ricoh—which emerged from the Takano watch factory acquired in 1962—has spent decades manufacturing official watches for Japanese exhibitions, from the Osaka World Expo 1970 to the regional exhibitions of the 1990s. Those who wish to follow this thread will regularly find other 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.