Gold-plated case · Original box with chain · Japan

This elegant Ricoh Quartz pocket watch is a classic Japanese commemorative or remembrance watch (記念時計), issued on the occasion of the completion of the "Zen-Nichi Kaikan" (全日会館) building. Such watches were often presented in Japan as representative gifts for members, business partners or officials of associations and companies.

This particular example is in near mint condition, comes with its original case, gold-colored chain and pendant, and has a freshly installed battery.

Complete sets with boxes for these Japanese commemorative watches are much rarer than loose watches.

The Dial

The dial is deliberately classic and timeless in design, based on traditional pocket watches.

Features:

• white dial
• black Roman numerals
• fine outer minute track
• elegant black hands
• "Ricoh Quartz" lettering below 12 o'clock

At 6 o'clock there is a gold emblem with the Kanji "全", which refers to the issuing organization.

Below the 6 o'clock position, there is also the dial reference:

JAPAN – 312-3051-11

This marking confirms the Japanese manufacture of the dial.

Case and Engraving

The case is classically round and highly polished gold-plated.

On the back there is a detailed engraving with the occasion of the watch:

全日会館落成記念
"Commemorative watch for the completion of the Zen-Nichi Building"

Below that, two organizations are mentioned:

(社) 全日本不動産協会
All Japan Real Estate Association

(社) 不動産保証協会
Real Estate Guarantee Association

Additional technical information:

RICOH
RICOH ELEMEX CORP.
EGP BACK ST. STEEL
S12011
JAPAN

The marking EGP (Electro Gold Plated) means that the case is electrolytically gold-plated, while the case back is made of stainless steel.

Movement

Inside, a Japanese Ricoh Quartz movement is working.

Features:

• battery-powered quartz movement
• very flat design
• high accuracy
• low maintenance

The battery has just been replaced, so the watch is ready for immediate use.

Ricoh as a Watch Manufacturer

Ricoh is today primarily known as a manufacturer of cameras, office electronics, and printing systems.

However, between the 1960s and 1990s, Ricoh also produced an extensive range of mechanical and later quartz wristwatches and pocket watches.

The watch division was later transferred to the Ricoh Elemex Corporation – the name also appears on the case back of this watch.

Ricoh watches from this period stand for:

• solid Japanese manufacturing quality
• reliable quartz movements
• often commemorative or gift models for representative purposes.

Japanese Commemorative Pocket Watches

In Japan, there is a long tradition of giving watches as souvenirs for special occasions.

Typical occasions include:

• completion of a building or company headquarters (落成記念)
• company anniversaries
• association foundings
• retirements of executives.

These watches were usually produced in small numbers and often only distributed to members or invited guests.

Precisely for this reason, they are now interesting contemporary documents of Japanese corporate and association history.

Scope of Delivery

• Ricoh Quartz pocket watch
• Original case (blue velvet case)
• gold-colored pocket watch chain
• Pendant / Clip

Dimensions

• Diameter: 36.8 mm
• Height: 6.7 mm
• Total height incl. ring: approx. 48 mm
• Weight: 37 g (incl. chain)

Condition

• near new condition
• fresh battery
• Original box available
• very good presentation quality

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, no water resistance can be guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.