Ricoh Quartz Vintage Dress Watch Ref. 26283-4 - Gold Plated Rectangular Japan Dress Watch with Original Box, Late 1980s

This elegant Ricoh Quartz Ref. 26283-4 is a very nice example of a side of Japanese watchmaking history that is significantly underrated today. Ricoh is primarily known today as a manufacturer of cameras, copiers, and office equipment. Less known is that Ricoh was also active in the watch sector for decades, drawing on a remarkable tradition: its roots go back to the former Takano Precision, a Japanese watch manufacturer that produced high-quality wristwatches in the 1950s and early 1960s. After being acquired by Ricoh, the company was renamed Ricoh Watch Co. in 1962; in 1986, it was rebranded as Ricoh Elemex.

It is precisely this heritage that makes Ricoh watches interesting for collectors. Ricoh stood in the shadow of the internationally much better-known Japanese names Seiko, Citizen, and Orient, but it was not merely a no-name producer. In the mechanical era, Ricoh was even among the important Japanese manufacturers of its own movements. Later, Ricoh, or Ricoh Elemex, produced numerous quartz watches, which were primarily distributed in the Japanese domestic market. Many of these models were worn as reliable, elegant everyday and dress watches — and precisely for this reason, complete sets with original packaging are rare to find today.

The watch offered here is exactly such a piece: not an over-restored collector's watch, but an authentic Japanese vintage dress watch in very nice condition and with its original Ricoh box. Such watches were usually used practically in Japan, given as gifts, or later passed on without packaging. The fact that a simple Ricoh quartz watch from this period has been preserved with its original box is therefore much more unusual than the watch alone. It is precisely this set character that clearly distinguishes this piece from many other vintage quartz watches.

In terms of design, the watch impresses with the restraint typical of Japanese dress watches. The slightly rectangular, gold-plated case looks elegant but not obtrusive. The champagne-gold dial is extraordinarily well preserved and harmonizes beautifully with the fine baton indices and the simple hands. This gives the watch a calm, classic presence — typical of those Japanese dress watches of the late quartz era that do not rely on size or striking design, but on proportion, understatement, and everyday suitability.

With a case size of 28.8 × 29.5 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 35.5 mm, the watch wears very compactly and elegantly. It is thus clearly classified as a classic dress watch and is particularly well suited for slender wrists or for buyers who deliberately seek a discreet vintage watch. The low weight of only 23 g including the leather strap underscores the light, pleasant character of the watch.

The condition is very pleasing for such a watch. The crystal is free of visible blemishes, the dial is exceptionally well preserved, and the watch runs perfectly. The case shows only minor signs of wear typical for its age. The mounted leather strap appears new or unworn based on the current impression and matches the warm gold tone of the case very well.

This Ricoh Quartz is therefore not only a beautiful, immediately wearable vintage dress watch, but also an attractive collector's item for lovers of Japanese watches beyond the well-known major brands. Particularly interesting is the combination of Ricoh Elemex heritage, very good condition, and original packaging. Precisely such inconspicuous but authentic Japanese everyday classics are becoming increasingly difficult to find — especially in this completeness.

Technical Data

• Brand: Ricoh
• Model: Ricoh Quartz
  
• Reference / Case No.: 26283-4 (late 80s)
  
• Manufacturer on the back: Ricoh Elemex Corp.
  
• Movement: Quartz
  
• Case material: gold-plated, stainless steel back
  
• Case shape: slightly rectangular
  
• Dial: champagne gold
  
• Crystal: free of visible blemishes
  
• Case size: 28.8 × 29.5 mm
  
• Lug-to-Lug: 35.5 mm
  
• Lug width: 18 mm
  
• Weight including leather strap: 23 g
  
• Strap: Leather strap, appears new or unworn
  
• Scope of delivery: Watch with original Ricoh box
• Battery recently replaced

Condition

Very good condition. The dial is exceptionally well preserved, the crystal is free of visible blemishes, and the watch runs perfectly, the battery has been freshly replaced. The case shows only minor signs of wear typical for its age. The original Ricoh box is particularly noteworthy, as such vintage Japanese quartz watches are usually offered without packaging today.

Warranty (used)

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

Note

Since it 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.