RICOH RIQUARTZ – NOS Day-Date Quartz (JDM, 1970s)

This RICOH Riquartz is an exceptionally well-preserved example of early Japanese quartz watches – and virtually impossible to find in this condition today.

It is a true New Old Stock (NOS) watch, unworn, with original hangtags and the case back still sealed. Such complete preservation is extremely rare for early quartz models from the 1970s.

The design is typical for the transition period from mechanical to electronic watches: a clean, slightly futuristic case with an integrated steel bracelet, combined with a warm, gold-colored sunburst dial and a bilingual day-date display (Japanese/English).

RICOH and the Quartz Revolution

RICOH is primarily known today as a technology conglomerate, but in the 1960s and 1970s, it was also a serious watch manufacturer in Japan.

With the introduction of the Riquartz series, RICOH responded to the so-called "Quartz Revolution" initiated by Seiko in the late 1960s. The goal was to create precise, low-maintenance watches for everyday use – with a clear technical focus.

Typical for this phase:

• distinctive case shapes in the style of the 1970s
• focus on precision (here according to tag: ±20 seconds/month)
• robust, everyday construction
• complete production in Japan (JDM)

RICOH later largely disappeared from the watch segment, which makes these models particularly interesting today.

Movement

It houses an early Japanese Riquartz series quartz movement, designed for:

• high accuracy (approx. ±20 sec./month according to original tag)
• durable, low-maintenance construction
• typical early quartz architecture of the 1970s

These movements technically mark the transition from mechanical tradition to modern timekeeping.

Condition

• New Old Stock (NOS)
• unworn
• original hangtags present
• case back still sealed
• no box

An exceptional collector's condition, especially for a watch of this age.

Technical Data

• Case diameter: approx. 35 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: approx. 35 mm
• Height: 9.7 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight: 73 g (incl. original steel bracelet)
• Movement: RICOH Quartz (Riquartz series)
• Case: Stainless steel
• Glass: Mineral glass

Classification

This watch is not an ordinary vintage item, but a document of the early quartz era.

Particularly noteworthy:

• extremely rare NOS condition
• original hangtags with price (¥29,800)
• authentic 1970s design
• genuine JDM watch – never intended for export

Conclusion

An exceptional opportunity for collectors of Japanese watches:
an original, unworn RICOH from the early days of quartz technology – technically and historically highly interesting and hardly available in this condition anymore.

Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for defect claims (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.