TAKANO – Winding Stem – Size Medium 3 (Centre Second) – 1 Piece – NOS, pre-1962

Original Takano winding stem (巻眞) from new old stock (NOS). One piece is offered, taken from an original Takano spare parts package ("GENUINE TAKANO MARK", 1打入 = one dozen). The package states the size class 中三 – the Japanese term for center seconds.

Takano is perhaps the most fascinating outlier in Japanese watchmaking history. Founded in Nagoya in 1899 as a watch manufacturer, the company did not begin wristwatch production until February 1957 – initially with purchased Durowe movements from Germany (Durowe 522 and 422 as Takano 121–126, 211–223, 321, 331). In October 1959, the Chateau was the first watch with its own movement: a hand-wound caliber with center seconds in 19, 21 and 23 jewels (521, 531/533/535, 541), which was advertised as the slimmest Japanese wristwatch at 3.5 mm in height. In 1962, the date variants 524, 534 and 544 were added.

Economically, Takano had no chance against Seiko and Citizen; the Ise-wan Typhoon of 1959 exacerbated the situation, followed by insolvency in 1961. On May 8, 1962, Kiyoshi Ichimura, president of Riken Optical, took over leadership; in August 1962, Takano Seimitsu Kōgyō became Ricoh Tokei Co. Ltd. – later Ricoh Elemex. Takano's career as a wristwatch manufacturer thus lasted barely five years. This is precisely why Takano is now considered a "phantom manufacturer," and precisely why the supply of spare parts is practically non-existent: original parts in this packaging must have been produced before the company name change. The fact that the package still bears 巻眞 in the old Kanji spelling underlines the early dating.

The winding stem transmits power from the crown to the winding wheel and, via the setting lever detent, controls the change between winding and hand-setting positions. It is therefore the component that is most directly stressed in everyday use: a broken thread or a worn square will stop an otherwise intact watch – and without an original stem, only donor movements can be used for such a short-lived manufacturer.

The part is unused. Due to storage, slight, purely optical traces are possible, but these do not impair function.

Note on assignment: The indication "Size 中三" (center seconds) comes from the original packaging. We do not have a published caliber list for Takano winding stems. Takano hand-wound calibers with center seconds are considered as applicable (121, 122, 124, 125, 211, 221, 321, 331 based on Durowe in 11½''' as well as the in-house 521, 531, 535, 541/541 S in 11½'''; the smaller 10½''' calibers 123, 126, 213, 223, 533 and the 13¾''' date calibers 524, 534, 544 differ in dimensions). Please compare the overall length, thread diameter, square size, and position of the setting lever groove with the required stem before installation.

Manufacturer: Takano Seimitsu Kōgyō Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan (from August 1962 Ricoh Tokei Co. Ltd.).

Warranty (used)
This is an original part (NOS) stored for decades. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.

Note
Before installation, please compare the stem dimensions and fit with the required winding stem; installation should be carried out professionally.