Takano Precision Super 19 Jewels – Cal. T-12 – Ref. 14043 – fully serviced in Japan in July 2026

In the history of Japanese watches, there are a handful of names that you only get to know once you dig deeper – and then never forget. Takano is the most prominent of them. The brand existed as a watch manufacturer for less than five years, was absorbed by Ricoh in 1962, and is still referred to as a "phantom manufacture" in Japan today. What is offered here is not just any Takano, but the brand's top model – freshly serviced.

Takano: five years that count

Takano Seimitsu Kōgyō set out in the late 1950s with the ambition to build the thinnest Japanese wristwatches – at a time when Seiko and Citizen held a firm grip on the market with Marvel, Cronos, and Deluxe. Technically, they succeeded: Takano's movements achieved heights that the established competition initially could not match.

The economic path was short. The Ise-wan Typhoon damaged production in September 1959, costing Takano a month's output with approximately 110 million yen in damages. On May 8, 1962, Ichimura Kiyoshi, president of Riken Optical, assumed the presidency; in August 1962, Takano Seimitsu Kōgyō became Ricoh Tokei Co. Ltd., which in 1986 became the still existing Ricoh Elemex Corporation. The Takano brand was discontinued in July 1962.

For collectors, this means: a very narrow production window, small quantities, and a stock that has only decreased over the past sixty years. Takano watches reach the European market almost exclusively as individual pieces sourced directly from Japan.

The top model: Precision Super with Caliber T-12

The Precision Super was Takano's highest evolutionary stage. The Caliber T-12 installed here is the movement with which the manufacture fulfilled its claim – 19 jewels, manual winding, pushed to the extreme in terms of height. The dial internally bears the designation T-12632, the case back the model number 14043, and the serial number 574062.

The case back is clearly signed: "GOLD PLATED 20 MICRONS · STAINLESS STEEL BACK". 20 microns is a substantial plating, significantly above what was common in this price range at the time – and the reason why the case of this example still stands closed after more than sixty years.

Serviced in Japan

The watch was completely overhauled by a Japanese watchmaker in July 2026. It is therefore ready to wear immediately and clearly stands out from the untested Takano offers found on Japanese auction platforms – for a brand for which there has been no manufacturer service or spare parts supply for sixty years, this is an argument that only becomes more important with the years.

Design and character

The dial is the real reason to want this watch. It works with two zones: a smooth, light center with the signature "Takano Precision" at 12 o'clock and "Super / 19 JEWELS" at 6 o'clock, surrounded by a finely guillochéd rim whose lines reflect the case contour. The applied gold indices are partly in the center, partly on the rim – a detail that looks different from every angle.

The square case measures 26.9 × 27 mm with a lug-to-lug of 37.6 mm; the curved glass brings the height to 11.2 mm. At 34 grams, the watch is extremely light. On the wrist, this results in a compact, strictly formal dress watch – the angular shape is a consciously chosen alternative to the round standard and wears completely inconspicuously under the cuff.

Condition

The gold plating and dial are remarkably intact for their age. The watch comes with a new black leather strap.

Technical data

• Brand: Takano
• Model: Precision Super
• Reference/Model Number: 14043
• Dial designation: T-12632
• Serial Number: 574062
• Caliber: Takano Cal. T-12
• Movement: Manual winding
• Jewels: 19 Jewels
• Case material: gold-plated 20 microns, stainless steel back
• Case dimensions without crown: 26.9 × 27 mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 37.6 mm
• Height: 11.2 mm (with curved glass)
• Lug width: 19 mm
• Weight including strap: 34 g
• Manufacturing period: before July 1962
• Service: Overhauled in Japan in 2026
• Strap: new black leather strap
• Origin: Japan

For whom?

For collectors who want to build Japanese watch history beyond Seiko and Citizen and are looking for a brand that only existed for five years. For lovers of angular case shapes around 1960. And for anyone who wants a top model with fresh service, rather than an untested watch from a Japanese auction.

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.