A charming vintage Japanese automatic wristwatch from Ricoh, this 1970s-era timepiece showcases the distinctive design language of Japanese mechanical watchmaking of its period. The watch features a beautifully textured champagne-gold dial with a vertical pinstripe/brushed finish, complemented by applied metallic Ricoh branding, faceted gold-tone baton markers and elegant gold-tone hands.
A day-date display at 3 o’clock adds everyday practicality, while the distinctive red and gold Ricoh shield emblem above the 6 o’clock position gives the dial an additional touch of character. The watch is housed in an all-stainless-steel case and retains its original bracelet, completing its authentic vintage presentation.
With its compact approximately 36–37 mm case, mechanical automatic movement and unusual Ricoh styling, this is an appealing example for collectors of vintage Japanese watches.
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Collector’s Note
Ricoh is an important name in Japanese watchmaking, producing a range of mechanical watches during the mid-20th century and particularly gaining recognition for its automatic movements and distinctive designs.
This example, identified by case/reference number 61421A, represents the characteristically refined styling of Ricoh’s 1970s mechanical watches. Its champagne pinstripe-textured dial, applied metallic branding, shield emblem and day-date display give it a distinctly period-correct appearance.
The watch is especially appealing in its original configuration, including the original bracelet, making it an interesting addition to a vintage Japanese watch collection.
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Specifications
* Brand: Ricoh
* Country of Origin: Japan
* Era: Circa 1970s
* Reference / Model: 61421A
* Movement: Ricoh Automatic Mechanical
* Movement Family: Caliber 61 Series
* Jewels: 21 Jewels
* Winding: Automatic / Self-Winding
* Dial: Champagne Gold
* Dial Finish: Vertical pinstripe / brushed texture
* Dial Branding: Applied metallic R and RICOH
* Hour Markers: Faceted gold-tone baton indices with luminous accents
* Hands: Gold-tone baton hour and minute hands with central sweep seconds
* Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day & Date
* Day-Date: 3 o’clock
* Day Language: English
* Case Material: Stainless Steel
* Case Shape: Round
* Case Diameter: Approx. 36–37 mm
* Dial / Crystal Diameter: Approx. 30 mm
* Lug-to-Lug: Approx. 42 mm
* Case Thickness: Approx. 12 mm
* Lug Width: 18 mm
* Case Back: Screw-down stainless steel
* Bracelet: Original Ricoh stainless-steel bracelet
* Crown: Primary crown at 3 o’clock
* Calendar Quickset: Pusher at 2 o’clock
* Water Resistance: Originally marked Water Resistant — current resistance not guaranteed
* Additional Case Markings: Shockproof / Unbreakable Mainspring
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Case Back Details
The original screw-down stainless-steel case back features:
* Ricoh “R” logo
* Ricoh lotus/flower crest emblem
* ALL STAINLESS STEEL
* WATER RESISTANT
* SHOCKPROOF
* UNBREAKABLE MAINSPRING
* 61421A
The case back incorporates tool slots for removal and retains the characteristic Ricoh emblem and period markings.
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Movement Highlights
Powering the watch is a Ricoh 21-jewel automatic mechanical movement from the Caliber 61 series.
The self-winding movement is designed for automatic operation while retaining mechanical winding functionality through the crown. Its 21-jewel construction reflects the robust mechanical architecture found across Ricoh’s vintage automatic range.
The watch also features a distinctive dual-control calendar arrangement, with the primary crown used for time setting/winding and a dedicated pusher at approximately 2 o’clock for rapid calendar adjustment.
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Why You’ll Love It
* Authentic vintage Japanese Ricoh automatic
* Distinctive 1970s mechanical watch design
* Beautiful champagne-gold pinstripe-textured dial
* Applied metallic Ricoh branding
* Unique red and gold Ricoh shield emblem
* Faceted gold-tone hour markers with luminous accents
* Functional day-date display
* 21-jewel automatic mechanical movement
* Compact approx. 36–37 mm case size
* Approx. 30 mm dial/crystal diameter
* Original stainless-steel bracelet
* Unusual Ricoh 61421A reference
* Excellent addition to a vintage Japanese watch collection
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Important Note
This is a vintage pre-owned timepiece. All specifications, including movement details, dimensions, bracelet configuration, water resistance, and other manufacturer specifications, are based on the watch’s visible characteristics and available reference information and are provided for reference only.
The stated dimensions are approximate measurements and may vary slightly depending on the point of measurement and measurement method.
The watch retains its original stainless-steel bracelet, contributing to its authentic vintage presentation.
Due to age, previous use, replacement of components, and service history, actual performance may vary. The original WATER RESISTANT marking should not be considered a guarantee of current water resistance. We recommend avoiding exposure to moisture unless the watch has been professionally pressure-tested.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch’s current cosmetic condition.
