A distinctive vintage Japanese automatic wristwatch from Ricoh, this example features a compact stainless-steel case, a dark charcoal-grey dial and a functional day-date display at 3 o’clock. The dial is complemented by applied gold-tone baton indices, matching gold-tone hands, the Ricoh logo below 12 o’clock and the characteristic three-star Ricoh emblem above 6 o’clock.
Powered by a 21-jewel Ricoh automatic mechanical movement, the watch features a practical quickset calendar pusher at approximately 2 o’clock alongside the main crown. Its stainless-steel case and integrated-style bracelet give it the unmistakable character of Japanese mechanical watches from the 1970s and early 1980s.
Please note: the dial on this example is a redial, and the currently fitted stainless-steel bracelet is aftermarket. These details are reflected in the listing for complete transparency.
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Collector’s Note
Ricoh occupies an interesting place in the history of Japanese watchmaking. During the mid-to-late 20th century, the company produced a range of mechanical watches that competed alongside better-known Japanese manufacturers such as Seiko, Citizen and Orient.
This example, identified by the case reference 61451AC, represents the distinctive styling of Ricoh’s automatic watches from this period. The combination of a charcoal dial, gold-tone applied markers, day-date display and offset calendar pusher gives the watch a strong period-specific Japanese character.
The 21-jewel automatic movement and stainless-steel construction make this an interesting piece for collectors of vintage Japanese mechanical watches.
However, collectors should note that the dial has been redialled and the bracelet currently fitted is aftermarket. As such, this example is best appreciated for its vintage case, movement and overall design rather than being represented as a completely original example.
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Specifications
* Brand: Ricoh
* Country of Origin: Japan
* Era: Circa 1970s – Early 1980s
* Model / Case Reference: 61451AC
* Movement: Ricoh Mechanical Automatic
* Movement Type: Automatic / Self-Winding
* Jewels: 21 Jewels
* Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Day & Date
* Day-Date Display: 3 o’clock
* Day Wheel: Bilingual
* Calendar Quickset: Dedicated pusher at approximately 2 o’clock
* Dial Colour: Dark Grey / Charcoal
* Dial Finish: Matt with subtle gradient effect
* Dial Status: Redial
* Hour Markers: Gold-tone applied baton indices
* Hands: Gold-tone baton hands
* Case Material: Stainless Steel
* Case Back: Screw-down stainless steel
* Crystal: Acrylic / mineral-type crystal — exact material to be considered approximate
* Bracelet: Stainless-steel integrated-style bracelet
* Bracelet Status: Aftermarket
* Clasp: Fold-over clasp
* Water Resistance: Originally marked Water Resistant — current resistance not guaranteed
* Additional Markings: Anti-Magnetic / Shockproof / All Stainless Steel
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Case Back Details
The screw-down stainless-steel case back features:
* Ricoh “R” emblem
* Ricoh three-star emblem
* ANTI-MAGNETIC
* ALL STAINLESS STEEL
* SHOCKPROOF
* WATER RESISTANT
* 61451AC
The case reference 61451AC identifies the watch’s case/model configuration.
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Movement Highlights
Powering the watch is a Ricoh 21-jewel automatic mechanical movement.
The self-winding movement is designed to wind through normal wrist movement, while the crown provides conventional mechanical control. The watch also incorporates a dedicated calendar pusher positioned at approximately 2 o’clock for quick day/date adjustment.
The combination of automatic winding, 21 jewels and day-date functionality makes this an appealing example of Ricoh’s vintage Japanese mechanical watchmaking.
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Why You’ll Love It
* Authentic vintage Ricoh automatic mechanical watch
* Distinctive Japanese 1970s–early 1980s styling
* 21-jewel automatic movement
* Functional day-date display
* Bilingual day wheel
* Unusual quickset calendar pusher at 2 o’clock
* Charcoal-grey vintage aesthetic
* Gold-tone applied baton markers and hands
* Stainless-steel case
* Distinctive Ricoh three-star emblem
* Interesting addition to a vintage Japanese watch collection
* Original vintage case and movement retained
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Important Note
This is a vintage pre-owned timepiece. All specifications, including movement details, dimensions, water resistance and other manufacturer information, are based on the watch, visible markings and available reference information and are provided for reference only.
Dial: The dial on this particular example is a redial and is therefore not represented as the original factory-finished dial.
Bracelet: The stainless-steel bracelet currently fitted to the watch is aftermarket and is not represented as the original Ricoh bracelet.
Due to age, previous use, servicing, 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.
Case and movement condition should be assessed from the photographs provided. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch’s current cosmetic condition.
