Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a striking 1970s mechanical wristwatch from Ricoh, a Japanese brand famous today for cameras but once a fierce competitor in the watchmaking world. It features a bold, angular stainless steel shield-shaped case, a clean white dial with vibrant red numerals at 12, 6, and 9, and a day-date complication at the 4:30 position.
Story
In the 1970s, Ricoh fought a fierce battle against Seiko and Citizen for wrist supremacy. This watch features a unique pusher at 2 o'clock to quickly change the date, a quirky design choice that defines 70s Japanese engineering.
Maker / Origin
While most people know Ricoh for copiers and cameras, they acquired the Takano Watch CO. in 1962 to challenge the dominance of Seiko and Citizen. For two decades, Ricoh produced highly reliable, stylish, and innovative mechanical watches.
Condition & Value
The watch appears to be in good cosmetic condition with minor surface scratches on the stainless steel case and acrylic crystal consistent with age. The dial is remarkably clean with no signs of water damage or fading. The leather strap is a modern replacement.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.