Ricoh is renowned for its copiers, printers, cameras, and a lesser-known fact is their involvement in manufacturing mechanical watch movements. Interestingly, Ricoh was the fourth Japanese company to develop in-house mechanical watch movements, following Seiko, Citizen, and Orient. The company's history traces back to 1936 when it was established as Riken Kankoshi Co. Ltd., later rebranded as Riken Optical Co. Ltd. in 1938, focusing on optical devices such as cameras. In 1963, the company evolved into Ricoh Co. Ltd., establishing itself as a successful multinational entity. Delve into their wide-ranging product portfolio spanning beyond office machinery to encompass the realm of precise timekeeping.
Nevertheless, the origins of Ricoh's watch division stem from another Japanese firm, Takano Seimitsu Kogyo Co., which was founded in 1938. A pivotal moment occurred on May 8, 1962, when the president of Riken Optical Co. Ltd. assumed the presidency of Takano. Subsequently, in August 1962, Takano Seimitsu Kogyo Co. was rebranded as Ricoh Tokei Co. Ltd. Later, in 1986, it underwent another name change to Ricoh Elemex Corporation, a company that remains operational today. By reading about Takano on this website, you can immerse yourself in the captivating history of this entity, which faced insolvency in 1961 following the devastation caused by a typhoon that ravaged their factory. My focus lies primarily on the early Ricoh models influenced by the talented engineers who transitioned from Takano to contribute to Ricoh's advancements.
Nice video on history of Ricoh watches
Ricoh Dynamic Auto
1962 cal 57410
Originally released in October 1962, the Ricoh Dynamic Auto timepiece features a prestigious 33-jewel movement known for its immediate day and date change mechanism. Despite facing initial quality challenges that led to notable returns, the movement underwent refinements and continued production operations well into the 1990s. Ricoh's initial line of automatic movements integrated the Takano caliber 544, which was later upgraded in 1962 with an automatic module, resulting in the development of three distinct variations.
The Ricoh Dynamic Auto watch came equipped with various notable components, such as:
- 33-Jewel Movement: The 33-jewel automatic movement ensured accurate timekeeping and longevity.
- Instantaneous Day and Date Change: The watch prominently displayed both the day of the week and the date, with an instantaneous switch precisely at midnight.
- Stainless Steel Case: Typically crafted from stainless steel, the case provided durability and a timeless aesthetic.
- Water Resistance: While not suitable for deep-sea diving, it featured basic water resistance suitable for daily use.
- Sweeping Second Hand: The second hand glided smoothly in a continuous motion, as opposed to the conventional ticking movement.
- Elegant Design: The Ricoh Dynamic Auto frequently showcased a sleek, minimalist design, making it a chic and sophisticated choice.
Ricoh Dynamic Auto
45 jewels 1963
Exploring the realm of 45 jewels, let's delve into the Ricoh Dynamic Auto timepiece. Originally equipped with a 33-jewel movement (caliber 54710), this stylish watch evolved by incorporating a 12-jewel ruby ball-bearing system, culminating in a total of 45 jewels and transforming into caliber 54722. This unique addition elevated its status among Ricoh watches, positioning it as the pinnacle of watch craftsmanship in 1962.In the "battle of Jewels" in 1962 Ricoh definitely scored as the best.
Ricoh Dynamic Escort
Day'n Date 1962
The Ricoh Dynamic Escort Day 'n Date watch was first introduced in Japan in October 1962, offering a choice between a hand-wound square or round design (with the former being particularly rare). During the industrial boom of the 1960s, there was a notable shift in people's mindset towards wearing stylish wristwatches as a fashionable "Escort" or companion. The term "Dynamic" likely alludes to the innovative date function located at 12 o'clock and the day indication at 6 o'clock. Additionally, the watch boasted a movement featuring 27 jewels, which served to minimize friction and wear, marking a significant advancement during that era.
