Takono the phantom Japanese Watchmaker 1957-1962

Takano Precision 1957

Takano Chateau Superior 1959

Takano Chateau Superior black dial

Takano Chateau Nouvel 1960

Chateau Calendar Day 1962

Chateau DeLuxe Takano

1961

Takano Opal Lady

Delving deeper into the intricacies, it becomes truly fascinating: the initial Takano timepieces notably do not feature an in-house movement, not even one sourced from renowned watchmaking hubs such as Japan or Switzerland, but instead, opt for a Durowe movement hailing from Germany! The mechanism found within the Takano Precision model is a manually wound, center-seconds, 17-jewel Durowe 522 boasting a 11 1/2´´´ (French lines) diameter. On the other hand, the Takano Precision Super houses a Durowe 522 with 19 jewels, while the Takano Precision Superior Deluxe showcases a 23-jewel variant. Transitioning to 1959, Takano introduced the marginally smaller Durowe 422, featuring a 10 1/2´´´ diameter and 17 jewels, designated as the Takano 123 caliber for rectangular watches. Notably, the Durowe 422 bears striking resemblance to the Enicar 410, hinting at a potential transfer of technology from Enicar to Durowe. Also movements from Laco (owned by Durowe)were used. Also in 1957 there was a cooperation with Hamilton USA for the production of their watches in Japan for the American soldiers stationed there.

Chateau Takano : in house movement watches

1959 : the Takano Chateau, was named in honor of the famous Nagoya Castle, rebuilt the previous year on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the city's municipal organization; a French name was also used, probably to recall the solidity of the Swiss watchmaking industry (in short: for a question of image). The watches feature the Takano logo's at 12 o'clock on the dial, with the word "Chateau" in italics underneath. In all Chateau models – even the later ones, except for the Calendar – the word "Superior" is found at six o'clock. The latter does not indicate the degree of regulation of the caliber, but should be considered as the "prefix" of the Chateau series.

In October 1959, Takano introduced his first watch to the market, featuring an in-house developed movement.

These timepieces were marketed under various brands such as Chateau, Takano Chateau, Chateau Nouvel, Chateau Deluxe, Chateau Frontier, and Chateau Calendar. Known for its slim design at a height of 3.5 mm, the watch was touted as the thinnest Japanese wristwatch of its time. The manual winding movement, equipped with a center second hand, came in options of 19, 21, or 23 jewels. Movements with 19 jewels were identified by the caliber number 521, while those with 21 jewels bore numbers 531, 533, or 535, and those with 23 jewels were designated as caliber number 541. Notably, the 531 featured ruby cap-jewels on specific jewel bearings, whereas the 535 incorporated Girocap combined in-setting. The 533 variant, tailored for rectangular watches, had a smaller diameter of 10 1/2´´´ compared to the 531's 11 1/2´´´.

Further variations of the movement included models with date indications: the caliber 524 with 19 jewels, the 534 with 21 jewels, and the 544 with 23 jewels. The Chateau Calendar, with its 21 jewel design, falls into this category.

The Chateau Nouvel was introduced in 1960 by Takano in Nagoya and called after the mediaval castle in the same town, which celebrated the restoration after destruction of allied bombing during WOII. Boasting the fact that is was the world's thinnest wristwatch ( before Seiko launched the Goldfeather ) and built in an elegant and sleek design. It is a collector's item because it was produced for only 1 year because the factory plant of Takano was destroyed by the typhoon Ise-Wan (1959) one of the most powerful one in the last centruy causing damage of over 110 million Yen for Takano and one of the reasons it was declared insolvent  

The Takano Chateau Calendar is a watch that is not seen often. It was produced for only one year, in 1962, which makes it an attractive dress watchf or a collector. In reality, even the Japanese maison that created it had a very short life in the production of wristwatches, before passing the baton to the much more famous brand Ricoh: only four years and eleven months. Until 1961, in fact, all Takano watches shared a characteristic, which you will surely have already noticed: they were, in fact, only time watches without any complications.

But, in February 1962,three calibers equipped with a date were presented: the 524 (19 jewels), the 534 (21 jewels)and the 544 (23 jewels), all equipped with the KIF 210-Trioranti-shock system. So how did Takano achieve the max thickness of 3.5 mm ? This result was achieved by horizontally expanding the date wheel as well as other components behind the plate and installing a larger disk around the edge of the dial.

Case Design: Case material options include stainless steel, gold-plated, or solid gold in a larger size, typically 36mm to 40mm, in round or cushion shape. Dial Details: Dials may feature intricate patterns like sunburst or guilloché, with elegantly shaped hour markers and hands, possibly with luminescent material. Bezel and Crystal: The bezel can be smooth or textured for aesthetic appeal, while sapphire crystal is common for its scratch resistance and clarity.Strap or Bracelet:Options include leather straps (crocodile, alligator, or calf) for a classic look or metal bracelets for a luxurious touch. Complications: The Chateau DeLuxe may feature complications like Day-Date, Moon Phase, Chronograph, and Power Reserve indicators to enhance functionality. The caliber of the Chateau Deluxe can only be a 541, therefore the version with 23 jewels, but the house labels it in this family of watches as541S.