Ricoh Osaka Expo 70' 43035

If you have a passion for history or a fascination with Japan's golden era, you've likely heard of Osaka Expo 70, a pivotal event in Japan's post-war history. Among the many groundbreaking exhibits, Ricoh's pavilion stood out as a true symbol of innovation. Ricoh, having absorbed Takano to re-enter the wristwatch market, took a bold step under the leadership of its founder, Kiyoshi Ichimura, investing a staggering 1 billion yen into the exhibition.

Today, we present a stunning new old stock, the Ricoh Osaka Expo 70' watch, which was originally sold during this historic event to commemorate Asia's first World Fair. This timepiece's design echoes Japan's national flower, the cherry blossom, which also served as the Expo '70 logo.

The watch features a pentagon-shaped stainless steel case, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement, and a rhodium-plated silver and blue dial with minimalist hour markers. Initially designed as a wristwatch, this unique set also includes a necklace, allowing the timepiece to be repurposed as a pendant.

In immaculate condition, finding a good example can be challenging, but encountering a complete, unused specimen is truly extraordinary.

Condition report
This Ricoh is an absolute gem. The case is sharp and free of visible scratches or dings, suggesting it was carefully stored and never used, save for some light marks from long-term storage.

The original dial, hands, indexes, and lume are in pristine vintage condition.

The original strap and necklace are both in nice vintage condition.

The crystal is clear and well-preserved, showing no visible scratches or chips.

The case-back and engraving are crisp, still retaining the light green protective film.

This watch also comes complete with its original tags, straps, necklace, and box.

Specifications
BRAND: Ricoh
MODEL: Osaka Expo 70'
REFERENCE: 4-901177 K
DIAL: Original silver and blue dial
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIMENSIONS: 36mm wide (excluding crown), 41mm tall, 10mm thick, lugs width 18mm
CRYSTAL: Acrylic crystal
CASE BACK: Snap-in Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT: Manual-winding 17J
Manufacturing date: 1960s
Service History: Unknown, ±10s/day
Bracelet/Strap: Original blue straps with signed buckle and original necklace

Ships from Tokyo, Japan.