Collectible! Ricoh Auto Deluxe 8 Ref: 1802 Twin Window Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Ricoh
Type: Twin Day / Date Window
Model: 1802
Movement: Automatic
Number of Jewels: 21
BPH: 18,000
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 36.5mm
Height: 44mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Bracelet Width: 18mm
Strap: Hi-Quality Jubilee Designed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Ricoh was established in 1936 as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd., initially focusing on sensitized paper. The company diversified its product range over the decades, venturing into cameras and office equipment.

Ricoh entered the watch market in the late 1950s. The company's foray into horology was part of its broader strategy to diversify its product offerings and capitalize on the post-war economic boom in Japan.

In 1962, Ricoh partnered with the Hamilton Watch Company, an American watchmaker with a rich history dating back to 1892. This collaboration led to the formation of the Hamilton-Ricoh Watch Company. This joint venture aimed to produce electric and mechanical watches. 

One of the significant outcomes of this partnership was the production of the Hamilton Electric 505 movement, which was innovative at the time. 

After the end of the Hamilton-Ricoh partnership in the late 1960s, Ricoh continued to produce watches under its own brand. By the late 1980s, Ricoh began to shift its focus away from watches, concentrating more on its core businesses of office equipment, printing solutions, and imaging devices. This strategic pivot led to a gradual decline and cessation in its watchmaking activities; thereby all Ricoh watches were made Collectibles.

For Ricoh Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Ricoh Twin Window JDM 21J Pie-Pan design in stunning condition and is highly sort after due to its unique layout and oversized case.

The two-tone sunburst-silvery-white dial, 3D baton silver indices, day/date window, dauphine hands and case are in immaculate condition after a deep cleaning.

The oversized silver case underwent ultrasonic immersion and a good rub while maintaining its super sexy curves and lines. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape albeit some miniscule scratches remain. The crystal was replaced with a hi-quality Japanese brand acrylic and is now in mint condition.

The crown is located at its traditional 4H position and is nicely tucked away to prevent damage or snags yet easily accessible. The date / day quickset works by rotating crown from 8.30H to 1.30H and back to 8.30H.

Because it is JDM, the day is only in Kanji - cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 20 May 2024; hence, it underwent an overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the 1802 movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 18,000 BPH. The time-grapher, after hours of calibration, shows very impressive readings of -3 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 261 with a relatively straight and centered line! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approx. 36.5mm (w/o crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm, and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 18cm; hence, suitable for men and the modern women.

The timepiece is accompanied by a hi-quality Bambi Brand 316 SS bracelet. It too was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and given a good polish afterwards and is now in excellent condition albeit miniscule scratches.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Ricoh components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

Even though the case seal was replaced, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A brand new EVA pouch is provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

This is a beautiful Ricoh Twin-Window Auto Deluxe 8 in stunning condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such excellent condition.