NOS! Circa 1970 Ricoh Cal 61 JDM 21J Automatic Watch (OH)

Make: Ricoh
Type: Automatic
Model: Cal 61 JDM
Year of Production: Circa 1970
Movement: 61
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Block Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 44mm
Thickness: 14mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Many of you may be thinking - who is this idiot who wishes to have a reserved price of S$ 3,888.00 for a circa 1970 Ricoh automatic watch?!

So, allow me to give you two (2) main reasons why. This watch is:

a) Japan-Domestic-Market (JDM), New-Old-Stock (NOS) and is in brand new mint condition; and is

b) practically IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND / SOURCE / PURCHASE ONLINE. It seems, no one else in the WORLD has this watch in mint condition up for sale. Hence, YOU, the potential new owner will have something more rare than a unicorn and the bragging rights to go along with it!

This circa 1970 Vintage NOS Ricoh Cal 61 has a beautiful champagne-gold-sunburst dial, 3D silver Indices, baton hands and reflective Chapter Ring. Nonetheless, all said components were given a good cleaning to reveal them in mint condition.

The Dial and Hand lumens are operable! Cool!

Two crowns are located at their traditional 2H and 3H positions and tucked away nicely to prevent damage or snags yet they are easily accessible. This 2H quickset crown is pushed in for date adjustment whilst the Hands and Day adjustments are done via the traditional method of turning the uncorked 3H crown accordingly.

Because it is a JDM, the day is in English and Kanji, COOL!

The classical designed cylindrical case also comes with a faceted original crystal that reflects light at various angles which is eye-catching.

This is a super rare Collectible and even though it was never used, its movement was nonetheless carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled and re-assembled; hence, it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the famous Ricoh 61 movement, it has 21 Jewels and operates at 18,000 beats an hour giving it uncanny accuracy. The time-grapher shows excellent readings ie rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 221! 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, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 38mm (without crown) and 44mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new hi-quality saddle-brown-coffee coloured crocodile designed hand-stitched genuine leather strap with silver buckle is selected to marry with the watch dial and case. 

Everything within the case is 100% originally from this timepiece thereby it is considered in immaculate condition, what with its age of 50 odd years being taken into consideration.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in immaculate condition (no dents and scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean 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 nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept, maintained and a unique dial and NOS as what you see here.

Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time, and should be cherished and well taken care of by a true horology enthusiast for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after circa 1970 JDM Ricoh Cal 61 Automatic NOS with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement and case; so, be unique and wear a timepiece that is practically impossible to purchase anywhere else worldwide!

This is a must-have for the true horology collector who may be the only person in in the world to own such a watch. This is uniqueness with personified bragging rights all in one!

NOS! Circa 1970 Ricoh Cal 61 JDM 21J Automatic Watch