Ricoh ARP Deluxe Automatic 21 Jewels
Sport/Casual Tool Watch · Ricoh (Ricoh Elemex Corporation). While known for electronics today, Ricoh was a significant 'Third Force' in Japanese watchmaking alongside Seiko and Citizen.
Period: Modernist/Space Age Era (Late 1960s - 1970s). The cushion/tonneau case shape and high-contrast color palette are hallmarks of the 1970s funk era in watch design.
Type
Sport/Casual Tool Watch
Brand
Ricoh (Ricoh Elemex Corporation). While known for electronics today, Ricoh was a significant 'Third Force' in Japanese watchmaking alongside Seiko and Citizen.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, Ricoh in-house caliber (likely 61 series), 21 Jewels, featuring a day-date complication and a distinctive pusher at 2 o’clock for rapid date advancement.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 37mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 42mm; Lug width: 18mm. It wears larger due to the barrel-shaped cushion case.
Description
This Ricoh ARP Deluxe is a quintessential example of Japanese 1970s design. It features a bold, 'T-shape' cushion case that flows seamlessly into its unique industrial-style bracelet. The dial is the centerpiece, showcasing a deep metallic blue-to-violet gradient that captures light dynamically. It represents a period when Ricoh competed directly with the Seiko 5 and Citizen Seven Star lines, offering robust in-house mechanical movements with practical daily complications.
Key Features
The dual-crown/pusher configuration (2 o'clock for date, 4 o'clock for time), 'ARP Deluxe' dial text, and the rare original 'Ladder/Rail' style bracelet with Ricoh-signed clasp.
Dial Description
Sunburst blue/purple fumé dial with a gradient effect. Applied faceted block indices with luminous pips, baton hands with luminous inserts, and a day-date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed top surfaces and polished sides.
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Hesalite box-style crystal, likely original with some surface scratches and visible distortion at the edges.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated smooth bezel that is part of the cushion-shaped steel case structure.
Crown & Pushers
Recessed main crown at 4 o'clock for time setting; additional quick-set date pusher located at the 2 o'clock position.
Bracelet or Strap
Original Ricoh-branded stainless steel 'H-link' or 'Rail' style integrated-look bracelet with a folding deployment clasp and 'RICOH' engraved branding.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback, likely featuring the Ricoh crown logo and water resistance engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, Ricoh in-house caliber (likely 61 series), 21 Jewels, featuring a day-date complication and a distinctive pusher at 2 o’clock for rapid date advancement.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 'Water Protected' (approx. 30m-50m), but currently should be treated as non-water resistant due to aging of the rubber seals.
Origin & Provenance
Japanese Manufacture; produced during the peak of Japanese mechanical watch production before the brand shifted focus toward quartz and electronics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975, based on the 'ARP Deluxe' branding and the specific use of the 21-jewel automatic movement architecture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of mechanical Japanese watches. While Seiko won the global marketing war, these Ricoh models are highly prized by niche collectors for their unconventional aesthetics and historical place in the Japanese industrial revolution.
Condition Notes
Good/Fair. The case and bracelet show heavy surface scratching and 'desk diving' marks. The dial remains vibrant, though the lume has likely aged and may show some degradation. Crystal requires polishing.
Value Estimate
$100 – $250 USD. Value is heavily dependent on the presence of the original matching bracelet, as seen in this example.
Care & Maintenance
Given its age, the gaskets and water seals should be considered failed; keep away from moisture. Service every 5-7 years; parts can be difficult to source, often requiring 'donor' movements from similar Ricoh calibers.
Similar Watches
Seiko 5 Actus, Citizen Seven Star Deluxe, Orient SK Crystal. The Ricoh is often distinguished by its more eccentric case shapes and unique date-pusher mechanism.
Interesting Facts
Ricoh entered the watch market by acquiring the Takano Watch Co. in 1962. They are one of the few Japanese companies that developed their own fully in-house mechanical movements, though they are much rarer to find today than their Seiko counterparts.