Ricoh President – [39mm] Automatic Movement

The Ricoh President embodies a unique moment in Japanese watchmaking history — when Ricoh, better known for its cameras and electronics, entered the mechanical watch world with bold ambition and distinctive design. Produced during the late 1960s and early 1970s, this 39mm automatic is a fascinating fusion of Japanese precision engineering and vintage luxury aesthetics, carrying the confidence of a time when domestic brands were ready to challenge the Swiss giants.

The standout feature of this model is its dual-tone design — a stainless-steel case with a fluted gold bezel, echoing the dressy opulence of Western luxury watches, yet rendered with Ricoh’s unmistakable technical flair. The black dial, paired with gold baton indices and hands, gives it a dignified yet powerful presence, while the arched day window at 12 o’clock and date aperture at 3 o’clock lend the watch an executive, almost presidential feel — hence the name.

Inside ticks Ricoh’s in-house 21-jewel automatic movement, renowned for its durability and accuracy. Ricoh’s watch division may have been short-lived compared to Seiko or Citizen, but its models, especially the President, hold a special place among collectors for their rarity and design individuality. The presence of dual crowns — one for time adjustment and one for quick date — further distinguishes it as a feature-rich piece for its era.

The Ricoh President remains one of the few watches from Japan’s golden mechanical period that combined substance, character, and cosmopolitan design, marking Ricoh’s brief yet compelling contribution to the world of horology.