Vintage ' 60s Hamilton - Ricoh Electric Watch, 555 (505), Runs A Little
Item History & Price
Up for sale is a neat example of a Hamilton-Ricoh Electric model E1002 watch, running a little but for parts or repair. I'm not sure if the dating works the same way as the Seiko/Citizen models from the same era, but if so it would date to either March or October of 1965, which could be right - I believe these models were only made from 1962 through 1965.
Although Seiko and Citizen dominated Japanese production of watches during this time, Ricoh was one of the only... other major manufacturers in Japan (along with Orient, and to a lesser extent Takano for a very short while). You don't see many of them out here. Oddly enough, they entered into a partnership with the American manufacturer Hamilton during the early-mid 60s, when Hamilton was producing revolutionary "electric" watches. The most famous of these were the Pacer and solid-gold Velatura, which was famously worn by Rod Serling. They were very expensive watches and one of the few technologies (along with the Accutron tuning fork watches) that bridged mechanical and quartz watches. The Hamilton-Ricoh models used a movement labelled 555E, but as I understand it the movement is the same or nearly the same as the 505 movements that were used in the Hamiltons.
This model - the E1002 - looks the most like the traditional Hamilton ones like the Pacer and Velatura - the more common stainless versions are much more restrained. The case shape on this one is unusual, narrower at the bottom and wider on the top, with an unusual finish of radiating grooves on the case front.
Cosmetically, this is in nice shape overall with little to complain about. Please see the photos yourself for details. Note the neat lightning bolt for a seconds hand. It doesn't come with a band.
Mechanically, the watch didn't work when I put in the a battery. But when I pull the crown out and push it back in, the balance starts turning and the watch starts ticking normally for a few seconds before the watch stops. It also will run briefly if it is shaken. I assume this wouldn't require a major repair to get running, but I'm not at all familiar with these movements, so no promises.
Happy bidding!_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I'm an amateur collector of vintage Japanese watches, mostly Seiko and Citizen. As such, I won't accept returns unless the watch arrives in different condition than as described. Please examine all photos as they are part of my description. This will only ship internationally via ebay's "global shipping program, " which is the (expensive) quote you should automatically see in the listing if you aren't in the U.S. In my first real attempt at using this, I received messages from folks in Spain, England, and France all telling me that it wouldn't let them bid, so I apologize if it does so for you - there's nothing I can do to correct it :(. If you have a feedback score of less than 10, please contact me prior to bidding or I may cancel your bid. I am happy to combine shipping costs as long as whatever I'm selling will fit safely in a flat rate small USPS box, but the Global Shipping Program won't let me do this unless you agree to cancel your auction wins and re-do the sale as a single Buy-it-Now option, so be warned of that eventuality if you are an international bidder. I generally don't consider a buy-it-now option. Thanks and happy bidding!
00331
Although Seiko and Citizen dominated Japanese production of watches during this time, Ricoh was one of the only... other major manufacturers in Japan (along with Orient, and to a lesser extent Takano for a very short while). You don't see many of them out here. Oddly enough, they entered into a partnership with the American manufacturer Hamilton during the early-mid 60s, when Hamilton was producing revolutionary "electric" watches. The most famous of these were the Pacer and solid-gold Velatura, which was famously worn by Rod Serling. They were very expensive watches and one of the few technologies (along with the Accutron tuning fork watches) that bridged mechanical and quartz watches. The Hamilton-Ricoh models used a movement labelled 555E, but as I understand it the movement is the same or nearly the same as the 505 movements that were used in the Hamiltons.
This model - the E1002 - looks the most like the traditional Hamilton ones like the Pacer and Velatura - the more common stainless versions are much more restrained. The case shape on this one is unusual, narrower at the bottom and wider on the top, with an unusual finish of radiating grooves on the case front.
Cosmetically, this is in nice shape overall with little to complain about. Please see the photos yourself for details. Note the neat lightning bolt for a seconds hand. It doesn't come with a band.
Mechanically, the watch didn't work when I put in the a battery. But when I pull the crown out and push it back in, the balance starts turning and the watch starts ticking normally for a few seconds before the watch stops. It also will run briefly if it is shaken. I assume this wouldn't require a major repair to get running, but I'm not at all familiar with these movements, so no promises.
Happy bidding!_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I'm an amateur collector of vintage Japanese watches, mostly Seiko and Citizen. As such, I won't accept returns unless the watch arrives in different condition than as described. Please examine all photos as they are part of my description. This will only ship internationally via ebay's "global shipping program, " which is the (expensive) quote you should automatically see in the listing if you aren't in the U.S. In my first real attempt at using this, I received messages from folks in Spain, England, and France all telling me that it wouldn't let them bid, so I apologize if it does so for you - there's nothing I can do to correct it :(. If you have a feedback score of less than 10, please contact me prior to bidding or I may cancel your bid. I am happy to combine shipping costs as long as whatever I'm selling will fit safely in a flat rate small USPS box, but the Global Shipping Program won't let me do this unless you agree to cancel your auction wins and re-do the sale as a single Buy-it-Now option, so be warned of that eventuality if you are an international bidder. I generally don't consider a buy-it-now option. Thanks and happy bidding!
00331
