Ricoh Auto Deluxe 8 Ref. 1804 - 1965, NOS
It is extraordinary in itself for a watch to survive to the present day unused for over 60 years, with its original ¥8,500 Japanese price tag still attached to the bracelet. The Ricoh Auto Deluxe 8 Ref. 1804 stands out not only for its NOS (New Old Stock) condition but also for the distinctive identity it embodies from 1960s Japanese watchmaking an era when Ricoh was a serious player in mechanical watch production.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this item ships from within the European Union, you will not be liable for customs duties within the EU.**
At first glance, the dial of this 1965 model appears quite classic: a light silver sunburst finish, gold-tone applied indices, and broad, sharp hands. However, the true character of the Auto Deluxe 8 reveals itself in the details. The date is positioned at 3 o'clock under a magnifier, while the Japanese day indicator sits in a completely separate window at 6 o'clock. Fine black lines dividing the dial horizontally and verticaly unite the two calendar windows and the central red "8" emblem within a cohesive geometric layout.
This red "8" serves as the model's visual signature. It stands as the sole bold color accent against the serene dial, dominated by silver and gold tones; directly beneath it, the inscriptions "WATER 30 PROOF" and "21 JEWELS" complete the watch's period-authentic identity.
The Ref. 1804 case, measuring approximately 36.5 mm in diameter, frames the round dial with a broad, angular, gold-tone body. While the short lugs and wide bezel give the watch a distinctive look characteristic of its era, the original multi-link Ricoh bracelet design flows seamlessly from the case to the wrist. The clasp featuring the "R" logo and the signed crown bearing the same emblem are key details that complete the watch's factory-original integrity.
Inside, a 21-jewel Ricoh automatic movement powers the watch. Ricoh’s watch production during this period coincided with the years the company began establishing its own mechanical identity after acquiring Takano’s manufacturing infrastructure. Consequently, the Auto Deluxe 8 is not merely an old Ricoh; it is a piece from the era of genuine mechanical watchmaking by a brand now better known for cameras and office technology.
However, what truly sets this specific example apart is its condition. The watch is New Old Stock (NOS). The blue protective film on the caseback remains intact, and the original Ricoh bracelet and clasp have been perfectly preserved. The accompanying ¥8,500 price tag, "Ricoh Water Proof" hangtag, model labels, and Auto Deluxe 8 booklet elevate the watch beyond a well-preserved vintage timepiece to a complete set that mirrors its original retail presentation. The presentation box shown in the photos is also included.
Final Thoughts
The value of this Auto Deluxe 8 lies not just in its 1965 origins, but in the fact that the details from that year remain with it. With its red "8," Japanese day display, 21-jewel automatic movement, signed bracelet, and original ¥8,500 price tag, the Ref. 1804 is an extraordinary NOS example that brings Ricoh’s mechanical watchmaking era into the present looking almost exactly as it did on the sales counter.
The product shown was manufactured in 1965.
Professionally fully serviced.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every part has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require further servicing for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Product Condition: Tested; all functions are fully operational.
