Picked up this little gem on eBay in July 2022 for £29.00. I was pleased to win because the photos on the listing made it look like it was in really good condition. I already have two Ricoh but I am yet to take one apart to service. This one said it runs okay but the date pusher (above the crown) is lose. Easy fix is what I think.
When it arrived at a glance it looked really nice. Closer inspection said otherwise. Can you spot it?
Got it?
The case has been refinished quite well all the same but some of the transitions from high polish to brushed have been compromised and the front of the case that is highly polished should be a bit more angular.
Next I notice the hands have had the lume removed. Not sure why it would be removed and not replaced. I am guessing another hobbyist has owned this, perhaps even watched some of my case restoration videos? who knows.
Firstly I remove the watch from the case to address the lose pusher. The pusher is not just lose its actually not attached at all.
Looks like someone has tried to secure this by glue at some point in its history. These types of pusher are held in place by what are known as e-clips. Fortunately I have a pack of mixed sizes so found one to fit. They are a pain to get on but with the help of rodico to hold it in place while you push the clip on makes it a fiddly but relatively easy task.
So now the worst part. With the watch out of the case we see just how damaged the dial is! clearly this watch has been in a country with hi humidity, not helped by the last of any gaskets on the pusher, crown or caseback. Equally the crystal is just push fit which in my opinion is wrong, falls out way to easily and I will have to fit one with a tension ring.
Despite this messy dial most of the lacquer damage is in areas not visible in the case. I got out my Bergeon dial cleaning tool not to use on the dial as I think anything you touch the dial with here would most likely damage it. I would use the leather tool to polish up the index and hands before reluming them.
This watch is still very much work in progress as its going to need a service to be sure I am happy all is well with the movement. For now though I have lumed the hands and fitted back to the case. Fitted on a bracelet that I think matches it quite well.
