Ricoh Calibre 61 - Automatic Wristwatch

Watches can often be more than just an instrument for telling time, for some it is a link to their past, whether the watch is a birthday gift or handed down from father to son a watches value can mean so much more than just its physical value. This watch was sent in for a full work up as the watch previously belonged to the customers father and he wanted it to be brought back to life so it can be enjoyed. So with due care and some tlc lets see what became of this little gem.....

The Condition
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The watch arrived with the front glass and seconds hand missing, the movement was running but not in any way reliably or with accuracy. A service was clear order of the day and some cosmetic parts and clean up was going to be required. Photos below are prior to work starting >

The Strip Down
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Where and when possible i like to include the strip down of a movement so you can all see the inner workings of the watch. The movement in this case has a fair amount of debris and old oils smeared around the place but this will soon vanish after cleaning.

The Case & Re Assembly
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The casing was in fair condition but every nook and cranny had dirt build up so a good clean was required before any buffing & polishing could be done >>

With the casing cleaning away in the ultrasonic cleaner the now cleaned parts of the movement could be reassembled and lubricated ready for adjustment . Below are photos of re assembly, not necessarily in the correct order.

Finished Watch
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With the movement serviced and running well once more it could then be mounted back inside the refreshed casing. A new glass and seconds hand were fitted to finish the watch as well as cleaning up and re finishing the original bracelet that had been fitted some many years previous. Returning a watch that has sentimental value back to order always adds to that feel good factor, now returned it can be enjoyed a little longer :)