The Legend Behind the Clock: Riki Watanabe and the Art of Japanese Timekeeping
Introduction
Some designers leave a mark on their era. Riki Watanabe left a mark on an entire century.
Born in 1911, Riki Watanabe spent over six decades creating objects for everyday life. His work, from furniture to clocks to public installations, speaks to a single and consistent vision: that great design belongs in the spaces we inhabit, not only in galleries or museums. His clocks, in particular, became his lifework: quiet, precise, and enduring.
At Lemnos Singapore, we are proud to carry a curated selection of the RIKI collection, timeless pieces that carry his philosophy into homes across Singapore and beyond.
A Pioneer of Japanese Design
In 1949, Riki Watanabe established Japan's first independent design office, a bold move in a country still rebuilding after the war. At a time when "design" as a profession barely existed in Japan, he forged a path that generations of designers would follow.
His work spanned furniture, interiors, and clocks. He shaped the interiors of landmark hotels including the Keio Plaza and Prince Hotel. He created iconic furniture pieces such as the Himo-Isu (Rope Chair) and the Trii-stool. And in the public sphere, his Hibiya Pole Clock still stands today in Tokyo's Hibiya district as a quiet monument to his vision.
Recognition That Speaks for Itself
Riki Watanabe's work was recognised on the world stage long before "Japanese design" became a global trend:
- Milano Triennale Gold Medal (1957)
- Mainichi Industrial Design Prize
- Shiju-hosho, Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, awarded by the Japanese government
- In 2006, the "Riki Watanabe: Innovation of Living Design" retrospective was held at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
He continued designing well into his nineties, passing away in 2013 at the age of 101.
The RIKI Collection at Lemnos Singapore
His clock designs live on through the RIKI brand, now carried forward by designer Akira Yamamoto, who worked alongside Watanabe for many years. Each piece reflects the same principles: simplicity, legibility, and quiet elegance.
RIKI CLOCK Large The iconic wall clock in its full presence. Clean lines, a generous face, and a design that feels at home in any interior.
RIKI CLOCK Small The same timeless design in a more compact form, perfect for smaller spaces.
RIKI STEEL CLOCK A refined variation in steel, bringing a contemporary edge to a classic silhouette.
RIKI ALARM CLOCK Watanabe's design sensibility brought to the bedside. Functional, beautiful, and built to last.
Design That Outlives Its Maker
What makes the RIKI collection remarkable is not just its history. It is how naturally these clocks fit into a modern home. There is no nostalgia required. They simply work, visually and functionally, in the same way they did decades ago.
That is the mark of truly great design.