Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Is the legendary Solari Cifra 3 really the "Holy Grail" of flip clock collecting? I don't think so.
In this video, we take an in-depth look at what may be the rarest Copal flip clock ever produced—the Copal C-61, designed by the legendary Riki Watanabe. For years, collectors questioned whether this model even existed. Aside from a Copal brochure and a single Japanese website, virtually no examples had surfaced. Then, in 2026, one finally appeared on ebay.
Join me as we examine this fascinating clock inside and out, explore its unusual design, uncover the engineering decisions that may have doomed it in the marketplace, and tear down the motor to reveal how its unique flashing operation indicator actually works.
If you're interested in vintage flip clocks, Japanese industrial design, or rare electronic collectibles, this is one you won't want to miss.
What you'll see in this video:
- The complete set of Riki Watanabe-designed Copal flip clocks
- Why the Copal C-61 is rarer than the Cifra 3
- The mystery surrounding its existence
- Design features and construction
- The unusual "pull-to-start" quartz mechanism
- Why the battery compartment was a design flaw
- Repairing the damaged battery door
- Motor opening and review
- How the flashing operation indicator works
- Why this clock may have disappeared from the market so quickly
Chapters
00:00 Introduction – The Rare Riki Watanabe Copal Clocks
00:43 The Three Watanabe Flip Clock Designs
01:06 The Mystery of the Copal C-61
01:34 Why the C-61 Is the True "Holy Grail"
02:11 Exterior Design & Features
02:40 The Pull-to-Start Quartz Mechanism
03:05 The Blinking Operation Indicator
03:34 The Battery Door Design Flaw
04:18 Why the C-61 Became So Rare
04:47 Repairing the Battery Door
05:17 Motor Removal & Disassembly
05:42 How the Flashing Indicator Works
06:38 Inside the Motor
06:52 Quieting the Motor with the Right Grease
07:14 Final Thoughts
If you enjoy vintage flip clocks and unusual electronic collectibles, please consider liking, subscribing, and leaving a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts:
Do you agree that the Copal C-61 deserves the title of the true "Holy Grail" of flip clocks, or do you still think the Cifra 3 holds that crown?
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
#FlipClock #Copal #VintageClocks #RikiWatanabe #IndustrialDesign #ClockCollectors #RetroTech #VintageElectronics
Is the legendary Solari Cifra 3 really the "Holy Grail" of flip clock collecting? I don't think so.
In this video, we take an in-depth look at what may be the rarest Copal flip clock ever produced—the Copal C-61, designed by the legendary Riki Watanabe. For years, collectors questioned whether this model even existed. Aside from a Copal brochure and a single Japanese website, virtually no examples had surfaced. Then, in 2026, one finally appeared on ebay.
Join me as we examine this fascinating clock inside and out, explore its unusual design, uncover the engineering decisions that may have doomed it in the marketplace, and tear down the motor to reveal how its unique flashing operation indicator actually works.
If you're interested in vintage flip clocks, Japanese industrial design, or rare electronic collectibles, this is one you won't want to miss.
What you'll see in this video:
- The complete set of Riki Watanabe-designed Copal flip clocks
- Why the Copal C-61 is rarer than the Cifra 3
- The mystery surrounding its existence
- Design features and construction
- The unusual "pull-to-start" quartz mechanism
- Why the battery compartment was a design flaw
- Repairing the damaged battery door
- Motor opening and review
- How the flashing operation indicator works
- Why this clock may have disappeared from the market so quickly
Chapters
00:00 Introduction – The Rare Riki Watanabe Copal Clocks
00:43 The Three Watanabe Flip Clock Designs
01:06 The Mystery of the Copal C-61
01:34 Why the C-61 Is the True "Holy Grail"
02:11 Exterior Design & Features
02:40 The Pull-to-Start Quartz Mechanism
03:05 The Blinking Operation Indicator
03:34 The Battery Door Design Flaw
04:18 Why the C-61 Became So Rare
04:47 Repairing the Battery Door
05:17 Motor Removal & Disassembly
05:42 How the Flashing Indicator Works
06:38 Inside the Motor
06:52 Quieting the Motor with the Right Grease
07:14 Final Thoughts
If you enjoy vintage flip clocks and unusual electronic collectibles, please consider liking, subscribing, and leaving a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts:
Do you agree that the Copal C-61 deserves the title of the true "Holy Grail" of flip clocks, or do you still think the Cifra 3 holds that crown?
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
#FlipClock #Copal #VintageClocks #RikiWatanabe #IndustrialDesign #ClockCollectors #RetroTech #VintageElectronics
