Seiko - Chariot 信環 (Shinkan) – Circle of Trust - No reserve price - 2220-0430 - Men - 1975

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A masterclass in Japanese minimalism and mid-century elegance, this Seiko Chariot represents the sophisticated side of 1970s watchmaking. Powered by the highly regarded high-beat manual wind caliber 2220, this timepiece was produced by the Daini Seikosha factory, indicated by the distinctive lightning bolt logo on the dial. With its clean Roman numeral layout and pure two-hand design, it channels the aesthetic of high-end Swiss dress watches like the Cartier Tank, but with reliable Japanese engineering at its heart. This is a refined dress watch for the collector who values understated style and mechanical pedigree. Brand: Seiko Model: Chariot Reference Number: 2220-0430 Serial Number: 507364 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 2220A Dial: White with Roman numerals Case Size: 34 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1975 Condition: Excellent vintage condition Dial and Hands The watch features a pristine white dial that serves as the perfect canvas for the printed black Roman numeral hour markers. The layout is wonderfully balanced and legible. The dial is signed "Seiko" at the 12 o'clock position and features the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo above the 6 o'clock position. The slender black stick hands are in excellent condition and provide a sharp contrast against the white background, enhancing the elegant monochrome aesthetic. Case and Crystal The circular stainless steel case measures 34mm in diameter and preserves its original lines with sharp definition on the lugs. The polished surfaces show only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage and light use. The snap-on caseback is clearly engraved with the reference number, serial number, and factory markings. The crystal appears clear and free of significant scratches, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 2220A, a manual-wind movement featuring 24 jewels. This high-grade movement from the 1970s is renowned for its slim profile and high-beat rate, designed to offer superior precision in a dress watch format. The movement presents beautifully with clean bridges and ruby jewels clearly visible. It is running within vintage tolerances and offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. The strap is in good condition, complementing the formal nature of the watch, and is fastened by a silver-tone buckle that suits the stainless steel case perfectly. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved with no visible staining or patina. The case retains its factory finish with high reflectivity and only faint surface hairlines visible upon close inspection. The movement is clean and the caseback engravings remain sharp and legible, indicating a watch that has been treated with great care over the decades. Dimensions With a case diameter of 34mm, this watch sits comfortably on the wrist in a classic mid-century proportion. Its slim profile allows it to slide easily under a dress shirt cuff, making it an ideal choice for formal wear or business attire. Remarks The Seiko 2220 series, often referred to as the Chariot line, is a favorite among vintage Seiko collectors for its use of high-beat manual movements in elegant, thin cases. The presence of the Daini factory logo adds a layer of historical interest, marking it as a product of Seiko's internal rivalry that drove innovation during the golden age of Japanese watchmaking. History Seiko in the 1970s was at the peak of its powers, challenging the Swiss watch industry with both quartz technology and high-quality mechanical movements. The Daini Seikosha factory, where this watch was manufactured in 1975, was instrumental in developing high-performance movements that allowed for thinner, more stylish case designs. This specific reference captures the era's shift toward refined, dressy timepieces that did not compromise on mechanical excellence. /Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SXX-0002