What to say about this atypical watch, the manual-wound 1974 Seiko Chariot 2220-0180 dress watch, with original Seiko 2220 Chariot instructions manual?
Many Seiko watches from the 1960’s through the mid-1980’s have rightly gone down as design classics, building a considerable following amongst watch collectors. Some truly gorgeous watches from the same era produced by the same company have quietly slipped under the radar.
The design of the 2220 manual-winding watch is a classic dress watch - simple in design, and with classy Roman numeral hour indices. It’s a shame this dress watch doesn't get more attention, because many of these smaller watches - like the 2220 here - feature exquisite details, with Roman numerals on the dial adding that great classy touch and its thin profile - a svelte 6.5mm in thickness (!!), allowing it to easily fit under the cuff of a tailored suit - complete this dress watch nicely.
Of note on this Seiko 2220, it doesn't possess a second hand. While this makes it difficult to appreciate the smooth sweeping second hand that most high beat movements embody, the lack of a second hand gave the watch a rather classic and Bauhaus-like simplistic appearance.
Seiko found an original, great looking formula for its watches, and stuck with it. The movements Seiko designed for watches like these are tough and reliable – and the cases that house them stylish!
This Seiko 2220 comes on a leather strap, and also comes with nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1974 Seiko Chariot 2220-0180 Dress Watch
DIAL: The 220's silver dial features classic Roman numeral hour indices, with an ornate textured "hammered" dial; simple baton hands complete the simplistic beauty of its design.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 34mm (35mm with crown) x 36.5mm, with matching stainless steel caseback.
CRYSTAL: Original crystal has no scratches or no edge chips.
BAND: This Seiko 2220 comes on a dark brown leather strap; it also comes with a black, red, and grey nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 2220 automatic movement, manufactured in January 1974. For such a svelte movement, this 2220 has a relatively high jewel count of 24 jewels.
CROWN: Unsigned Seiko crown.
Of note, this Seiko Chariot comes with the original Seiko 2220 Chariot instructions manual, in Kanji Japanese and English languages.