The first group 1974's Seiko Chariot 2220-0130 Disco Volante

Name: The first group 1974's Seiko Chariot 2220-0130 Disco Volante
Brand: SEIKO
Price: 250000 JPY
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

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￥250,000

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Basic Information

Brand

SEIKO

Model

VINTAGE MODEL

Reference Number

2220-0310

Case Material

Stainless Steel

Year Of Manufacture

1973

Dial Condition

Perfect Condition

Case Condition (Including Case Back)

Pre-owned (Minimal scratches on case)

Accuracy

Mechanical (±10 seconds/day)

Gender

Male

Location

Japan

Movement

Winding Up

ManualQ

Caliber

2220A

Power reserve

Number of jewel bearings

Case

Case Material

Stainless Steel

Glass

sapphire crystal

Size (excluding crown)

Belt

Belt Material

Stainless Steel

Explanation

See translation

SEIKO CHARIOT — What Was It Really?

The internet offers many definitions of the Seiko Chariot, yet strangely, no watch actually bears the name “Chariot” on its dial. It is often described as a thin dress watch, but many examples are not particularly thin. Even Seiko itself never officially defined the Chariot simply by its thinness.

So what was the Chariot, and when did the name officially appear?

Seiko’s catalogues were organized into clearly defined product groups. As early as 1966, a “Dress Watch” group already existed. Models powered by the Cal. 2519 featured decorative engraving and distinctive luxury-shaped cases—design elements that would later become associated with the Chariot. The advertising message was: “For formal attire.”

In 1967, the Goldfeather and Skyliner joined this Dress Watch category. In 1968, when Seiko’s catalogue first appeared in color, rectangular Cal. 2519 models became prominent.

By 1969–1971, rectangular Cal. 2559 watches dominated the category. In 1971, the automatic Cal. 2201 joined the group, and more adventurous formal designs began appearing, including unusual disc-shaped cases.

In 1972, the Cal. 2220 entered the same group alongside the 2559 and 2201. Interestingly, these watches were not necessarily ultra-thin. Their distinctive formal styling was essentially an evolution of Seiko’s existing Dress Watch philosophy.

In 1973, the Cal. 2406 and 2409 joined the 2220 and 2201, while watches such as the King Seiko Vanac and faceted-crystal Lord Marvel were receiving much of Seiko’s attention.

Then, finally, in 1974, the name officially appeared in the catalogue:

“DRESS WATCH – CHARIOT.”

The Cal. 4130 joined the collection, while the 2220 and 2201 remained important. Round cases became more common, yet many Chariots were still not especially thin.

So what did “Chariot” actually mean?

Perhaps the answer lies in the international dress-watch market of the 1970s. The Cartier Tank had become one of the world’s most recognizable dress watches. Two-hand watches, such as those powered by Seiko’s Cal. 2220, were also strongly associated with formal dress-watch design.

Perhaps Seiko needed a name and identity capable of standing alongside the great European dress watches. This may also explain why so many Chariot-related designs were rectangular.

And then there is this extraordinary example:

R115 / Ref. 2220-0310.

Sold for ¥20,000 in 1974, it measures over 35 mm and features an exceptionally broad bezel. Its architecture recalls the “Disco Volante” — “Flying Saucer” — watches created by prestigious European manufacturers of the era.

Rather than appearing delicate or ultra-thin, its substantial stainless-steel case feels almost like a solid block of metal, giving the watch remarkable visual and physical presence.

Why, then, did Seiko suddenly add the name Chariot to a Dress Watch category that had already existed for many years?

Perhaps Seiko was absorbing and reinterpreting the design language of the world’s finest dress watches.

After establishing its reputation through Grand Seiko and the observatory chronometer competitions, and then transforming the industry with quartz technology, perhaps Seiko also wanted to prove that Japanese watchmaking could compete with Europe in the world of elegant dress watches.

Could this be why the name Chariot officially emerged in 1974—and why Seiko introduced such an unusual creation as the R115?

We may never know for certain.

The true origin of the Seiko Chariot remains a mystery—and perhaps that mystery is part of its fascination.