Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Some pundits may dismiss this 1971 Seiko Chariot 2201-8000 as just another “old watch”, especially when they notice that the printed Roman numerals IX and X (9 and 10) on its blue dial has already faded. Little do they know that this vintage dress watch is a highly collectible and sought-after Japan Domestic Market (JDM) Seiko from the early ‘70s.
Developed by the historic Daini Seikosha division, the Chariot line served as a precursor to Seiko’s Credor line of ultra-premium wristwatches. The Chariot was the result of an intense competition between Daini and Suwa – Seiko’s two main manufacturing arms – that resulted in the Japanese watchmaker’s highest engineering achievements during the 1970s.
Our Chariot is powered by a 17-jewel Seiko 2201 automatic movement that runs at 28,800 BPH (Beats Per Hour) for a smooth high-beat second sweep that was incredibly precise for its era. The 35 mm polished stainless steel case is just 11.2 mm thick, which makes the Chariot ideal as a classic vintage dress watch.
Seiko designed the Chariot with minimalist aesthetics but with textured dial variations. Our Chariot features the metallic blue speckled finish that is highly sought-after by timepiece collectors. Silver pencil-style hour and minute hands point to white Roman numerals printed on the dial. We matched it with a 16 mm blue leather strap to further accentuate the unique blue dial.
Weighing just 39 grams with its leather strap and with a lug-to-lug length of just 39 mm, our 56-year-old Chariot feels light and small on our wrist. Its metallic blue speckled dial often catches the keen eye of watch enthusiasts but, when they see the faded Roman numerals at close inspection, some may immediately dismiss it as “less valuable” and “not collectible”.
Ha! Little do they know…
Model: Seiko Chariot
Reference No. 2201-8000
Month/Year of Manufacture: May 1971
Type: Dress Watch
Movement: Self-Winding/Automatic
Caliber: Seiko 2201
No. of Jewels: 17
Diameter: 35 mm
Thickness: 11.2 mm
Lug-to-lug Length: 39 mm
Lug Width: 16 mm
Weight: 39 grams
