Seiko Chariot 2220-0310 "Disco Volante" – January 1975
On this Seiko, the checkered pattern does not end at the edge of the dial. Dark lines extend from the small, circular dial across the wide steel bezel, covering the entire front surface of the watch. Intersecting horizontally and vertically, these strips form a cross-shaped geometry between the squares. As the light shifts, the metallic surfaces reveal varying tones, while the dark lines maintain the continuity of the pattern.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this item is shipped from within the European Union, you will not be liable for any intra-EU customs duties.**
The 35 mm stainless steel case features a broad top surface that encircles the small, central dial. The strap attachments are concealed beneath the main body, emphasizing the watch’s seamless, disc-like form—a unique aesthetic that has led collectors to dub it the "Disco Volante," or "flying saucer."
There are no traditional hour markers on the dial. Instead, an applied "SEIKO" signature sits at the top, and dark hands—accented with light-colored central strips—rest against the checkered background. With no second hand or calendar display, the layout leaves ample space for the geometric pattern to take center stage. A bright metallic ring separates the champagne-toned center from the silver-colored outer bezel.
At the heart of the watch lies a 17-jewel, manual-wind movement, bearing the "Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Japan)" signature and the code "A10A." Linked to the Seiko/Hattori 2220 family in technical records, this caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Despite its small and slim construction, it incorporates a Diashock balance protection system and a micro-regulator for precise adjustment.
The 2220-031 case family appears in Seiko’s 1974 Japanese catalog under the sales codes R-114 and R-115. These catalog versions, featuring a Hardlex crystal and a 24-jewel movement, were listed at a price of 20,000 yen. The serial number 510585 on the case back dates this specific piece to January 1975.
The watch is in excellent overall condition, with the case and dial remarkably well-preserved. The intricate details of the checkered surface texture, the applied Seiko signature, and the geometric lines of the case remain sharp and distinct. The watch comes with a black textured strap and the zippered carrying case shown in the photographs.
Final Thoughts
The proportion between the wide, patterned bezel and the small dial defines the aesthetic of this Seiko. Produced in January 1975, this "Chariot" model reflects the unique design philosophy Seiko embraced during the 1970s, characterized by its distinctive "Disco Volante" (flying saucer) style and slender mechanical architecture.
The item you are viewing was manufactured in 1975.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require any further maintenance for three years, provided it is not exposed to adverse conditions.)
Condition: Tested; all functions are in full working order.
