Seiko 11-4220 Carrée Steel — Blue Checkerboard Dial Manual (1974)
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Movement guaranteed for 1 year
Free insured shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Seiko steel: the carrée-shaped modernist watch with blue checkerboard dial and hand-wound movement
This Seiko watch is a carrée-shaped watch with a modernist character, unisex, worn equally well by a man or a woman. Its square brushed steel case, with clean, pared-back lines, embodies the bold graphic design of the early 1970s. It measures 24mm wide (26mm with the crown), with a Lug-to-lug of 26mm and a thickness of 7.65mm. A compact, highly stylish piece with an assertive geometry.
The blue checkerboard dial is the heart of the piece, and its main attraction. Four quadrants of deep blue, with alternating shades in a chessboard style, create a rare and magnetic modernist motif that shifts with the light. Free of any hour markers, it bears only the SEIKO signature at the top, leaving full space for this play of blues. Two fine silver-tone baton hands trace the time with absolute minimalist elegance.
Inside beats a Seiko hand-wound calibre. No battery here: the watch is wound by hand each morning, through a gesture that has become rare. That is what sets this piece apart and gives it horological interest. The movement of this example has been serviced by our watchmaker.
On the wrist, the piece looks like no other. The brushed square case and blue checkerboard dial create a graphic and refined ensemble, halfway between a dress watch and a seventies design object. It is fitted with a black crocodile-style leather strap, with Buckle steel. The 18mm Lug width leaves the choice of replacement straps open.
Three points to note
- The blue checkerboard-pattern dial, without hour markers, is the true asset of the piece: a rare modernist design that changes with the light.
- The watch is mechanical with hand-wound movement: it must be wound daily to run. It is neither an automatic nor a quartz watch.
- The dial shows a few fine signs of wear scratches, visible up close. We prefer to mention it rather than embellish it.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: carrée watch, blue checkerboard dial
- Reference: 11-4220
- Estimated year: 1974
- Origin: Japan
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Mechanical hand-wound, calibre Seiko
- Functions: Hours, minutes
- Case: Brushed steel (steel caseback), carrée shape
- Dimensions: 24mm (26mm with crown)
- Lug to lug: 26mm
- Thickness: 7.65mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Steel, original
- Dial: Blue checkerboard pattern (four quadrants), no hour markers, Seiko signature, original
- Hands: Silver-tone batons (hours, minutes), original
- Crystal: Mineral, in very good condition
- Strap: Black crocodile-style leather, not original
- Buckle : Steel, non-original
Condition and warranty
- General condition: Well preserved. Crisp brushed steel square Case, serviced movement. The blue checkerboard dial, however, shows a few fine signs of wear in the form of scratches, visible up close and consistent with the age of the piece.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanics: Serviced movement, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Invoice Atelier Victor, protective case
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
Is this carrée a Cartier?
No. It is an authentic Seiko, signed on its dial. carrée-shaped watches belong to the common vocabulary of watchmaking, adopted by many houses throughout the 20th century. This piece claims to be nothing other than what it is: a modernist, original, and accessible carrée watch, at a price in no way comparable to that of a luxury piece, and its brand authenticity is guaranteed for life by Atelier Victor.
What is this checkerboard dial?
It is a dial divided into four quadrants of deep blue, with alternating shades in a checkerboard style. This modernist motif, highly characteristic of 1970s design, creates a play of reflections that changes depending on the angle of the light. Free of hour markers, it embodies all the originality and charm of this piece.
Is this Seiko automatic or quartz?
Neither: it is mechanical with hand-wound movement. Its caliber must be wound by hand, generally once a day, by turning the crown. There is neither battery nor automatic rotor. This mode of operation has become rare, and is one of the appeals of this piece for lovers of traditional mechanics.
Is this Seiko water-resistant?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original seals have aged, and the pressure of the caseback is no longer what it was on the first day. Avoid the shower, pool, and sea. Simple contact with rainwater, however, does not pose any difficulty.
What wrist does this watch suit?
With a square case measuring 24mm wide and a Lug-to-lug of 26mm, this is ideally a piece in a compact and delicate format. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on taste and the desired look, it can be worn equally well by a man or a woman who appreciates graphic and original pieces. The measurement is only a guide, never a rule.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
Free delivery
Delivery is free on all our pieces internationally. Dispatch within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express, Emirates Post, EMS or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination, delivery within 2 to 14 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Collection in Dubai
In-person handover by appointment in Downtown Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product page. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt and are payable by the buyer. Customs inspections may in rare cases extend the delivery time.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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