Vintage Seiko Steel Watch — Chinese Zodiac Kanji Dial (1985)
Only 1 available
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Seiko vintage — A Chinese zodiac dial in kanji
This Seiko vintage watch, produced around 1985, is a rare and thematic Japanese piece: its dial displays the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac (Eto, 干支) in kanji characters, arranged all around the dial in place of the usual hour markers. A horological curiosity that speaks both to lovers of Japanese culture, enthusiasts of Chinese astrology, and collectors of atypical Seiko pieces.
Each kanji corresponds to an animal of the twelve-year zodiac cycle: 子 (the rat), 丑 (the ox), 寅 (the tiger), 卯 (the rabbit), 辰 (the dragon), 巳 (the snake), 午 (the horse), 未 (the goat), 申 (the monkey), 酉 (the rooster), 戌 (the dog) and 亥 (the boar). The horse (午) at noon is highlighted in red, the cardinal point of the dial. Black beads mark the minute divisions, in a refined and erudite graphic composition.
The case back is remarkable as well: it is engraved with a rooster in a medallion and stylized grain motifs — zodiacal iconography that extends the theme of the dial and makes this piece as much a cultural object as a watch. The white lacquered dial and black baton hands ensure a crisp reading despite the symbolic richness of the dial.
Powered by a Japanese quartz movement (caliber Seiko 2C21), this piece with an ultra-thin 5.8mm profile is worn with discretion. The 32mm case is fitted with a black crocodile leather strap. Size Unisex — an ideal conversation piece, perfect for anyone born under a particular sign or appreciative of Eastern zodiac symbolism. Selected, authenticated and serviced by Atelier Victor. Fast and secure international shipping.
Three points to note about this piece
- Chinese zodiac dial (Eto, 干支): the twelve signs in kanji around the dial, with the horse highlighted in red at noon.
- Case back engraved with a rooster and grain motifs: rare, meticulous zodiac iconography that extends the theme.
- Atypical Japanese JDM piece with an ultra-thin 5.8mm profile: a conversation watch as much as a cultural object.
See our other vintage Seiko watches → | See our vintage Japanese watches →
Technical specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Chinese zodiac dial (Eto) in kanji
- Reference: 2C21-0120
- Estimated year: 1985
- Origin: Japan (JDM — Japanese Domestic Market)
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Japanese quartz, caliber Seiko 2C21
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Case: Chromed metal (steel caseback), round shape
- Dimensions: 32mm (32.7mm with crown)
- Lug to lug: 38mm
- Thickness: 5.8mm (Crystal included, ultra-thin)
- Lug width: 17mm
- Crown: Steel, original
- Dial : White lacquered, twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac in kanji, horse (午) in red at 12 o’clock, signature Seiko, original
- Hands : Black baton, original
- Crystal : Mineral, in very good condition
- Bracelet : Black crocodile leather, not original
- Buckle : Steel pin buckle, not original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition : Very good condition overall. Impeccable original zodiac dial, well-preserved engraved case back, Crystal mineral in very good condition. Some normal signs of wear on the case consistent with age.
- Water resistance : Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity : Lifetime guarantee
- Movement : Checked quartz movement, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included : Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included : Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
-
What do the characters on the dial represent?
They are the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac (called Eto, 干支, in Japan), written in kanji: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. Each corresponds to a year in a twelve-year cycle. On this watch, they replace the hour numerals, with the horse (午) highlighted in red at the 12 o’clock position. -
What is engraved on the back of the watch?
The case back is engraved with a rooster in a medallion and stylized grain motifs — zodiac-related iconography that extends the theme of the dial. These meticulous engravings make this Seiko a true little cultural object, beyond its horological function. -
What is a JDM watch?
JDM stands for « Japanese Domestic Market »: a watch originally produced and sold on the Japanese market. These pieces, often adorned with specific cultural details such as the kanji zodiac here, are sought after by collectors for their authenticity and unique character. -
Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman?
With its 32mm round case and ultra-thin profile, it is a Unisex piece. Its zodiac theme makes it a particularly personal choice — ideal for anyone interested in Chinese astrology or Japanese culture, whether man or woman. -
What is the international delivery time?
Shipping within 48 hours, worldwide delivery in 3 to 5 days via DHL Express, insurance included.
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.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- 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
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
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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