{"product_id":"montre-seiko-vintage-acier-cadran-zodiaque-chinois-kanji-1985","title":"Vintage Seiko Steel Watch — Chinese Zodiac Kanji Dial (1985) ","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSeiko vintage — A Chinese zodiac dial in kanji\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eSeiko vintage watch\u003c\/strong\u003e, produced around 1985, is a rare and thematic Japanese piece: its dial displays the \u003cstrong\u003etwelve signs of the Chinese zodiac (Eto, 干支)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach 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 \u003cstrong\u003ehorse (午) at noon is highlighted in red\u003c\/strong\u003e, the cardinal point of the dial. Black beads mark the minute divisions, in a refined and erudite graphic composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ecase back\u003c\/strong\u003e is remarkable as well: it is \u003cstrong\u003eengraved with a rooster\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003ewhite lacquered dial\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eblack baton hands\u003c\/strong\u003e ensure a crisp reading despite the symbolic richness of the dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowered by a \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese quartz movement\u003c\/strong\u003e (caliber Seiko 2C21), this piece with an \u003cstrong\u003eultra-thin 5.8mm profile\u003c\/strong\u003e is worn with discretion. The 32mm case is fitted with a \u003cstrong\u003eblack crocodile leather strap\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree points to note about this piece\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChinese zodiac dial (Eto, 干支): the twelve signs in kanji around the dial, with the horse highlighted in red at noon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase back engraved with a rooster and grain motifs: rare, meticulous zodiac iconography that extends the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAtypical Japanese JDM piece with an ultra-thin 5.8mm profile: a conversation watch as much as a cultural object.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca title=\"Vintage Seiko Watches\" href=\"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/collections\/montres-seiko-vintage\"\u003eSee our other vintage Seiko watches →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e | \u003cem\u003e\u003ca title=\"Vintage Japanese Watches\" href=\"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/collections\/montres-vintage-japonaises\"\u003eSee our vintage Japanese watches →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiko\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chinese zodiac dial (Eto) in kanji\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2C21-0120\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1985\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan (JDM — Japanese Domestic Market)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Men's and women's watch (Unisex)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese quartz, caliber Seiko 2C21\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours, minutes, seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chromed metal (steel caseback), round shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32mm (32.7mm with crown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug to lug:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.8mm (Crystal included, ultra-thin)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLug width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrown:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Steel, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDial :\u003c\/strong\u003e White lacquered, twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac in kanji, horse (午) in red at 12 o’clock, signature Seiko, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHands :\u003c\/strong\u003e Black baton, original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal :\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral, in very good condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBracelet :\u003c\/strong\u003e Black crocodile leather, not original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuckle :\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel pin buckle, not original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition and warranty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall condition :\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater resistance :\u003c\/strong\u003e Not guaranteed (vintage watch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity :\u003c\/strong\u003e Lifetime guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement :\u003c\/strong\u003e Checked quartz movement, guaranteed for 1 year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded :\u003c\/strong\u003e Atelier Victor invoice, protective case\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNot included :\u003c\/strong\u003e Original box and papers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do the characters on the dial represent?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is engraved on the back of the watch?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a JDM watch?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJDM 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs this watch suitable for a man or a woman?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the international delivery time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShipping within 48 hours, worldwide delivery in 3 to 5 days via DHL Express, insurance included.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Seiko","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53944139415889,"sku":"523987 2C21-0120","price":320.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/8576\/2597\/files\/VD_01803.jpg?v=1780499420","url":"https:\/\/ateliervictor.co\/en\/products\/vintage-seiko-steel-watch-chinese-zodiac-kanji-dial-1985","provider":"Atelier Victor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}