When we look back at the early days of Apple Inc., one of the most iconic images is that of Steve Jobs seated cross-legged with the first Macintosh on his lap. What many may not immediately notice is the modest watch on his wrist—a simple timepiece that has become a piece of horological lore.
A Simple Watch, A Bold Persona
In the famous 1984 photo by Norman Seeff, Steve Jobs wears a slender quartz watch: the Seiko Chariot (reference 6431-6030).
At first glance, it’s an unassuming Japanese quartz three-hander, circa early 1980s, with a clean dial and no frills. That Jobs would choose this watch at the dawn of Apple’s personal-computer revolution says something: he didn’t worship flamboyance, but rather lean design and quiet utility.
The story of this watch’s later fame is just as interesting. In 2016, the actual piece worn by Jobs was auctioned for US$42,500, despite being a relatively modest quartz watch. Clearly, what made it valuable wasn’t the movement or materials, but the moment and the wearer.
Why the Seiko Chariot?
There are several threads worth pulling to understand why Steve Jobs chose—and thus immortalised—this watch.
First, the Seiko Chariot earns attention in retrospectives because it aligns with Jobs’ minimalist aesthetic. He was famously partial to his black Issey Miyake turtleneck, Levi’s 501s and New Balance sneakers; the watch simply didn’t compete with his uniform—it complemented it.
Second, Seiko itself offered durability, precision and Japanese craftsmanship—all at accessible pricing. While Steve Jobs was building an empire of high design, he didn’t need a show-off luxury bracelet to complete the look. The Chariot provided discreet style with no distraction.
Third, there are reports that Jobs later largely stopped wearing wrist-watches, choosing a stance of being “unbound by time”. His daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, recorded that he told her: “I don’t want to be bound by time.” That paradox—wearing a watch in one of his most photographed moments and yet rejecting watches later—is part of the fascination.
The Watch’s Specifications & Significance
From a technical standpoint, the Seiko Chariot reference 6431-6030 is unremarkable: a 33 mm stainless steel case, quartz movement, very modest finish.
Yet, its value is entirely in the cultural context: worn by the founder of Apple at a crucial moment in tech history.
Later, in 2017, Seiko released a limited-edition reissue of the Chariot in collaboration with Tokyo retailer Nano Universe, in white or black dial and sizes 33 mm and 37.5 mm to echo the original.
That reissue underscores how the watch has transcended its modest origins to become a collector’s item because of its association with Jobs.
What Collectors and Watch Lovers Take from This
For watch enthusiasts, the “Jobs watch” story offers several take-aways:
- A watch doesn’t need expensive movement, complex complications or precious materials to be meaningful. Its narrative and wearer’s legacy matter just as much.
- Simplicity in design can hold unexpected power when paired with the right moment or figure. The relentless desire for luxury status pieces may miss the mark if you value design integrity and personal connection over brand hype.
Even if you’re not a collector seeking that specific reference, Jobs’ choice reminds aspiring watch-buyers to ask: “Does the watch speak to me? Does it complement my values or style?” Sometimes the quietest piece is the one with the loudest story.
Final Thought
It’s fitting that the watch Steve Jobs wore—at a moment when Apple was poised to change the world—was so understated. A Seiko Chariot three-hand quartz. No gold case. No mechanical spectacle. Just clear design, reliable function and a wrist-worn accessory that didn’t shout.
Perhaps that’s the greatest lesson his watch teaches: great design often feels effortless—and true style remembers that simplicity isn’t empty, it’s intentional.
