Though we typically only offer vintage mechanical watches, it’s hard to ignore the allure of a quartz watch that started a revolution. At a time when quartz meant LCD displays and designs so far removed from tradition that they were hardly recognizable as wrist watches, Seiko took a step backwards in order to bring watch design forward. The 7A28 was the worlds first analog quartz chronograph, and to say they got it right is an understatement. The 7A28 is a 15 jewel movement devoid of a single piece of plastic. It can be regulated to dial in performance, and was built in a way that allowed for the replacement of worn components. The same can’t be said for most of the quartz movements seen even today. The design allows for three sub registers: one measuring minutes, another is the designated seconds, and lastly a tenth of a second totaler. The center seconds is stationary unless the chronograph is engaged, at which point it measures elapsed seconds for the chronograph. If you are unfamiliar with this movement, we can all but bet that a little research will have you ready to track down your own. In the last couple of years, collectibility for these models has skyrocketed, and this variant, along with its golden dialed counterpart, sit at the top of the 7A28 “most wanted” list. No doubt in part, due to their less than subtle resemblance to the 6139 “Pogue” models. We certainly appreciate that Seiko chose to revive its iconic styling to mark the milestone of another technological achievement. The dial of this early example from April of ‘83 is a rich silver blue sunburst with a soft matte finish and polished applied markers. The original luminous material has a faint patina, but is free of discoloration or degradation. The hour and minute hands are black and white batons with tapered tips, and the original luminous intact. The chronograph hands are a pale yellow that contrasts nicely with the dial, and makes them easily legible at a glance. The chapter ring is a a fixed “count up” style with minute hashes that flow seamlessly from the dial. The bezel is well proportioned with a sleek low profile and an all too familiar insert. It does show some moderate wear, but has retained its color and the markings are are all clearly visible. The case is an angular tonneau with crisp corners and hooded lugs and flows smoothly into the original “H” link bracelet with stair-step hinges. With few examples hitting the open market, acquiring one of your own is more difficult than finding its predecessor. A rare treat and an HCV first, this one is sure to go fast and be a favorite in any rotation. 

Original Seiko “H” Link Bracelet with Stair-Step Hinges in Stainless Steel

Serviced 12/9/19

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- 20mm