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. Introduced in 1983, the 7A28 was the worlds first analog quartz chronograph, and to say they got it right is an understatement. It 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. Two years later, in 1984, the 7A38 was introduced. Just like its predecessor, the design allowed for three sub registers: one measuring minutes, another is the designated seconds, and 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. In addition, there was now a day and date window nestled neatly into the 1/10 second sub register. Either can be set independently via the crown in the second position. Along with this new feature, a whole host of new designs was now available to suit any taste. 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 7A models has begun to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why. Nothing says “The 80’s” like gold, and this two-tone 7069 has just enough to make things interesting on a layout we think is perfectly executed. The dial is a silver linen with a north to south grain and a glossy lacquer finish. The three oversized sub registers are inset, and the finish creates an almost rainbow sunburst effect. The hour markers are polished yellow with black striping that’s perfectly coordinated with the black and gold hands. A steep tachymeter chapter sits high above the dial and adds just the right amount of depth. The case is stainless steel, and unmistakably Seiko. It’s topped with a polished yellow bezel, and the pushers and crown are yellow as well. We’ve paired it with an RAF NATO that matches the dial, and works well to balance the touches of gold. The 7A38 was carefully disassembled, cleaned, and oiled. All the coils were inspected, and a fresh battery has been installed. It’s keeping perfect time and the chronograph functions are flawless. We decided to leave the original hardlex crystal as it only had a few light marks, and allowed us to leave it as original as possible. This two-tone stunner looks amazing on the wrist, and an example this clean deserves a spot in any rotation.

Clockwork Synergy Dove Gray Double Layer Two-Piece RAF NATO (clockworksynergy.com)

Serviced 5/14/19

Diameter- 37.5mm

Lugs- 20mm