Though much of the attention of vintage fans seems to center around the 613X “Suwa” chronographs , Seiko’s Daini division was answering back with their own JDM 701X calibers that were equally impressive, and in some instances, even ahead of the curve. What they lack in minute and hour registers, they more than make up for with features all their own. This 7015-7010 from December of ‘72 is easily one of the best looking chronographs to come out of the entire era. The conical case flares at the bottom and slopes sharply upward through the bezel. The lugs are nicely proportioned, and so steep as to create a “pass through” effect on the strap. The bezel insert is a soft, grainy matte black trimmed in a silver and yellow tachymetric scale that, in this instance, shows virtually no visible wear. Beneath it is a bi-level dial that’s absolutely perfect. The lower portion is a charcoal sunburst with applied markers, framed by a metallic silver upper ring trimmed in black and electric blue. Beyond that, the glossy black inner bezel makes up the second half of the slide rule function mapped out on the dial. It can be rotated in either direction via the crown in the first position. The hour and minute hands are brightly polished batons with clean luminous, off set by a blaze orange chronograph sweep. The day/date window sits recessed at three and the day can be displayed in Kanji or English. The day can be quick set by firmly pressing the crown, and the date via the crown in the second position. The self-winding 7015 is keeping near perfect time post service, and features a “flyback” complication that allows the sweep hand to be reset without having to first stop the chronograph mechanism. It’s unpolished and in stunning original condition right down to the domed “hardlex” crystal. We’ve paired it with a “tropic sport” style strap in supple black composite for a race inspired period finish that’s endlessly comfortable on the wrist. This one is sure to be a fast front runner on any roster.

CNS “Tropic Sport” Style Black Composite

Serviced- 5/25

Diameter- 43mm

Lugs- 19mm