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. Solid construction, “fly by wire” circuitry, and a hefty functional 15 jewels make for a finely tuned machine that can be adjusted to dial in performance, and allows for the replacement of worn components. The same can’t be said for most of the quartz movements produced even today. The layout consists of three sub registers: the first measuring minutes, next, 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 few years, collectibility for these 7A models has skyrocketed, and this incredible example from May of ‘83 makes it easy to see why. The dial is a spotless textured matte black with recessed registers and printed white text that offers a clean, balanced, and legible display. It’s framed by a steeply angled chapter with tachymetric scaling that flows seamlessly into the “count up” bezel insert. The case architecture gives this watch great depth and undeniable presence. A knurled bezel envelops the crystal, and adds considerable height to an otherwise thinner profiled tonneau case. The crown sits on the lower left, and is countered at each corner by pushers that perform the various chronograph functions. It’s unpolished and completely original right down to the “hardlex” mineral crystal, and comes attached to the original flat bar link bracelet. Post service and with a fresh battery installed, it’s keeping perfect time, and all functions are operable. This untouched stunner is sure to be the new front runner on any roster.

Original Seiko Flat Bar Link in Stainless Steel

Serviced- 7/26

Diameter- 40.5mm

Lugs- 20mm