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. Solid construction, “fly by wire” circuitry, and a hefty 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 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. Following the 7A28, Seiko introduced the 7A38, which added a day and date at three, and later configurations like the 7A34 moved the date only to 12, and the 7A36, just a dual register with day and date at three. With new configurations, new layouts were possible and this 7A34-7019 from April of 1987 caught our eye. In all yellow, the dial is a textured matte champagne with polished register frames and clean black printing. The date sits at 12, and is integrated into the shield hour marker as a clean round window. The hour and minute hands are polished “pencil” batons with a thin black stripe through the middle. At 37mm, the case is substantial and a true unisex design. it’s dripping in late 80’s styling, right down to the sandblasted etching of “CHRONOGRAPH” into the polished bezel. The mid case is a slim tonneau with north/south brushing, and incorporates and integrated bracelet design that’s a familiar Seiko “H” link. It’s unpolished and completely original, right down to the domed mineral crystal. It has a few small blemishes, but nothing obstructive, and is seamlessly contoured to the bezel. The plating is almost completely intact aside from a few small wear points on the 12 side bracelet hinges and clasp. Post service and with a new battery, it’s keeping perfect time, and all functions operate as they should. The date can be quick set via the crown in the second position. A great piece of 80’s flash with solid engineering behind the dial, it’s an easy addition to any line up.

Serviced- 10/26

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- N/A