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. Engineered for longevity, this 15 jewel movement can be regulated to dial in performance, and was constructed 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 July of ‘83 is a spotless blue sunburst with a soft matte finish and polished applied markers. The original luminous material bears only a faint patina, and is free of discoloration or degradation. The hour and minute hands are polished steel and white batons with tapered tips, and the original luminous windows are clean and intact. The chronograph hands are a golden orange 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 “Pepsi” insert with minimal wear. The case is an angular tonneau with crisp corners and hooded lugs that transitions smoothly into the original “H” link bracelet with stair-step hinges. It is unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement crystal, and post service with a fresh battery, it’s keeping perfect time. With few examples hitting the open market, acquiring one of your own can often prove more difficult than finding its mechanical predecessor. Easily the nicest example we’ve ever offered, it’s sure to be a highlight in any collection. 

Original Seiko “H” Link Bracelet with Stairstep Hinges in Stainless Steel

Serviced 3/9/21

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- 20mm