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 15 jewels make for a finely tuned machine that can be adjusted to dial in performance, and 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 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 this 7000 from October of ‘83 is among the most sought after of the ‘38 models. With most of its brethren averaging around 36mm, its a mammoth at a full 40, and makes the absolute most of its powerful presence. A versatile blend of sport and suave, the spotless matte black dial features titanium gray sub registers with mirror polished frames, along with polished applied markers overlaid with luminous. A thick tachymetric chapter with a steep angular slant provides serious depth, and all white hands and printing make for stark contrast. The case is at once familiar and profoundly unique. Rolled hooded lugs transition seamlessly to the mid case and along either side is a protruding tapered “wing” that closely mimics the shape and angles of the lugs. The geometric symmetry of the architecture is not only visually appealing, it provides a bumper of sorts that helps to protect the oversized pushers and crown. It comes attached to the original bracelet which is a shared style with the 7A28 Synchro Timer. This one shows almost no visible wear, and no chipping or flaking on the PVD hinges. Post service and with a fresh battery, it’s keeping perfect time, and the chronograph functions are operating smoothly. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and ships in the original inner red seiko box. This reference is difficult to source, and especially so in this condition. Don’t wait on this one.

Original Seiko Tapered “H” Link with PVD Hinges and SQ Clasp

Serviced 7/30/21

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- 20mm