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 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 early example from October of ‘83 makes it easy to see why. Housed in a sleek sandblasted steel case is a titanium gray dial with three recessed sub registers.  The layout is clearly racing inspired, and the mid-dial shares a staple motif with so many dash boards of the early 80’s... a tightly woven grid pattern. The markers and time keeping hands contrast nicely in white, and the chronograph hands have retained the bright blaze orange that pops against an otherwise monochromatic layout. The chapter is a steep, dark gray “count up” marked in five minute intervals to align with the hour markers, and rises to meet a deeply concave, lead gray bezel insert with tachymetric scaling. Though it shows some moderate wear, the markings are all complete and easily legible. The movement is keeping perfect time post service, and the chronograph functions operate smoothly. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and comes attached to the original tapered bar link bracelet for a seamless finish. If 1980’s racing is in your garage, this rare catch should be on your wrist.

Original Seiko Tapered Bar Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 7/2/21

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 20mm