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 allows for the replacement of worn components. The same can’t be said for most of the quartz movements seen even today. The dial lays out 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 7A models has begun to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why. This “Gray Ghost” from April of ‘83 is an easy favorite. With so many purpose driven and sport models in the 7A28 line, a big bold casual with not so subtle detailing is the minority. The layout is all too familiar, but the approach is a case study in monochromatic done right. The dial is a soft steel gray with a matte finish surrounding three recessed registers of the same color, but with a subtle sunburst effect created by tightly stacked concentric circles. To frame it all, a steep, angular chapter with tachymetric scaling in the same muted gray as the rest. Small luminous hour markers offer a bit of contrast, and the black print and hands are easy to spot at a glance. The case is a slim sandblasted tonneau topped with a polished beveled bezel that resembles the gauges of an instrument cluster. Two features stand out to me most for this piece: the first is the hour and minute hands. Similar in shape to the blade of a dagger, each is beveled at the center, and tapers to a fine point at the tip. Like the rest of the hands, they are finished in a polished gunmetal carbide that gives them a utilitarian aesthetic. Second is the bracelet. It’s not often that the bracelet is what sets a watch apart, but this one is a fully integrated five link that seamlessly transitions from the case via a locking pin attachment. It has the same sandblasted finish for continuity, but the hinge links are carved with a “stair step” pattern that’s perfectly in tune with the mechanical styling of the entire watch. Without the bracelet, it is not the same piece, and nearly impossible to retrofit with something different. At 40mm, it has a commanding presence, but is surprisingly versatile. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal. The 7A28 is keeping perfect time post service, and the chronograph functions are smooth and precise. A fresh battery has been installed, and it’s ready to provide many more years of reliable service. Get it while you can, as any available examples quickly live up to the nickname.

Original Integrated Five Link with “Stair Step” Hinge and “SQ” Clasp

Serviced- 11/23

Diameter- 40mm

Lugs- N/A