Though we typically only offer vintage mechanical watches, it’s hard to ignore the allure of a quartz watch that started a revolution. 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. The 7A28 is a 15 jewel movement devoid of a single piece of plastic. It can be regulated to dial in performance, and was built 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 7A models has begun to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why. Offered only to the Japanese Domestic Market, this 7050 from December of ‘82 is a rarely seen Speed Master with a bit of a “twist.” Literally. The case is constructed of four separate components. Between the mid case and case back is a grooved plate that rides against a ball bearing in a similar fashion to many diver’s watch bezels. This allows the case to be rotated 360º in either direction, and hold a desired position. It’s designed for driving/riding so that the dial can be viewed from the correct orientation no matter the position of the wearers hands on the wheel. In addition, the mid case is surrounded by a rubberized plastic shroud for protection, and the same material is used for the pushers. The start/stop and split are bright orange with a knurled edge making them easy to find and operate through a pair of driving gloves. A wide flat bezel is engraved with each function and houses a fresh, pressure set mineral crystal. Beneath it is a matte black dial with a grid pattern finish and three crosshair sub registers. The markings are printed in a digital yellow, and the chronograph hands in a bright blaze orange. The hour, minute, and second hand are contrasted in white. Framing the dial is a steep, broad tachymetric chapter that helps to create serious depth. Though not the original, we’ve paired it with a genuine, period correct Seiko “brick” link bracelet that’s well suited to the overall aesthetic, and a perfect fit. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from the aforementioned replacement crystal. The movement has been cleaned and lubricated, and a fresh cell installed. It’s keeping perfect time and all functions operate smoothly. Packed with form, function, and more 80’s racing nostalgia than you can handle, this one is a must have for any vintage Seiko fan, and likely our only opportunity to offer it.

Genuine / Period Correct Seiko Tapered “Brick” Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel

Serviced 6/16/19

Diameter- 44mm

Lugs- 20mm