1982 Seiko 7A28-7010 “Speedmaster” Quartz Chronograph

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.

It featured distinct hooded lugs and the signature button layout of the Seiko 7Axx series chronographs: chronograph start and stop at 2, reset at 4, crown at 8 and another one at 10.

In the last couple of years, collectability for these 7A models has begun to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why. Though they didn’t officially hit the shelves until 1983, this 7A28-7010 came off the line in November of ‘82, making it one of the earliest produced. A JDM model, it carries the “Speedmaster” helmet logo on the original bracelet.

The dial is a matte silver with printed registers and text that offer an incredibly clean and legible display. A raised black chapter with luminous hour markers and silver minute hashes sits at its border and meets the steep bank of the internal tachymetric ring to match the dial. The layout gives this watch great depth and undeniable presence.

Specifications:

Diameter: 38.5mm

Lugs: 20mm

Production Date: October 1982

Condition:

Overall this watch is in good condition which just some minor surface scratches visible at high magnification on the case. The dial and hands are lovely, however to be noted, there are some blemishes to the tachymeter track at 4pm and 9pm.  The glass is mostly scratch free with only some light chips at the very edge at 4pm. 

The movement has been fully serviced by our Watchmaker who specializes in Seiko watches.   A new battery and case back gasket have been installed.   All functions work as they should and the second hand re-sets correctly (an issue with un-serviced models).

The bracelet will comfortably fit a wrist UPTO 7 inches.