1982 Seiko 7A28-7050 "Driver"

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.

In the last couple of years, collectability for these 7A28 models has begun to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why.

From specialized regatta-timing tools to futuristic ergonomic driver's chronographs, Seiko’s 1983 lineup represents a high-water mark for 1980s industrial engineering. Designed with hyper-focused utility in mind—whether tracking 15-minute countdowns on open water or angling a dial to eliminate wrist rotation while driving—these references pair groundbreaking 1/20th-second analog timing with avant-garde aesthetics.

7050 Designer & Design Aesthetic

The 7A28-7050 was designed by legendary Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (or Italdesign Giugiaro) - same designer as the legendary 7A28-7000 "Ripley". 

Seiko partnered with Giugiaro in the early 1980s to create a line of avant-garde, highly functional chronographs for drivers and motorcyclists. His design philosophy for the 7050 focused heavily on ergonomic utility while operating a vehicle:

Rotating Case: The central watch head sits on a ball-bearing ring enclosed in a protective shroud, allowing the wearer to rotate the dial 360°. This was designed so drivers could angle the dial to read it effortlessly without taking their hands off the steering wheel or handlebars.

Glove-Friendly Controls: Features oversized, knurled orange pushers and a distinct locking crown mechanism at the corner to clamp the rotating head into position.

The other feature of the 7050 is its distinctive 1980s "graph paper" grid dial, stark contrast orange chrono hands, and sub-registers capable of measuring down to 1/20th of a second.

Condition:

Overall this watch is in excellent used condition. The dial and hands are perfect and the glass scratch-free. 

The case has some light marks but overall in mint original conditon.  All engravings on the caseback are clearly visible.

The head can still pivot/rotate.  

The movement has been calibrated and all functions work correctly. 

Specifications:

Diameter: 42mm

Lugs: 20mm

Production Date: October 1983

Strap: Matching blue, 'tropic' rubber strap