1983 Seiko “Speedmaster” Chronograph 7A28-7040

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.  A JDM model, it carries the “Speedmaster” helmet logo on the original bracelet.

The 7040 has a sixty-click bi-directional zero to sixty bezel with H/M and chrono sweep seconds on the centre, with running seconds on the 6 subdial, 1/20th second counter on the 3 subdial, and elapsed minutes on the 9. The layout gives this watch great depth and undeniable presence with obvious design ‘inspiration’ from the Omega Speedmaster.

Condition:

Overall this watch is excellent original condition with only very light scratches on the bezel, case and caseback from normal wear (as clearly seen in the photos). As a JDM model, it carries the “Speedmaster” helmet logo on the original bracelet, 

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 long bracelet will comfortably fit wrists up to 7.5in

Specifications:

Diameter: 38.5m (excluding crown), 43mm (lug to lug), Thickness: 10mm

Lugwidth: 20mm

Bracelet: Seiko AA58A

Production Date: February 1983