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. Introduced in 1983, the 7A28 was the worlds first analog quartz chronograph, and to say they got it right is an understatement. It 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. Two years later, in 1984, the 7A38 was introduced. Just like its predecessor, the design allowed for three sub registers: one measuring minutes, another is the designated seconds, and 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. In addition, there was now a day and date window nestled neatly into the 1/10 second sub register. Either can be set independently via the crown in the second position. Along with this new feature, a whole host of new designs was now available to suit any taste. 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 this example from December of ‘83 makes it easy to see why. Housed in a sleek sandblasted steel case is a titanium gray dial with three recessed sub registers.  The layout is clearly racing inspired, and the mid-dial shares a staple motif with so many dash boards of the early 80’s... a tight grid pattern. The markers and time keeping hands contrast nicely in white, and the chronograph hands have retained their bright blaze orange finish to add some pop to an otherwise monochromatic scheme. The chapter is a steep, dark gray “count up” marked in five minute intervals to align with the hour markers, and rises to meet a deeply concave, lead gray bezel insert with tachymetric scaling. Though it shows some moderate wear, the markings are all complete and easily legible at a glance. The movement is keeping perfect time post service, and the chronograph functions are all smooth and operate correctly. The case has been engraved with the name of the previous owner. It’s unpolished and completely original aside from a replacement mineral crystal, and we’ve paired it with a gray paratrooper with an orange stripe that pairs perfectly with the highlights of this great piece. This particular variant is in scarce supply, and the first like it that we’ve managed to get our hands on. If 1980’s racing is in your garage, this should be on your wrist.

CNS Gray w/ Orange Stripe Paratrooper with Stainless Steel Hardware

Serviced 2/13/20

Diameter- 39.5mm

Lugs- 20mm