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. Solid construction, “fly by wire” circuitry, and a hefty 15 jewels make for a finely tuned machine that can be adjusted to dial in performance, and allows 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 few years, collectibility for these 7A models has begun to skyrocket, and especially so for hard to find variants like this titanium PVD “Sports 100” from November of 1983. It was available in two color ways, a titanium gray with a black dial and white trim, and this PVD titanium with with gold. Unlike stainless steel alloys, titanium is a pure “specialty” metal. It’s incredibly resistant to corrosion, and exhibits triple the strength and durability of most steel alloys at only 40% of the weight. The black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) protective coating adds a flat black finish to the entire exterior of the case and bracelet. Somewhat notorious for wear through, the PVD finish here is near perfect. We have passed on several opportunities to bring this reference to HCV, but this one was too good to miss. The dial is a spotless matte black with matte gold hands and markers, and bright white luminous plots. A steeply angled tachymetric chapter adds great depth, even in contrast to the low profile of the integrated bezel. Hooded lugs and flared case edges make for a familiar, yet still unique architecture. It’s unpolished and completely original including the hardlex crystal, and post service with a fresh battery, it’s keeping perfect time and all chronograph functions are operating correctly. It comes attached to the original PVD titanium and stainless steel “Bar” link bracelet that will comfortably fit up to 7.25”.  Difficult to source in any condition, this one is just phenomenal and sure to be a highlight in any collection.

Original Seiko Machined Bar Link Bracelet in PVD Titanium and Stainless Steel

Serviced 5/24/23

Diameter- 39mm

Lugs- 20mm

(Note: Integrated Bracelet is 7 1/4” and cannot be lengthened unless original links are sourced)