Introduced in 1983, the Seiko 7A28 series made history as the world’s first analog quartz chronograph — and the 7A28-7029 remains one of the most distinctive models. Finished in a vibrant yellow-gold tone, it represents a bold blend of 1980s style and Seiko’s pioneering engineering.
At its heart is the 7A movement, an all-metal, 15-jewel quartz caliber designed to be serviced and regulated much like a mechanical watch. Unlike the disposable quartz modules of today, the 7A was built with longevity in mind, making these watches highly collectible.
Chronograph Functions:
- Standard start/stop/reset with smooth tactile pushers
- Split-timer feature via third pusher at 10 o’clock
- Subdial at 3 o’clock tracking 1/20th of a second
- Hands reset through a precise “robotic ballet,” powered by three stepper motors
Design Details:
The 7A28-7029 features a striking sunburst gold dial with applied stick markers, golden chamfers, and aged tritium lume that has mellowed into warm butterscotch tones. Sunken registers and a stepped chapter ring add depth and dimensionality, catching light beautifully.
Wearing the Watch:
Many surviving examples show signs of wear, especially on the gold PVD bracelet, though these watches pair equally well with a quality leather strap. Beyond this reference, the 7A family includes iconic models — from the steel 7A28-7020 worn by James Bond in A View to a Kill, to the futuristic 7A28-7000 seen in Aliens, to the rugged UK military-issue 7A28-7120.
Key Features:
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Case Diameter: 36.5mm
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Winding Type: Quartz (battery-powered)
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Dial: Gold with three sub-dials (minutes, seconds, 1/10 sec)
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Case Material: Base metal with stainless steel back
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Movement: Seiko Quartz Chronograph
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Tachymeter scale on chapter ring
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Reference: TA28-7029
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Strap: Aftermarket leather strap in caramel brown
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Water Resistance (as marked): 20M (not guaranteed on vintage pieces)