RAF GEN1 Chronograph 7A28-7120 482143

About This Watch:

The Seiko RAF GEN1 Chronograph Ref 7A28-7120 was first issued to British Air Force pilots in October 1984. Given to military pilots through November 1990, when the GEN2 7T27-7A20 replaced it, the Ministry of Defense issued the 7A28-7120 to over 11,000 service members. Features such as a sand-blasted stainless steel case, fixed strap bars, and the use of Promethium for lume were requested by the MOD.

The History: Seiko began its rich history in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a shop repairing and selling watches in central Tokyo. Eleven years later, he opened a factory called the Seikosha Factory and began building wall clocks and pocket watches. After an earthquake and fire destroyed the original factory, Hattori reopened with a new vision, which became the beginnings of what we know as Seiko today. A true pioneer in watchmaking, Seiko developed the first Japanese-made divers watch.


The Watch: The Seiko RAF GEN1 Chronograph Ref 7A28-7120 features a 37mm sand-blasted stainless steel case with a Hardlex crystal. The 7A28 is powered by a quartz chronograph movement, the Seiko Calibre 7120. The case has an integrated bezel, fixed strap bars, and a solid case back with the stamped military issue numbers and Broad Arrow stamp indicating that the timepiece was the property of the British Military. The matte black dial features three sub-registers at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The hour markers and hands are lumed with Promethium, which is indicated by the circled P underneath the Seiko signature at the 12 o’clock position.

The Details: This Seiko RAF GEN1 Chronograph Ref 7A28-7120 dates to 1984, based on the case back stamp. The case, bezel, and lugs show wear consistent with a timepiece of this age and visible in the photographs. Included with this timepiece is an aftermarket canvas strap.