Seiko 7A38 - by the numbers

MarkDubya83 at May 6, 2014 at 5:32 AM

Feeling quite excited about receiving what looks like a very nicely looked-after two-tone 7A38-7020 on the proper steel/GP bracelet with (praise be!) enough links to accommodate my giant novelty wrists... I was surprised to get it for the starting bid price as well. These didn't used to be to my taste, but have really started to appeal lately - I think it's the angular case standing out from other rounder ones. Not sure the seller is a member on this forum, but if you are, it's going to a good home

Mark

Of course he's a forum member, Mark - it's Simon (Sir Alan).

Nice 7A38-7020 (of his) you snagged there. If it's the one I'm thinking of, I may even have supplied Simon with a few extra links. 

Well you learn something new every day! Cheers Simon  It's actually one of two incoming watches I've ordered... the other is distinctly off-topic for this thread though, so I'll be posting elsewhere shortly about that!

...and in an unusual moment of brilliance, Royal Mail came good this morning to deliver the 7A38-7020 from Simon... looks even better in real life!

donwatch at May 5, 2014 at 9:31 PM

NOS Sample case from Japan 7a34-7019 ---With doner buckle and movement from a 7a38---A "franken" crown out to stop hands

Don, since you got this with its original 7A34 dial and movement, and swapped it for the 7A38, would you be interested in selling the original 7A34 dial and movement if you didn't use them anywhere else?

Seiko 7Axx salesmen's sample cases don't come with movements (destroyed or otherwise), George. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251514654569

See: http://www.seiko7a38.com/apps/forums/topics/show/12112751 That empty salesman's sample case (amongst other threads).

Hi,

Lately I've focused mainly on automatics, but the last 7A28 I've received is this one:

In minty condition, purchased from ebay.de (very oddly listed, and described as a 7 A 28 703 A – AA at the bottom of the main text) for 178 EUR, which is pretty good (I think) considering its condition (seems hardly work, except some scratches on the bracelet).

Here are more pictures:

Together with his brother:

Also with the Seiko Pepsi family:

From left to right: 6139-6002, automatic chronograph, early model from 1970 - this 7A28-703A, from 1983 - the diver automatic SKX009 from 2011 - and the latest solar diver model from 2012.

Regards,

Adrian

@ Paul: yes you are right, I was distracted by the beauty of the photo, and didn't properly read Don's post.   my bad

I couldn't resist Uwe's 7A38-704A on the Members Trading Area recently.

It had plenty of battle scars, but the dial and hands were in great condition and I really like the style of this model and how easy it is to read. I also like those quirky plastic buttons at 10pm and 2pm. The bracelet was broken,  but as I already own an equally battered 7A38-704C (which has black plastic buttons rather than orange) I figured I could make one good watch from the best bits.

I stripped and cleaned the case, re-greased the pushers, fitted a new crystal (I'd bought two when I did the 704C) and then went to swap the bracelet over. You'd think this would be simple yeah? Nope. The first pin & pipe came out easily, but the second one just wouldn't budge. I tried everything I could to push the pin out but it wouldn't budge. One thing I did note was that there was signs of an epoxy resin glue around the top end of the bracelet. I don't know whether the glue was the problem or rust, but either way that pin would not move. Anyway, given I was only trying to make one good bracelet from two, I could afford to lose two ends, which I did. 

I did strip all the removeable links from all of the bracelet parts and gave them a thorough clean. Then it was back together and here it is:

I love the orange pushers 

I was the only bidder on this-----$ 67.15 + shipping from Italy.  The Orient is using a re-branded 7A48 movement.    It arrived today and I will post MY photo later.  

I could not resist using a gold filled vintage band I kept in my parts drawer on this Orient model # J38909-80     This watch has wear to the lugs and pusher ends--also some pitting on case edge ( I sealed the pits )  BUT was well cared for during its life----Everything works

Paul, I give you credit for locating and posting this Italian Ebay listing of the Orient J38 moonphase on the Forum   I would never have found this on my own. 

No credit required, Don.  Just remember - don't get too interested in the J39's. 

Ok NOW I am interested

I bought another NOS "Sample Case"  7a34 from  A Japanese seller-- $ 35.00 us    

I received the 7a34-7019  today---Stunning Bling     Now game-on looking for a 7a34 mvt.

The back side of the two 7a34-7019's I bought from a Japanese seller on Ebay US  --showing the VERY close serial numbers

VERY likely they came out of the same Salesman's sample case, Don. 

Welcome aboard my new beauty!

The search for this "creature" has now been finished. Let me present you the one and only: 7A36-7000.

I couldn't stop taking the photos, it was just impossible.

The original strap has definately seen better days but it's not the strap of course which makes my heart beating for this lovely timepiece.

Although there is one visible scratch on the original crystal (320W50HU03) I won't bother to chase an alternative crystal as a replacement.

Love it. Very vulcan'esque. 

Great photos and nice catch, Arpad.  Guess that makes you a cool Surfer Dude ! 

The 7A36-7000 is by far the best of the Surf Timer colour combinations, IMO. I presume you made a 'back door offer' on this one ? 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221413483284