Seiko 7A38 - by the numbers

I thought I may as well add this on here ....

rather than as yet another post-edit to the original Jean Lassale Thalassa 7A74 thread, which has already been edited umpteen times.

I came across another (which appears to be) current listing for a stainless + 18K Thalassa 7A74-018 on a US watch dealer's website.

It's certainly the cheapest I've seen to date (and well under the $1000 mark) at only $495, but the chequered finish dial and leather strap (which is a replacement) make it a rather less than a desirable variant, in my book: http://www.girards.com/sell/page6.shtml

 What is notable about this particular example is its serial number ....

So the range of serial numbers for these that I've found, so far, in fact runs from S52 018 to S68 011, which actually works just as well.

If one now assumes that the second digit represents the year of manufacture (within a given decade); that the third digit is the month, then the last three digits would be the serial number of that unit produced in that month / year. So now, we've got unit # 018 produced in February 1985 through unit # 011 produced in August 1986. The S stands for Seiko, naturally, as the 7A74A movement supplier.

If my assumption in the other thread is correct, its serial number of S75 071 gives this watch a manufacturing date of May 1987, lengthening the Thalassa 7A74's known run of production somewhat.

Of course such things are, to some extent, academic. These watches were not only fairly low-volume production, but evidently didn't exactly fly off the dealers shelves either. Jean Lassale Inc. were still advertising them in various US glossy publications, well into 1989 - bearing in mind their Thalassa II was introduced in 1990. Witness my own recently-acquired stainless Thalassa 7A74-017, with a serial number of S62 123, indicating it was manufactured in February 1986 - and the highest (monthly) unit number I've seen, incidentally.

It didn't actually first sell (then direct from the wholesaler, presumably heavily discounted), until July 1991 - over 5 years later ! 

Well I'm blowed - look what's just turned up on Yahoo Japan auctions:

http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b136065424

◆JEAN LASSALE　クロノグラフ　[7A74-017]

It's slightly unusual, and different from mine, in that it has a 'SWISS' movement, but not 'SWISS MADE' printed at the bottom of the dial.

Opening bid price was a reasonable 16,500 Yen (equivalent to £132 Sterling or $211 US) - but there were no takers first time around.

I think I should definitely stop looking for Thalassa 7A74's.  I've just found another stainless 7A74-017 which went for 'a song'. 

See: http://www.bruun-rasmussen.dk/search.do?pg=1&iid=300494709&cid=37659&lang=en&mode=detail

If the auctioneer's description is correct, then this is yet another minor sub-variation - 'SWISS MADE' but with the hidden Z-fold clasp.

Here's a recent blog article on 00/24 Watchworld, written by Kristian Haagen, featuring that same Jean Lassale Thalassa 7A74-017:

http://www.0024watchworld.com/blogs/kristian-haagen/item/432-childhood-memories

This, ladies and gentlemen, was my horological dream, when I was a tiny Timegeek: the Jean Lassale Thalassa! I was born and raised in southern Denmark where football, tractor driving and a solid ass kicking was plat du jour. As I was good at none of the above, I decided to spend my time after school looking at watch adverts in National Geographic instead. Of course the ads were dominated by Rolex, Seiko and Patek Philippe, but once in a while a different animal caught my attention and at some point the Jean Lassale Thalassa was just that animal.

Even though my birth town was of provincial size the local watch shop was for some reason of the more brave and exotic type and offered Jean Lassale, even before Seiko bought the company in 1980 (however with not much luck to get the off tracked Swiss watch brand back on its feet).

Imagine my thrill when I recently got this critter in for valuation at the auction house where I work twice a week! OK, it needs a new battery and a good clean, but besides from that the Thalassa on offer is a cool as I recall it. Back then, however, I could not afford it. Today I can... but would I buy it? Or should I just leave it as it was; A dream watch? After all I didn't marry my kindergarden teacher either!

If the auctioneer's description is correct, then this is yet another minor sub-variation - 'SWISS MADE' but with the hidden Z-fold clasp.

Another anorak-level detail observation that I missed earlier. 

There is another very subtle difference to this Thalassa 7A74-017, which contradicts another of my earlier assumptions.

If you look closely at these larger versions of the photos at the bottom of Kristian's blog article, it's (even more so) clearly visible:

Or perhaps I should say clearly not visible. You may remember in the previous Thalassa thread, I compared the watch cases used on a couple of Thalassa 7A74's with the factory leather strap option, with the regular 'bamboo' bracelet models, and observed at the time:

Also, if you carefully compare photos of the two watches on leather straps, with those fitted with the more familiar 'bamboo' bracelet, you can see 2 small machined indentations - cut-outs on the ends of their watch cases, possibly to allow the bracelet more movement, or maybe just a cosmetic alteration to match the bracelet. Best seen in this photo posted by 'ValenciaJewelers':

These are notably absent from both the leather strap version's watch cases, so obviously this was a factory option.

Well the Bruun-Ramussen Thalassa 7A74-017 (on a bracelet) doesn't have the machined indentations in the ends of the watch case.

So bang goes another theory / earlier assumption of mine. 

Yes, I know this thread is supposed to be about my own Thalassa 7A74 experience, but you'll have to permit me the indulgence. 

It's relevant, in that this mini-saga is all about '74Bricklin's Thalassa 7A74 - the first example I came across on eBay back in April.

To save clicking back and forwards to the other Thalassa 7A74 thread, I'm going to copy and paste across a few relevant quotes ....

I'm sure we could have hours of fun tearing his eBay listing description to pieces. But that's not my aim, on this particular occasion.

Not on that particular occasion, but now the gloves are off ! 

Here's the listing in it's original form:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120897523352 (ended 24th April)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120919606731 (ended 30th May)

Mens Jean Lassale Thalassa, 18K SS Collectors Watch No Reserve

Collectors Mens Jean Lassale Thalassa

High end Swiss complicated movement. This watch is not to be confused with the later Seikos. This watch breaks down an actual second into tenths. If you are not familiar with it, when the chronograh function is activated this watch has a subdial measuring the elapsed time between seconds! True high end movement

I am not a dealer just a collector downsizing my collection. This watch features Swiss complicated movement, 18K gold bezel and a band which that makes a statement. 18K and Stainless Steel, it was advertized that the bracelet to this watch has more components than under the hood of a Rolls Royce. Truly unique design to the bracelet which will accomodate a wrist size up to seven and one eight. The mineral crystal is clean as is the dial.

Do not be confused about the there being three or four other Thalassa watches currently being offered on eBay, this is a rare collectors watch which I have worn proudly to many watch shows and conventions!

This watch has just been serviced and polished this month and a fresh battery.

Sorry about the quality of this listing, I'm sure you see that I am new to the eBay community. I haven't learned how to show this watch with the quality it deserves! Learn, learn, learn :-) I will supply more pics upon request. I have recently purchased a digital camera which I am expecting delivery any day now.

Check out my other watches I will be listing

Please ask any questions prior to bidding, I will reply within 48 hours. Priority USPS with a tracking number will be $12. Regular mail delivery via USPS will be $3.50. Good luck ans happy bidding!

I just got the call today, Friday April 6th - from my watchmaker letting me know I can come pick up the Thalassa, I had a cleaning, polish and new battery.

********************************************************************************************************************************************

The opening bid price was $1450 (approx. £892.53) or Buy-it-Now for $1750 (approx. £1,077). Needless to say there were no takers.

The same two-photo, factually mis-informed listing was churned out a couple more times, until the first week of July ....

When in a completely revised listing '74Bricklin' appears to have finally decided to try out his new digital camera. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120942839704 (ended 9th July)

Mens Jean Lassale Thalassa, 18K SS Collectors Watch No Reserve

This watch is not to be confused with the later Seikos with the Japanese movement. Everyone has their own version of the Jean Lassale buyout but I have collected Jean Lassales since 1980 when I got my first as a high school graduation gift.

That watch has NOTHING to do with Seiko, nor does this beautiful piece that I am offering today.

This watch breaks down actual seconds. If you are not familiar with this watch, when the chronograh function is activated this watch has a subdial at the 6:00 position measuring the elapsed time between seconds! The hand on the chrono dial at the 6:00 position is a sight to see!

I am not a dealer just a collector downsizing my collection. This watch features Swiss movement, 18K gold bezel and a band which that makes a statement. 18K and Stainless Steel, it was advertized that the bracelet to this watch has more components than under the hood of a Rolls Royce. Truly unique design to the bracelet which will accomodate a wrist size up to seven and one eighth of an inch. The mineral crystal is clean as is the dial.

This is a rare collectors watch which I have worn proudly to many watch shows and conventions!

This watch has just been serviced and polished this month and has a fresh battery.

Please ask any questions prior to bidding, I will reply within 24 hours. Payment is to be made through PayPal within 48 hours. Priority USPS with a tracking number will be $12.00 to The continental US. Elsewhere please request a shipping quote. Regular mail delivery via USPS will be $3.50. Good luck and happy bidding!

********************************************************************************************************************************************

Once again, the opening bid price was $1450 (approx. £892.53) or Buy-it-Now for $1750 (approx. £1,077) and there were no takers.

Now, I'd assumed that this was exactly the same watch as in his previous listings .... perhaps it was, but something had changed. 

Possibly because I was dumb-founded by his (lack of) photographic abilities, but at the time, I failed to notice the Tachymeter ring.

Look carefully at the two original photos, and compare the Tachymeter ring with that shown in the photos in this more recent listing. 

He'd obviously been 'tinkering' with the watch in the meantime - yet there's no mention of this in the listing description above.

So, as far as I was concerned, despite eBay sellers like 74Bricklin and Kasiart continuing to re-list their 7A74’s at ‘pie-in-the-sky’ prices, with no real hope of ever selling them, there was a precedent set - these things could be bought for under $1000. 

Then it went quiet for a bit ....

Maybe I missed the odd re-listing. Or perhaps 74Bricklin took a vacation - and while he was away, got a reality check. Who knows ?

But on the 13th of September, to much hilarity, he re-listed it yet again - with another set of photos (and the odd classic faux pas). 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120985522766

Jean Lassale Thalassa Mens Watch - No Reserve - Buy It Now

A beautiful stainless and 18K mens watch. I constantly get compliments it. The watch runs and keeps time but there are a couple of issues with it. The chronograph function is not working, probably a problem with the 2:00 pusher. The tachymeter ring has been replaced and it is a lighter color than the dial. Also a piece of gold missing on the bracelet above the 1:00 position. It will fit a seven inch wrist or smaller, there is no adjustment without adding or removing links.

It's a beautiful watch but I am also considering selling parts from it. If you need a part, let me know. Just send me a message. I have another Thalassa I just bought from Germany. That one seems to need a 10:00 pusher linkage, so you may need a relatively inexpensive part but your part plus the part I need may justify parting the watch out. There's got to be a decent amount of gold between the bezel and bracelet parts.

This is not a Seiko. Seiko may have already purchased Lassale when this watch was produced but this is a Jean Lassale, not a Lassale.

As is final sale :-( 

I accept PayPal only. Please ask any questions before bidding.

SHIPPING WILL BE $12 TO THE CONTINENTAL US, NO INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS!

74Bricklin's initial Buy-it-Now asking price had suddenly dropped from his original 'pie-in-the-sky' $1750 to a rather more realistic $550.

It sold within 24 hours for a lower offer of only $400. But there's more to this than meets the eye ....

Firstly, note the statement in his description (which almost beggars belief):  I have another Thalassa I just bought from Germany.

But it is likely quite true. Remember this from the previous page ?

Then, the cream dialed two-tone which Arpad had flagged in the other thread, back in April was re-listed, with a different set of photos.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271031672170 (re-listed again in August)

Original JEAN LASSALE CHRONOGRAPH Herren Armbanduhr in Stahl-14K 585 Gold

…. and with the Buy-it-Now price reduced to ‘only’ 670 Euros (compared to the previous 1000 Euros asking price).

Well, as of the 5th September, that listing reads: This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.

Not that I was actually interested in buying it, but I'd messaged the German eBay seller, asking him what the case-back model # was.

I'd figured out that 7A74-017's are always stainless, but was still trying to work out the significance of -018 (S/S+18K) versus -019.

I never received an answer to my own question, but on 5th September, the seller accidentally replied to me: 

Good evening
As discussed on the phone I am sending my PayPal address
***********@yahoo.de please send € 580 including postage.
Please share with your address!
Thanks in advance!

- kristian-uhrmacher-juwelier

That message was obviously intended for 74Bricklin. 

But why would 74Bricklin have wanted to buy another Thalassa 7A74, after 6 months of trials and tribulations of trying to sell his ? 

The mind boggles.  Perhaps he needed a few more more bracelet links, or was trying to make a half-decent one out of the two.

The fact that he already appears to have b*ggered one irreplaceable original Tachymeter ring in his earlier efforts at 'tinkering'  

.... and furthermore, by his own admission, that he's incapable of sorting out a sticky pusher, should be a salutory warning to all. 

You may recall this statement that 74Bricklin included in his earlier eBay listing description:

I am not a dealer just a collector downsizing my collection. 

Ahem. Listed earlier today, by quickbrickno.00396 - who if you check the eBay ID history ....

Was this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120991800778

Jean Lassale Thalassa Mens Watch - No Reserve - Buy It Now

This is a beautiful stainless and 14K mens wristwatch. The most comfortable Thalassa I have ever worn, without a doubt!!! 

Ref. No - Chronograph 

Movement/Caliber - 747A Quartz 

Case Material - Stainless Steel 

Case Diameter - 37mm

Bracelet Material - 14K and Steel 

Bracelet Size - 6 7/8 inches 

Waterproof - 50m 

Glass - Sapphire 

Please ask any questions prior to bidding

SHIPPING WILL BE $12 TO THE CONTINENTAL US, NO INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS PLEASE!

I ACCEPT PAYPAL ONLY AT THIS TIME. NO ZERO FEEDBACK BIDDERS!!!

Well at least his photography appears to be improving, and this Jean Lassale Thalassa 7A74 wasn't made in Swaziland !! 

But let's just get this straight. This is obviously the same Thalassa 7A74, which he bought (off) eBay Germany, recently for 580 Euros.

And he's now asking $1450 (approx. £898 !) for it. So he's obviously not a dealer, is he ?  Still just as incompetent in my book. 

Incidentally, as 74Bricklin - sorry quickbrickno.00396 doesn't appear to be claiming that this particular Thalassa 7A74 is (and quote):

This watch is not to be confused with the later Seikos with the Japanese movement. (nor) This watch features Swiss complicated movement.

and as it doesn't have 'Swiss Made' on the dial, I suspect it is probably fitted with the JAPAN stamped version of the 7A74A movement:

Had a little chuckle to myself, this evening - which I thought I'd share with you. I had a quick look at the add-on statistics package, which amongst other things tells me all the google searches that bring visitors to the website, and to which topics on the forum. 

One of them stuck out like a sore thumb (by virtue of its length, if nothing else):

is jean lassale thalassa watch made by seiko

This visitor's IP address location is shown as: Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA.

I wonder who that might be.  Actually it's his third visit. He still doesn't quite get it yet, does he ? 

Paul. I didnt read the whole thread on these watches, maybe you have already mentioned this....but..it seems in the photos (sept 16) the face dial on this watch is very pinkish stained?around the 3 o'clock area..maybe even the whole right side of the face?..looking at the Sept 27th photos too?

John.

As I said in my post on the first page, dated 31st July - one of the reasons I'm not so keen on this colour dial:

The Cream / Champagne coloured dial can sometimes look rather pink in some light - or at least in photos.

But, as you wrote, I also suspect that the example (ex-eBay Germany) currently offered by 74Bricklin may have suffered discolouration.

This gets funnier and funnier (or sadder), depending how you look at it. Remember this ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120985522766

74Bricklin's initial Buy-it-Now asking price had suddenly dropped from his original 'pie-in-the-sky' $1750 to a rather more realistic $550. It sold within 24 hours for a lower offer of only $400. But there's more to this than meets the eye ....

Apparently there was - in more ways than one, because (re)listed earlier today, by quickbrickno.00396 was this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120992142242

Jean Lassale 18K SS Thalassa - Parts - Need a Part?

18K and stainless mens model. The watch runs and keeps time but the chronograph function is not activating. The tachymeter ring has been replaced and it is a lighter color than the dial.

It will fit a seven inch wrist or smaller, there is no adjustment without adding or removing links.

The tricky thing about selling parts from this watch is, I cannot guarantee the parts to fit yours! Do your research! 

This watch may not be fully functional but it is complete!!!  That is, apart from the missing inner top LH gold link part. 

Do not bid unless you are buying the ENTIRE WATCH!!! 

To discuss parts, send inquiries through the eBay message system. 

I also have a 14K Thalassa in excellent condition listed separately here on eBay.

Due to the nature of this listing, all sales are final!!! SHIPPING WILL BE $12 TO THE CONTINENTAL US, NO INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS! I accept PayPal only at this time. Please ask questions before bidding!

This time around, the Buy-it-Now price has risen from $550 to $650, which makes it a somewhat expensive parts watch. 

Especially after 74Bricklin had his hands on it.  Definitely best avoided, unless you're desperate for that elusive spare part. 

americankiwi at September 28, 2012 at 1:56 AM

Paul..i didnt read the whole thread on these watches, maybe you have already mentioned this....but..it seems in the photos (sept 16) the face dial on this watch is very pinkish stained?around the 3-o'clock area..maybe even the whole right side of the face?..looking at the Sept 27th photos too?

John.

I notice the seller has been asked a question about the dial color of his Thalassa 7A74 (or possibly more than one question). 

He published his reply to this one. See: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120991800778 (at bottom of the listing).

Questions and answers about this item

Q: Hi, is the color of the dial on this watch white or off white/tan? thanks.

A: I have always referred to the color as cream. It's the standard color - the only other color dial I have ever seen this model in is black. Thanks, Charles

Never seen any pure White dials then, Chuck ? 

To quote yourself, from your original eBay listing:

Do not be confused about the there being three or four other Thalassa watches currently being offered on eBay ....

Unlike yourself, I'm not in the slightest bit confused - least of all about the significance of their 7A74-01x model designation. 

Seiko7A38 at September 27, 2012 at 2:49 PM

Had a little chuckle to myself, this evening - which I thought I'd share with you. I had a quick look at the add-on statistics package, which amongst other things tells me all the google searches that bring visitors to the website, and to which topics on the forum. 

One of them stuck out like a sore thumb (by virtue of its length, if nothing else):

is jean lassale thalassa watch made by seiko

This visitor's IP address location is shown as: Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA.

I wonder who that might be.  Actually it's his third visit. He still doesn't quite get it yet, does he ? 

Make that 4 visits. You can run, but you can't hide, Chuck. 

You've got to hand it to '74Bricklin' sorry quickbrickno.00396, he doesn't give up easily.

His (ex-eBay Germany) stainless and 14K Thalassa is back on eBay again - but now fitted with a leather strap, in place of the bracelet:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120998388282

Jean Lassale Thalassa Mens Watch - Make An Offer - Buy It Now! Rare Rare Rare!

Jean Lassale Thalassa Chronograph

This is a beautiful stainless and 14K mens Thalassa. Really nice shape. All functions work as they should. Quartz 7A74 movement, keeping accurate time. Recent leather band and deployment clasp.

If you've found this page, you probably know the Jean Lassale story (I call it a story because everyone has their own version) and the quality that went into these watches despite the companies struggles.

The Thalassas are becoming pretty scarce, even here on eBay.

Here's your chance to grab a watch that's sure to go up in value! 

Ref. No - Chronograph 

Movement/Caliber - 747A Quartz 

Case Material - Stainless Steel 

Case Diameter - 37mm 

Bracelet Material - Leather 

Bracelet Size - 6 - 8.5 inches 

Waterproof - 50m 

Glass - Sapphire

The watch keeps time and all functions work as they should. I had a new battery installed this month. 

Please ask any questions prior to bidding 

SHIPPING WILL BE $12 TO THE CONTINENTAL US, NO INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS PLEASE! I ACCEPT PAYPAL ONLY AT THIS TIME. NO ZERO FEEDBACK BIDDERS WITHOUT CONTACTING ME FIRST!!!

GOOD LUCK!

The strap he's fitted appears to be a Rolex on a deployant clasp, so no skimping there, but how is it actually fixed to the watch head ?

Look at the example of a Jean Lassale Thalassa 7A74, on a factory fitted leather strap / deployant clasp at the top of this page ....

and you'll notice that the leather strap is supposed to be held in place by screw-in 'keepers' on both sides, to keep it firmly attached:

Could it be that '74Bricklin' is relying on just those short 'U-shaped' wire links, from the original bracelet, to hold his strap in place ??

Surely not ?  But it's a scary thought !! 

Here's your chance to grab a watch that's sure to go up in value!

Well, certainly NOT at the price Chuck is asking (now down to a mere $1100, bearing in mind he previously paid 580 Euros for it).

But should it later fall off your wrist, land on the floor and smash into pieces, it will then only be worth its scrap value in 14K gold. 

GOOD LUCK! .... indeed - buy this watch and you may well need it !! 

Chuckie's 7A74's are back again - incredibly after not selling at $1100, he's seen fit to increase the price by $50. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121002323386

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121002336978

Chuckie's 7A74's are back again - incredibly after not selling at $1100, he's seen fit to increase the price by $50. 

And yet again - or at least one of them, anyway, for the moment - this time including the original (short) bracelet he had removed. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121023859856

I haven't seen any more Jean Lassale Thalassa 7A74's listed on eBay recently - other than that offered by US eBay seller 'Kasiart', which has been re-listed umpteen times @ $1999 (keeping the same eBay item number) since when I first saw it in April last year.

It's currently offered with a 10% discount, dropping the Buy-it-Now price to a still very optimistic $1,799.10 (approx. £1140 GBP). 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230774425922

Late last year, I registered with Liveauctioneers.com and set up a few saved searches. This morning a result appeared in my inbox:

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/15812488_18-k-gold-mens-watch-ss-jean-lassale-swiss

It's a Thalassa 7A74-018 in stainless and 18K gold with the most commonly seen cream coloured dial. Opening bid price is $1000. 

Belated Edit: But when the online auction ran on 23rd February, it actually sold for rather less - $700. 

What was it I just wrote about the stainless / 18K gold cream-dial being the most commonly seen variant of Thalassa 7A74 ? 

Well, I just found another one - looking to be in better condition, listed on an Austin, Texas online luxury watch dealer's website:

http://www.crawshaygallery.com/cgi/detail.pl?watch=Jean%20Lassale&id=70

I really like the white face all stainless steel you bought. Even more so than the two tone 18K. A really smart looking watch as far as I'm concerned. Definitely in my wish list.

Thanks for the informative post.