A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

New dedicated section for discussing Seiko 7A28 variants.
Post Reply
User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

7A28-7000-Aliens-Ripley.jpg
7A28-7000-Aliens-Ripley.jpg (77.8 KiB) Viewed 14436 times

The Giugiaro-designed stainless 7A28-7000 worn by actress Sigourney Weaver, playing 'Lieutenant Ellen Ripley' in the 1986 cult classic sci-fi movie Aliens was a very clever bit of 'product placement' by Seiko's marketing people and certainly helped the watch to achieve 'Grail' status among collectors. There are a number of online blog articles attesting to this, such as: Seiko Giugiaro ‘Aliens Ripley’ .... and Watches On Screen: Seiko Giugiaro 7A28-7000.

These led to Seiko producing a number of limited edition 'Spirit' 7T12 powered re-issues of both the 'Aliens' and 'Bishop' watches in 2014 / 2015, which I wrote about in detail in this thread on the old forum. The closest resembling Ripley's 7A28-7000 being the SCED035 (as reviewed by W&W). These were hastily snapped up by speculators. But I digress ....

Like the initial 'Ripley' reissues, there were two colour finishes of the original 'Aliens' watch: Silver anodized (with black plastic pusher buttons) and Black chrome plated with yellow plastic pusher buttons. There were also normal export and JDM versions of both variants. The easy way to recognise the latter is by the small block capital CHRONOGRAPH dial script (instead of the usual italic) and their bracelets have SPEEDMASTER logo'd clasps. The black chrome coated variants (also seen stamped as 7A28-7009), which appear to be rather more common, never actually appeared in the movie, but by association (and heresay) also acquired the 'Aliens' moniker.

As I only collect 7A38's (not 7A28's) I have never owned either an original or re-issue of the 'Aliens' or Bishop watches. I've got nothing against 'quirky', but they do nothing for me personally. However, in this thread on the old forum I've commented with bemusement on their pricing a number of times in years gone by. I'm certain that I had also passed comment on a stainless 7A28-7000, listed by a UK eBay seller much more recently. But that must have been in another thread that I've so far been unable to locate. :| One thing's certain - that's when they do occasionally come up for sale, mint examples can command very strong prices indeed. Here's one described a 'very good condition' (rather than 'mint') which sold on an appropriately named website 'Grailium'. Note the generally matte finish of the silver anodized coating.

rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-gralium-sold.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-gralium-sold.jpg (230.29 KiB) Viewed 14138 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

As I don't collect 7A28's, I rarely bother to search eBay for them - let alone specifically for a 7A28-7000 'Ripley Aliens'. However, because certain eBay sellers regularly use blatant keyword spamming to promote their listings, like this ....

7A28-7000-Aliens-Giuseppe-KeywordSpamming.png
7A28-7000-Aliens-Giuseppe-KeywordSpamming.png (13.63 KiB) Viewed 14420 times

.... they sometimes come up in my saved favourite search results. As indeed did this 7A28-7000 'Ripley Aliens' listed as 'Mint', in the early hours of this morning, by Italian eBay seller oysterdelarge727 (one of the multiple aliases used by Italian 7Axx collector / dealer, Giuseppe M.), with an absolutely ludicrous Buy-it-Now price of 3500 Euros / £3000 !!! :lol:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Seiko-Q ... 4222534100

7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Listing.png
7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Listing.png (232.78 KiB) Viewed 14417 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-1.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-1.jpg (228 KiB) Viewed 14417 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-2.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-2.jpg (226.23 KiB) Viewed 14417 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-8.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-8.jpg (172.07 KiB) Viewed 14417 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-9.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripleyaliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-9.jpg (160.75 KiB) Viewed 14417 times
7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Description.png
7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Description.png (66.66 KiB) Viewed 14417 times

'Grail' it may be to some, but this one is certainly unholy. It's far from 'Mint' and shows more than 'slight traces of wear'.
Seiko7A38 wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 10:30 amHere's one described a 'very good condition' (rather than 'mint') which sold on an appropriately named website 'Grailium' Note the generally matte finish of the silver anodized coating.
You don't even need to compare it with the photos of that pukka 'very good condition' example to see that the bezel area of the case has been buffed to a highly polished finish (presumably in an effort to remove nicks and scratches). The side-on view, which I've ringed in yellow, shows where the buffing extends over the rim. The bracelet and clasp appear to have been re-brushed, removing most of their original silver anodized coating (apart from the 'indents'). Probably one best avoided at any price. Caveat Emptor. :!:

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Holy Sh!t ! :o Italian eBay seller oysterdelarge727 a.k.a. 'Giuseppe's not so mint 7A28-7000 'Ripley Aliens' appears to have sold a couple of minutes ago, for an undisclosed best offer. They say there's one born every minute. :roll:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384222534100

7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png
7A28-7000-RipleyAliens-Stainless-eBay-June2021-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png (50.63 KiB) Viewed 14401 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Seiko7A38 wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 12:36 pmAs I don't collect 7A28's, I rarely bother to search eBay for them - let alone specifically for a 7A28-7000 'Ripley Aliens'. However, because certain eBay sellers regularly use blatant keyword spamming to promote their listings, like this ....

7A28-7000-Aliens-Giuseppe-KeywordSpamming.png
7A28-7000-Aliens-Giuseppe-KeywordSpamming.png (13.63 KiB) Viewed 14135 times

.... they sometimes come up in my saved favourite search results.
At the risk of repeating myself .... :roll:

As a few readers will probably have already noticed, yesterday afternoon Italian eBay seller oysterdelarge727 (a.k.a. supposed Seiko 7Axx collector Giuseppe) listed another 7A28-7000 'Ripley Aliens' with the same astronomic Buy-it-Now asking price as his previous example in June - 3500 Euros. This listing title also begins with the word 'Mint'. Whereas this example is in better cosmetic condition than his previous polished and re-brushed offering, it's far from being mint and shows evidence of re-brushing on both the watch head and case-back. The pusher extension housing's retaining screws have also been typically botched.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Seiko-Q ... 4402887279

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Sept2021-Listing.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Sept2021-Listing.png (220.83 KiB) Viewed 14107 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-2.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-2.jpg (244.83 KiB) Viewed 14109 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-3.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-3.jpg (244.12 KiB) Viewed 14109 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-9.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-9.jpg (244.19 KiB) Viewed 14109 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-11.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-11.jpg (243.78 KiB) Viewed 14109 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-13.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-13.jpg (244.45 KiB) Viewed 14109 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Italian eBay seller oysterdelarge727 re-listed his less than stellar example of 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens this morning, with the Buy-it-Now price reduced to 'only' 2990 Euros. :roll: I find it quite incredible how he can arbitrarily wipe 500 Euros off his original ludicrous asking price, which only serves to prove my theory - that he pulls the numbers out of a black hole (or some other dark orifice). :lol:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mint-Seiko-Q ... 4423644304

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-Re-Listing.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-Re-Listing.png (199.77 KiB) Viewed 14062 times

Edit: Ah I see what happened now. Late last night, some gullible mug punter made Giuseppe a best offer against the original listing, probably under the influence of a glass of vino too many, which no doubt he immediately accepted.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384402887279

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Sept2021-(revised)-Ended-Sold-BestOffer(NOT).png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Sept2021-(revised)-Ended-Sold-BestOffer(NOT).png (52.33 KiB) Viewed 14060 times

Evidently they must have had second thoughts in the cold light of day. :roll: Incidentally, the revised primary image should be sufficient to serve as a warning beacon to all but the most-short sighted inter-galactic alien life hunting wannabe.

rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-revisedphotos-1.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-sept2021-revisedphotos-1.jpg (245.02 KiB) Viewed 14051 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Checking my eBay watching page, it appears that Giuseppe has managed to find another Aliens-obsessed mug punter. :roll: His less than stellar 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens sold (again) yesterday evening for an undisclosed best offer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384423644304

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png (52.36 KiB) Viewed 14036 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Seiko7A38 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:15 amEdit: Ah I see what happened now. Late last night, some gullible mug punter made Giuseppe a best offer against the original listing, probably under the influence of a glass of vino too many, which no doubt he immediately accepted.

Evidently they must have had second thoughts in the cold light of day. :roll: Incidentally, the revised primary image should be sufficient to serve as a warning beacon to all but the most-short sighted inter-galactic alien life hunting wannabe.
Seiko7A38 wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:09 amChecking my eBay watching page, it appears that Giuseppe has managed to find another Aliens-obsessed mug punter. :roll: His less than stellar 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens sold (again) yesterday evening for an undisclosed best offer.
Evidently another buyer suffered remorse. Giuseppe's less than stellar 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens is back on eBay again. :lol:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Holy-Grail-S ... 4456159558

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-Another-Re-Listing.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-Another-Re-Listing.png (236.61 KiB) Viewed 13949 times

Note the title of this latest re-listing no longer begins with the word 'Mint' (which this example clearly wasn't). :roll:
The description now reads:

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Description-(Revised).png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Description-(Revised).png (104.97 KiB) Viewed 13940 times

He's also added this to the Item Specifics:
Used object with scratches, as shown in the photos, carefully study the photos before buying, look at them from a computer screen with zoom to see all the details in the best possible way.”
He omitted to add: Make sure you are wearing your glasses; are of sound mind and stone-cold sober. :lol:

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Checking my eBay watching page, Giuseppe's rather less than mint 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens appears to have sold again (for the third time lucky perhaps) yesterday afternoon.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384456159558

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Sold-(again)-BestOffer.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-Sold-(again)-BestOffer.png (54.63 KiB) Viewed 13889 times

Not for the ludicrous 2,990 Euros Buy-it-Now price, but as shown by the eBay Purchase History, for another best offer.

7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-OfferHistory.png
7A28-7000-Ripley_Aliens-Stainless-eBay-Oct2021-(re-listed)-OfferHistory.png (34.21 KiB) Viewed 13889 times

User avatar
kerochan
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Apr 22, 2021 4:30 pm
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by kerochan »

This is actually one of my holy grails all categories. I really regret passing up one in Hong Kong a few years ago, offered fullset and mint condition for about 6000 HKD. I managed to get my hands on a re-issue a couple of years later (SCED041, completely different color scheme) but it's not really the same thing as the original.

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

It would be remiss of me not to pass comment on Giuseppe's latest Ripley Aliens 7A28-7000 offering, which appeared listed on eBay mid-week. Unlike the two previous examples he sold last year, this one's a JDM variant. While still no kind of bargain @ 2100 Euros, it's noticeably cheaper than them. There's a good reason: the chronograph cannot be operated due to missing parts. :roll:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Seiko-Quartz ... 4772432183

7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Giuseppe-Listing.jpg
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Giuseppe-Listing.jpg (174.13 KiB) Viewed 11054 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-1.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-1.jpg (243.11 KiB) Viewed 11054 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-2.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-2.jpg (244.76 KiB) Viewed 11054 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-7.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-7.jpg (243.81 KiB) Viewed 11054 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-8.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-jdm-ebay-march2022-8.jpg (243.84 KiB) Viewed 11054 times
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Giuseppe-Description.png
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Giuseppe-Description.png (52.62 KiB) Viewed 11054 times

It's worth studying the photos and reading the description carefully, particularly ....
It has just been completely serviced by famous Seiko watchmaker "Il Maestro Del Tempo" From Milan - Seiko Official for over 50 years.
They appear to be a bona fide reputable watchmaker: ilmaestrodeltempo.it, so you'd expect they'd be capable of setting hands properly. Check Giuseppe's second photo. The 30 minute counter, centre sweep second and constant seconds hands are well off their marks. You also might expect they'd be able to locate or fabricate any missing parts, as Simon did in this thread on SCWF. Speaking of 'fabrication', the upper black plastic pusher appears to be a very poor quality reproduction.
Unfortunately, however, the pumping elements of the side push-button panel and the perky chronograph on the top left are broken and therefore do not activate the chronograph. Needs 2 pumping cylinders and a new high left perky button.
I've no idea what he means by 'pumping elements' or 'perky'. :lol: However it's noticeable in his shot of the case-back that you can see the return spring on the lower button - which you shouldn't be able to.

May I offer an alternative translation for this sentence:
The value is constantly growing because there are very few examples with original bracelet and side push-button panel in the world.
The primary reason for increasing values is predominantly due to the unashamed avarice of speculators like Giuseppe !!

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Somebody evidently believes they can sort it out. Giuseppe's JDM 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens, with non-operational chrono' pushers, sold yesterday afternoon for an undisclosed best offer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384772432183
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-JDM-eBay-March2022-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png (52.67 KiB) Viewed 11028 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Italian eBay seller oysterdelarge727 (a.k.a. Giuseppe) listed another ludicrously over-priced 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens 'Very Holy Grail' last month. He's asking €5000 Euros as a Buy-it-Now this time. :lol:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Very-Holy-Gr ... 5072620437

7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Listing.jpg
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Listing.jpg (157.82 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-1.jpg
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-1.jpg (209.88 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-2.jpg
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-2.jpg (228.2 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-ebay-august2022-8.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-ebay-august2022-8.jpg (244.52 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-ebay-august2022-12.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley-aliens-ebay-august2022-12.jpg (241.4 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Description.png
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Description.png (40.66 KiB) Viewed 7467 times
Apart from asking double the going rate, the watch is not quite 'all original' as Giuseppe would have you believe. I may not know the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens intimately, but the screws attaching the pusher extension don't appear to be the correct type. Indeed, here's a photo from Giuseppe's Ripley Aliens listing from last June.

rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-7.jpg
rsz_7a28-7000-ripley_aliens-stainless-ebay-june2021-7.jpg (242.78 KiB) Viewed 7464 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

The apparent ease with which Giuseppe frequently reduces his ludicrous 'pie-in-the-sky' asking prices has long since provided a source of amusement. :roll: I seem to have missed a couple of earlier revisions, but as of yesterday evening, his latest 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens is now down to 'only' €3990 Euros. A postage cost has been added - €200 Euros !

7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Listing-Revised.jpg
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Listing-Revised.jpg (154.16 KiB) Viewed 7422 times

User avatar
Seiko7A38
Site Admin
Posts: 2577
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:05 pm
Location: S.W. England
Contact:

Re: A not so 'MINT' example of the 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens

Post by Seiko7A38 »

Checking my eBay watching page I see that Guiseppe's latest 7A28-7000 Ripley Aliens 'Very Holy Grail' sold early this morning for an undisclosed best offer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385072620437

7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png
7A28-7000-Ripley-Aliens-eBay-August2022-Giuseppe-Ended-Sold-BestOffer.png (47.78 KiB) Viewed 7412 times

Post Reply