Why This Watch Matters

From the collection of Grahame Fowler – this Seiko chronograph was issued and used by Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Air Force.

The Full Story

Following a stretch of years leaning on a group of manufacturers who supplied the British Ministry of Defense with Valjoux 7733-powered mechanical chronographs, it was time for an update. In the early 1980s, it was time to go quartz. Seiko got the call.

This is a result of that call, a ref. 7T27-7A20 chronograph. Collectors refer to these Seikos as "generation 2" as they are slightly different in layout from the ref. 7A28 that preceded it. Where that generation 1 Seiko was issued to service members in the Royal Air Force starting in the early 1980s, examples of the 7T27-7A20 are more often found in the 1990s. Both generations feature Promethium, a mildly radioactive man-made element, lume on the dial and hands, as indicated by the "circle P" right on the dial.

Our watch is in great condition with a correct and possibly original brown nylon single piece strap and pigskin leather cuff.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know 

Things We Love:

- Promethium lume and "circle P" on dial
- Great size at 38mm in diameter
- Correct brown nylon strap and leather cuff

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case
- Fixed spring bars

The Seiko chronograph is overall a very nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches. The edges have some light nicks. The caseback has some scratches and is stamped with the military serial number "6645-99 8149181 0017/96" and the MoD broad arrow. The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks.

The matte black dial is in great condition with a light patina to the surface. The white paint on the hands has developed some patina but is mostly clean. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a off-white, greenish color. The lume in the hands is matching to that of the dial having developed patina similarly.

The watch has retained its correct unsigned crown. The crystal has some scratches and light nicks along the edge. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Seiko. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.