Sunday, April 7, 2013

Not too many around.... Seiko Alarm Chronograph Quartz 7T34-7A10



Seiko Alarm Chronograph Quartz Sports 150 7T34-7A10


Don't know how many years this watch has been with me. Bought the watch in early 2000, when visited a friend's watch and electrical shop in a suburban area. The cabinets that housed the watches for sell was coated with dust. He intended to forego all the remaining watches and concentrated on his electronic goods business. This is among the few watches that I took from him. Most of his remaining were Quartz dressing watch from brands like Campus, Charles Jordan, Alain Delon, Seiko, Alba, Casio, Guy Laroche etc. There were also some hand-winding watches like Pomar and some other swiss watch companies that did not survive the Quartz revolution.
Was flicking through the watches and finally my eyes locked on this particular one. The watch was not in working condition, but after replacing with a fresh battery.... it cames alive and beating real strong. Upon checking, every functions worked flawlessly. I could not remember how much I pay for this but it was definitely less than 300 bucks.


What intrigues me about this watch is the dodecagon shaped  (12 sided) gold bezel and the four sub-dials (some refers to as four eyes).  I considered it as a rare species because in my shallow knowledge, 7T34 usually come in a Seiko pilot watch or flightmaster. Despite the fact that there is a notation of Sports 150 on the dial, the design is more like a luxury dress watch than a sport watch. The stainless steel case is measuring 40.5mm excluding its crown and it is 9.8mm thick. The watch is considered thin and light for a sports model. This watch dated back to early 1990's and it has a mineral crystal. There is a tachymeter on the inner circle.


This watch used the 7T34 non jewel quartz movement. What impressed me with this movement is that being a analogue quartz watch, it has a smooth sweeping chronograph second hand. It keeps very accurate time and is basically problem free even after almost 20 years from the day it left the factory. Yes, this is still authentic "Made in Japan" version Seiko Quartz.


For a moderate pricing model, the dial details are good. The 4 eyes are located at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock. 4 subdials: one for the second hand, one for date, one for alarm setting and the top one for the chronograph function. The gold dial and gold indices with the black colour wordings and black hands give a very good contrast for easy reading.



This watch also has 2 crowns and 3 push buttons. the crown at 3 o'clock is used to set date and time; whereas the crown at 4 o'clock is to control the alarm clock function. 


This watch is beautifully designed, but I would not say so for its bracelet. The bracelet looks awful and cheap. The material used and the pattern and the buckle, just don't give this watch justice at all. Hmmmmm may be I should be looking to see whether other Seiko band fit in this one. Wait and see whether I post up any new photo after this.......


Heheheheeeeeee I have the original box for this watch too..... This Seiko box is also hard to find....


18 comments:

  1. If anyone has a Sandoz Datejust lookalike let me know. I want to buy it. Thx.

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  2. Hi i have the same watch but the plain sliver one. I got it from my dad that at the time he bought it, put another bracelet on it that costed more, but definitely signifies the watch way better. I would like to send you pictures but this site doesn't allow me -_-

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  3. I have one of these, I bought it in Paris, France in early 1993, it is identical however the dial is white and gold lettering and the bezel is in an iridescent (Peacock) blue awesome watch :)

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  4. I have the same watch. Bought it in 89. still looks great and runs strong. And yes the bracelet it mickey mouse. looking for a new band. Cheers

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  5. I have the same watch. Bought it in 89. still looks great and runs strong. And yes the bracelet it mickey mouse. looking for a new band. Cheers

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  6. I still have the original manual.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Audrey, Could you send me the pdf manual via mail?
      I'd be very greatful.

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    2. Hi Audrey, Could you send me the pdf manual via mail?
      I'd be very greatful.

      Delete
  7. I still have the original manual.

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  8. Purchased the same watch from new in 1995 seldom wear a watch now not sure of it's worth but it's in good condition

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  10. Hi is it available?Im looking for the same watch for my father

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    Replies
    1. Just stumbled across this comment I have one if your still interested

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  11. Would you be willing to sell this watch? Or anyone on this forum?

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    Replies
    1. Just stumbled across this comment I have one if your still interested

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  12. so.. i have the same watch.. how much is this watch really? whats it worth? since i got it from my dad before he died

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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