The 7A38 is the day-date version of the 7A28, the analog quartz chronograph Seiko introduced in 1983. It was made in many case styles, from dressy two-tone pieces to the bold 7A38-7020 ‘Royal Oak’.
Quick facts
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7A38, analog quartz chronograph |
| Introduced | 1983 to 1984 (sources differ; dated 1983 examples exist) |
| Functions | Day and date, chronograph with split timing |
| Chronograph resolution | 1/20 second per Fratello; the 7A38-7020 shows a 1/10-second register |
| Jewels | 15 or 17 (sources disagree) |
| Case range | About 36 mm to 43 mm, lug widths vary widely |
Notable references
| Reference | Notes |
|---|---|
| 7A38-7020 | ‘Royal Oak’, 38.5 mm, 10 mm split lugs, twelve-sided bezel |
| 7A38-7190 | 36 mm, 11 mm thick, 20 mm lugs, 30 m (Fratello’s example) |
| 7A38-6020 | Larger case, up to 43 mm |
What to check before you buy
- It must run. Fratello warns that servicing a dead 7A38 can cost more than $100, so buy a running one or price that in.
- Chronograph reset. All hands should return to zero.
- Bracelet. Split-lug and integrated designs make replacement bracelets hard to find. A complete original bracelet adds real value.
- Battery leaks. Ask whether the battery compartment is clean; old batteries can corrode the movement.
Prices vary a lot by case style: Fratello wrote in 2015 that decent examples sold for under $200, with rare models higher. For today’s value, check recent sold listings for the exact reference.
Looking for one?
Garasi Opung, the Jakarta dealer behind this site, hand-checks every vintage Seiko before listing it. Browse the Etsy shop, the eBay store or garasiopung.com, and run any listing’s caseback through the Franken Checker before you buy, ours included.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seiko 7A38 quartz or automatic?
Quartz. It is an analog quartz chronograph with day and date, built as the day-date version of the 7A28.
Why is the 7A38-7020 called the Royal Oak?
Its twelve-sided bezel with studs reminded collectors of Gerald Genta’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
How many jewels does the 7A38 have?
Sources disagree: Fratello’s article says 15 and a reader comment says 17. Check the movement itself.