This is a record of my Seiko 7a28-7020 dial restoration project.
Here I endeavor to restore the dial of my esteemed Seiko 7A28 timepiece. Taking a bold leap, I resolved to replace the dial on a cherished timepiece that has been in my possession since 1990. A brief exploration revealed that my watch stands as a historic artifact, representing the inaugural Quartz Chronograph—a model that played a pivotal role in the 'Great Quartz Crisis' during the early 1980s. This movement was the very first analogue quartz chronograph movement to be produced in the world and the first quartz chronograph to be used by the Ministry of Defence. This watch, dated December 1982, preceded the official release in 1983.
This Quartz movement, renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and serviceability, has garnered considerable attention, boasting a captivating narrative and a fervent admirer base. Seiko's meticulous attention to design and manufacturing excellence is evident in the watch's construction, although a similar level of detail wasn't extended to the bracelet.
The accompanying images showcase the unfortunate staining on my dial, a consequence of water damage incurred during a routine battery replacement. It is not uncommon for the Tachy ring to shift, disrupting the movement's seating and hindering the proper tightening of the case back. Faced with the scarcity of replacement dials in the market, I opted to explore the avenue of restoration. Leveraging my background as an illustrator and designer, I embarked on creating a precise print file for the dial.
In the course of my research on the watch I unearthed fascinating details such as the watch's association with James Bond in "A View To A Kill," worn by Roger Moore. Also, Giugaro-designed variations graced the wrists of Sigourney Weaver and the Bishop character in the iconic eighties film "Alien." A Seiko re-release in recent years, though popular, was met with a hint of uninspiration. There are rumours of the yellow dialed versions being issued to Vulcan pilots (see MOD/RAF link above) but this is not corroborated. This watch was given to me by my father (he was an electronics engineer who served in the RAF twenty years prior to the release of this watch, still, it makes a nice connection).
I have to thank the kind and very knowledgable people at the 7A38 forum for all their help and inspiration. I have owned a Seiko 7A38 and really enjoyed it, I am on the look out for a black dial 7A38 to complement this 7A28.
I have to thank the kind and very knowledgable people at the 7A38 forum for all their help and inspiration. I have owned a Seiko 7A38 and really enjoyed it, I am on the look out for a black dial 7A38 to complement this 7A28.
My dial, it should be a bright icey white with a very slight blue tint.
Preliminary markers sketch.
Introduction of sub-dials and details for a test illustration.
Adding in the dial text. Work is needed on the logo.
Modifying the position of the left sub-dial script.
First test print from the first exposure plate.
Checking registration detail (this is the same movement but different dial style, 703L not 702L).
Second test print.
Modifying the Chronograph script.
A mock up of the dial as a vector illustration, as a guide.
The project has taken a new turn...
I came back to the restoration after being distracted by another project, a VW Golf GTI MK2. The dial has now become severely discoloured.
After talking to an ex-Bond Street horologist friend, I decided to bite the bullet and get started on the respray and print of the dial, so first to the cleaning...
I used an ammonia cleaning fluid and very fine paintbrush, and the discolouring just came off, leaving the dial behind. It is by no means immaculate, but I feel it is in wearable/patinated condition...
The dial has cleaned up really well, so I decided to build it back up, it has been wearable like this.
Now I'm on the hunt for a new dial so I can repaint and print my original.....
...New update for 2020, I have ordered a New Old Stock original Seiko white dial found in Lima, Peru! A replacement crystal was ordered from ebay as the original hardlex was quite badly scratched, and any sanding and polishing wasn't giving good results, here's the old crystal...
The old crystal fractured into many pieces as I removed it, so installing the new one was a little stressful....
Success! The crystal looks amazing, it has a bevel edge like the original. Just waiting now for the new dial to install....
New Old Stock dial arrives from Peru...
Here's my original dial from 1982 and the NOS dial from Peru...
Dial on the movement...
Hands on now, a little interference but some slight adjustment and all is free and clear....
I've adjusted the hands to zero and inserted the movement in to the head of the watch, new gaskets fitted and it's on the wrist....
I am absolutely delighted with the results, the watch looks amazing! I need to clean and replace the gaskets on the chronograph pushers as they are a little sticky in operation. I will also start with the print on my old dial, once I have the correct bulb printer.
