Seiko 7A38 - by the numbers

Seiko7A38 at July 22, 2017 at 11:10 AM

I'm usually very careful to ensure that any links I embed in my posts (particularly to eBay) work properly. Indeed, when I've finished composing and editing a post, I'll go back and click on the links to make sure they actually do. However, if you click on the eBay link in my previous post it doesn't work anymore. I'm not sure what happened, but earlier in the week that listing appears to have been removed completely, presumably by eBay. It disappeared from my eBay watching page and I didn't notice until earlier today. Transpires it was replaced on Thursday by an almost identical listing, but of only 3 days duration (rather than 7 days of the previous). The only difference I could see was the seller had made an amendment to the description, adding the sentence:

Ich versichere,dass der Artikel ein Erbstück ist und nicht aus kriminellen Machenschaften stammt.

which translates as: I assure that the article is an heirloom and does not come from criminal machinations.

That re-listing ended about half an hour ago, with the watch unsold, hardly surprisingly - no bids placed.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182675496279

The seller re-listed it 10 minutes later, again for another 3 days, but instead with a Buy-it-Now price of 222 Euros or Make Offer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182680579281

Yesterday, he revised that re-listing reducing the Buy-it-Now price three times during the space of 4 hours ! 

Ironically, if you check the offer history, the same figure the seller had declined twice earlier in the day. 

This 7A38-7010 was listed yesterday evening by a Spanish eBay seller, with a Buy-it-Now price of 250 Euros (or Best Offer). Apart from one obvious ding in the bezel inlay, near 300 on the Tachymeter scale, it appears to be in pretty good nick. Unfortunately, it's not really possible to gauge the true overall condition from the seller's 2 dingy photos. The brief description tells you even less. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182713247801

Falla contador minutos y segundos del cronógrafo.

I note the Spanish eBay seller has since made a couple of attempts at taking and uploading some better photos. 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemRevisionDetails&item=182713247801

The watch doesn't actually look too bad in the new primary image. 

Though a couple of the other photos retain that distinctly green hue. 

Green tinged or not, those couple of extra photos seem to have done the trick for the Spanish eBay seller. The 7A38-7010 sold yesterday evening for the Buy-it-Now price of 250 Euros.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182713247801

Checking the eBay purchase history, 5 earlier offers were made (and declined), ranging between 150 Euros and 220 Euros:

This 7A38-7010 in average used condition was listed yesterday evening by a German eBay seller as a 7-day auction, with an opening bid price of 50 Euros.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332382468930

Coole SEIKO 7A38-7010 Chrono mit entsprechenden Gebrauchspuren, da viel getragen.

Bei Fragen, fragen!

Am 18.09.17 hat der Verkäufer die folgenden Angaben hinzugefügt:

Um die Gebrauchspuren/Kratzer im Glas deutlich zu machen wurde ein Foto mit entsprechenden Markierungen angefügt.

The above German eBay auction for a 7A38-7010 ended a few moments ago, selling for 141 Euros after 15 bids.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332382468930

This only average condition 7A38-7010, fitted with a non-original aftermarket replacement bracelet, was listed a few days ago by an Italian seller. The opening bid price was only 1 Euro, but with a reserve set. That reserve price (presumably 200 Euros) has now been met. But before you consider bidding on it, might I strongly recommend looking at the bidding history. Of the current 80 bids, 71  have been placed by a (1) feedback bidder, who has 100% activity with the seller. The current high bidder @ 201 Euros has ZERO feedback. If that isn't a blatantly obvious example of shill bidding to meet a reserve, I don't know what is ! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232525858197

Up for auction is a Seiko 7A38-7020 Quartz Chronograph from 1983. The 7A28/7A38/7A48 models by Seiko were the world's first analogue quartz chronographs. With 15 jewels and 4 independent drive trains they are utterly serviceable and rightfully regarded as among the best and sturdiest quartz movements ever made.

With its 39,5 mm across the case the 7010 is one of the bigger and sportier 7A chronographs and has a nice wrist presence.

This watch has been stripped down and serviced with Moebius synthetic oils and works as it should.

New original case back gasket, high quality Sternkreuz mineral crystal and new battery.

The chrono pushers, which tend to get sticky over the years, have been disassembled, cleaned and fitted with new gaskets.

The chronograph works properly and resets well.

The aftermarket bracelet fits wrists up to ca. 19,5 cm.

Chrono hands reset exactly to zero.

Perfect calendar function and quickset, day disk in German and English.

Please refer to the photos, they are an integral part of the description. Any questions welcome.

Check out my other auctions. I have a large stock of Seiko vintage parts.

I ship worldwide by registered mail and combine shipping.

The above eBay auction for a 7A38-7010, fitted with a non-original replacement bracelet, ended earlier this evening, selling for 224 Euros after 82 bids.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232525858197

This less than ideal example of a 7A38-7010 was listed on Yahoo Japan yesterday as a 7-day auction with an opening bid price of 18,400 Yen. The well worn-bracelet appears to be the original Seiko p/n Z1118S, but it's been fitted with a replacement 5-hole clasp in place of the original 7-hole SQ signed part. The case-back has been polished to within an inch of its life and I'm not sure whether the hands may have been repainted, because they don't match the discoloured lume batons.

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/l414592704

Google translates the Japanese seller's description as follows:

Rare Seiko Speedmaster 7A38-7010 Chronograph Overseas Model Day of Week Representation Arabic, English

It is a speed master I have not seen much.

It seems to be a model made for overseas because of Arabic notation.

Bezel, draft shield, band, all buckles have scratches.

The band is growing. It is around the arm around 16.5 ~ 16.8 cm. Because it is amateur measurement, please forgive me error.

Other parts that can not be explained can be judged by photograph.

Since title and description are amateur's views, please take photograph priority.

There is no accessory.

I do not know the state of the battery. In case you are unable to move due to running out of batteries etc. on arrival, please handle with the highest bidder.

Although it is currently in operation, it is a fairly old watch that has exceeded useful life, so please take a no claim, no return even if it was immovable by any chance at arrival.

Please be sure to offer a bid after asking questions.

To the end secondhand goods therefore nervous one. Bid. Please refrain.

I will send it out by Yu-Pack simple version. It will be shipped on weekdays.

The newer one and the worse one of evaluation will judge here and delete it.

Please be sure to bid on seeing the self-introduction column.

I need your help by a no claim and a no return.

The above Yahoo Japan auction for a 7A38-7010 ended yesterday, selling for ¥20,400 Yen after 4 bids. That's equivalent to $178.73 USD / £136.37 GBP.

http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/l414592704

This poor example of a 7A38-7010, fitted with what appears to be a rather perished looking rubber 'Dive' strap was listed late last night by an Italian eBay seller, as a 10-day auction, with an opening bid price of 100 Euros. Apart from the well-worn bezel / inlay, note the discoloured lume batons.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11263200149

Seiko in buone condizioni generali, funzionante anche movimento cronografico, necessiterebbe solo di cinturino in acciaio originale. Vendo per cambio progetto.

This 7A38-7010 in only average used condition was listed earlier this evening by Italian eBay seller cmax-28762, with a wishful Buy-it-Now price of 380 Euros.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132416708331

Raro Seiko Quartz 7A38-7010 chronograph funzionante day-date buonissime condizioni appena revisionato pila nuova vetro perfetto bracciale con tutte le maglie originale chiusura logo SQ scatola Seiko Quartz de luxe anni 80 da mia collezione.

The above 30-day listing for a 7A38-7010 ended rather quicker than expected - a little over an hour after it was created, in fact. Presumably an eager potential buyer persuaded the seller to reduce his Buy-it-Now price from 380 to 350 Euros - and duly hit the button.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132416708331

This average condition 7A38-7010 was listed yesterday lunchtime by German eBay seller, with an over-optimistic Buy-it-Now price of 399 Euros (or best offer). It's fitted with a non-original replacement Seiko bracelet - p/n B1424S, rather than the original p/n Z1118S. This certainly isn't the first time I've seen one of these bracelets fitted to a 7A38-701x and I seem to remember reading somewhere that Seiko agents were fitting them as service replacements. Note the seller's cheeky request in the description for payment by Paypal 'Friends & Family' (i.e. as a 'Gift') - which, of course, totally removes all the buyer's guarantee protection !

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382301902573

Verkaufe hier eine echte Rarität im Sammlerzustand!

Seiko Speedmaster von 1983 !

Die Uhr befindet sich in technisch einwandfreiem Zustand!

Optisch eine glatte 2 !

Die Bilder sind mit Macro aufgenommen,und zeigen natürlich jeden Fussel,und jeden Miniswirl!

Das Band hat kein Stretch und ist bis auf winzige Kratzerchen top!

Alle Funktionen sind gegeben.

Drücker ect funktionieren einwandfrei!

Bandlänge : ca 21,5 cm Durchmesser der Uhr ca 39mm

Batteriewechsel vor ca 1 Jahr.

Die Uhr läuft sehr genau,und das für 35 Jahre! Bei guter Pflege tut sie dies auch weitere 35 Jahre.

Persönlich Abholung bevorzugt,da sich dann der Käufer von dem top Zustand der Uhr überzeugen kann!

Bedienungsanleitung auf Englisch, und eine neutrale Uhrenbox gibt es dazu.

Paypal bitte nur über Freunde u Familie,da ich ein Privatverkäufer bin und keine Garantie geben kann.

Schaut euch die Bilder einfach an.

Bieter aus dem Ausland,bitte vorab die Versandkosten erfragen!!!

The above 7A38-7010 remains unsold, despite the German seller having reduced the Buy-it-Now price from 399 Euros down to 335 Euros.

Meanwhile, earlier this evening another German eBay seller listed what appears to be another rather nicer almost mint example, with a Buy-it-Now price of 390 Euros (or best offer).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112683215644

Vintage Seiko Sports 100 (Cal. 7A38) Chronographen mit Bedienungsanleitung und originaler Box.

Die Uhr hat nur minimale Gebrauchsspuren, alle Funktionen einwandfrei, Wasserdichtigkeit wurde nicht geprüft.

Versand erfolgt als versichertes Paket.

Privatverkauf, daher keine Gewährleistung, Umtausch oder Nachverhandlungen sind ausgeschlossen.

Checking my eBay watching page, I notice that the German eBay seller of the previous 7A38-7010 ended his listing early, in the early hours of yesterday morning, as no longer available. Presumably sold off eBay for a lower price. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382301902573

That almost mint example of a 7A38-7010, listed by the other German eBay seller, took longer to shift than I'd expected, but it sold this morning.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112683215644

Not for the full 390 Euros Buy-it-Now price, but as revealed by WatchCount.com, against a best offer of 300 Euros.

As confirmed by the eBay Offer / Purchase History:

This well-worn 7A38-7010, fitted with a slightly incongruous black lizard grain leather strap, was listed earlier this evening by a US eBay seller with a Buy-it-Now price of $150.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232609725013

Vintage Scarce “SEIKO Chronograph” Quartz 7A38-7010 A3

BLACK DIAL VG++, Stainless Steel Case, RUNNING PERFECT!

3 Sub Dials - 30 Min., Second, and 1/10 Second

Day & Date - ALL OPERATING PERFECTLY

Very Good Condition, The Tachymeter Bezel Shows Some Avg. Wear

Otherwise Very Good++ - Lizard Grain SEIKO Leather Strap, NEW

42.8mm x 39.0mm

$3.99 Shipping In The USA

INVOICE SHOULD BE PAID WITHIN 48 HOURS AFTER THE SALE

Yesterday lunchtime, the US eBay seller added a 'Best Offer' option - and the 7A38-7010 sold late last night, but not for the full $150 Buy-it-Now price:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/23260972501

As revealed by WatchCount.com's Look-up tool for a solitary offer of $135:

As confirmed by the eBay Purchase History:

Seiko7A38 at November 7, 2017 at 4:59 AM

This poor example of a 7A38-7010, fitted with what appears to be a rather perished looking rubber 'Dive' strap was listed late last night by an Italian eBay seller, as a 10-day auction, with an opening bid price of 100 Euros. Apart from the well-worn bezel / inlay, note the discoloured lume batons.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11263200149

After being re-listed a couple of times without success, that poor example of a 7A38-7010, fitted with a rubber strap, appears to have finally sold early this morning for the 100 Euros opening bid price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112716280170