Seiko RAF GEN2 Chronograph Ref 7T27-7A20

About This Watch:

At the request of Her Majesty The Queen’s Royal Air Force, Seiko produced the RAF 7T27-A20 Chronograph timepiece for the British Military during the 1990s.  The watch design followed the needs required by the Ministry of Defense. It included a quartz chronograph movement, a sand-blasted case with fixed military bars, and the unique use of Promethium lume on the dial.  

The History:  Seiko began its rich history in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a shop repairing and selling watches in central Tokyo.  Eleven years later, he opened a factory called the Seikosha Factory and began building wall clocks and pocket watches.  After an earthquake and fire destroyed the original factory, Hattori reopened with a new vision, which became the beginnings of what we know as Seiko today.  A true pioneer in watchmaking, Seiko developed the first Japanese-made divers watch.

The Watch:  The RAF GEN2 Chronograph features a sand-blasted 38mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal and is powered by Seiko’s quartz chronograph 7T27 movement.  The matte black dial features three registers at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, Promethium lume on the hour markers, hands and numerals, and a date window at the 4 o’clock position.  The case back features the British Military Issue numbers and the Broad Arrow marker.  

The Details:  This Seiko RAF GEN2 Chronograph 7T27-A20 dates to 1996, based on the case back markings.  The case and lugs appear to be unpolished and in a condition consistent with the age of this timepiece and are visible in the photographs.  Included with this timepiece is an aftermarket canvas NATO strap.