This Seiko 7A28-7029 Quartz Chronograph was awarded to Tony Gwynn as part of his 1984 San Diego Padres Player of the Year honors, symbolizing a pivotal moment in his career.
That year, Gwynn claimed his first National League batting title with a .351 average, leading the Padres to their first National League Championship and establishing himself as a dominant force in baseball.
The 7A28-7029 watch itself represents a groundbreaking leap in horological history, as it houses the world’s first analog quartz chronograph, released in 1983. Unlike typical quartz watches, which were often disposable and plastic, this model was crafted with an all-metal, 15-jewel movement, meant to be serviced and cherished for a lifetime.
Seiko envisioned the 7A28 as an aspirational object, a symbol of durability and innovation, built to last across generations. The watch’s functions were advanced for its time, offering split timing and precise chronograph capabilities driven by an electronic mechanism, with hands that returned to zero in a graceful, calculated motion—an achievement that redefined watch engineering in the early 1980s.
With a vibrant yellow-gold dial that draws the eye, complete with polished markers and aged tritium lume, the Seiko 7A28-7029 stands as both a functional tool and a cultural icon, reflecting the era’s fascination with technological advancement.
For collectors, this watch is a unique artifact linking Gwynn’s rise to stardom with a horological milestone, encapsulating the spirit of both a legendary career and a revolutionary piece of watchmaking.
Dimensions: 4" x 3.5" x 2.5"
All dimensions are approximate.
At the time of its use or awarding, this item was not witnessed by a TRuEST™ authenticator. The provenance has been provided by the Tony Gwynn Estate, which is why it has received our Silver authentication.
