Seiko “Age of Discovery” 7T59-7A30

Model: Seiko “Age of Discovery” 7T59-7A30

Year: July 1993

Features:

The Movement. The world's first ever 1/100th of a second Quartz Chronograph movement. Developed by Seiko for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 7T59 movement brought an extra level of precision with its 1/100th-of-a-second chronograph functionality. While Olympic editions of the 7T59 exist, there are also several non-Olympic versions available. My personal favourite? The “Age of Discovery” variant, featured here.

The Occasion. The Age of Discovery variant commemorates the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s historic 1492 Atlantic crossing. The Santa Maria, Columbus’ iconic ship, is engraved into the caseback, and as a final nod to Columbus, the day wheel can be changed from English to Spanish. 

The Chronograph. With its impossibly fast chronograph hand, futilely coloured red for maximum visibility, the 1/100th-of-a-second sweep is too fast for the eye to follow, creating a visual effect somewhere between a blur and a disappearing act. 

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. No marks of any major significance. 

Scope: No box or papers.

Movement: 7T59 1/100th Quartz Chronograph

Dimensions:

• Lug to Lug: 44.6mm
• Case Width: 39.5mm
• Case Thickness: 10.5mm