Introduction to the Seiko 7F69A

The Seiko 7F69A is a rare and refined high-accuracy quartz (HAQ) movement introduced in the 1990s as part of Seiko’s prestigious 7F-series. This analog-only caliber combines ±20 seconds per year thermocompensated accuracy with two elegant complications: a retrograde day indicator and a retrograde date display.

Engineered for both visual sophistication and technical performance, the 7F69A offers a fully mechanical dial layout, traditional watchmaking aesthetics, and the precision of advanced quartz regulation. It was primarily featured in high-end dress watches with a focus on craftsmanship and long-term reliability.

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Technical Specifications

The 7F69A combines mechanical artistry with HAQ performance, making it both practical and collectible.

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Display and Layout

Watches equipped with the 7F69A usually feature:

• Central hour, minute, and second hands

• Retrograde day indicator (typically located at 9 o’clock)

• Retrograde date display (typically at 3 o’clock)

• Clean, elegant dial design with minimal clutter

Both retrograde displays feature fan-shaped arcs with hands that snap back to the starting point after completing their cycle.

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Retrograde Day and Date Functions

Day (Retrograde):

• Displays Sunday through Saturday on a semi-circular scale

• The day hand advances once per 24-hour cycle

• At the end of Saturday, it instantly returns to Sunday

Date (Retrograde):

• Displays dates 1 through 31

• Advances once every 24 hours

• At the end of the month, the hand jumps back to 1

• Requires manual adjustment for months with fewer than 31 days

Both functions are driven by precise mechanical levers and spring-loaded cams, adding mechanical complexity to a quartz movement.

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Setting Instructions

Crown Positions:

1. Position 0 (Pushed in) – Normal operation

2. Position 1 (First click) – Quickset adjustments

   • Rotate clockwise to advance the date

   • Rotate counterclockwise to advance the day

3. Position 2 (Second click) – Set time (hacking seconds enabled)

Avoid setting the day or date between 9 PM and 4 AM, when the changeover mechanism may be engaged.

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Battery and Reset Procedure

Battery Information:

• Type: SR927W

• Life expectancy: Approximately 5 years

• End-of-life behavior: Seconds hand jumps 2 seconds at a time

Battery Replacement Procedure:

1. Remove case back with a suitable tool

2. Extract battery using non-metallic tweezers

3. Insert new SR927W battery

4. Reset the movement:

   • Locate the AC (All Clear) contact

   • Short the AC contact and battery + terminal using tweezers for 1–2 seconds

5. Realign retrograde day and date hands by cycling time or quicksetting

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Servicing and Maintenance

The 7F69A is built with full metal construction and is intended for servicing, not disposal.

Key Servicing Features:

• No plastic gears – movement is all metal

• 4 synthetic jewels – reduce long-term wear

• Retrograde modules – integrated with reset springs

• Stepper motor and IC – sealed and shielded

Recommended Service Interval:

• Every 8–10 years, or if hand alignment drifts or movement halts

Service Tasks:

• Clean and lubricate the calendar and retrograde modules

• Realign retrograde hands if needed

• Inspect oscillator for thermocompensation drift

• Replace gaskets during battery service

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Troubleshooting Guide

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Conclusion

The Seiko 7F69A is one of the most elegant and mechanically expressive HAQ movements produced by Seiko. It delivers:

• ±20 sec/year accuracy via thermocompensation

• Dual retrograde complications with reliable spring-loaded returns

• 5-year battery life with quick-reset capability

• Serviceable metal construction with jeweled components

• A blend of watchmaking tradition and quartz precision

Although rare today, the 7F69A remains an exceptional choice for those who appreciate artistic dial layout, quartz reliability, and timeless elegance—all in one well-engineered package. Properly maintained, it will deliver precision and charm for decades to come.

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