Model: Seiko "Kinetic" 7L22-0AZ0
Year: April 2012
Limited Edition: 750 Pieces
Features:
The Design. A striking blend of black on red is merely the starting point for the visual oddity that is the 7L22-0AZ0. Produced in 2012 and limited to 750 pieces - and to the surprise of no one, it was only released in Japan. The 45-minute chronograph is activated by two of the meatiest pushers I’ve seen. They feel great and their formidable size simply becomes part of the watch’s charm.
The Movement. You’ll be pleased to learn the movement is just as unconventional. The 7L22 Kinetic movement is a hybrid between quartz and automatic. And much like a Spring Drive, which positions itself as a similar, albeit more modern, hybrid option between mechanical and quartz, the Kinetic retains the complexity of a mechanical watch.
The Battery. A standard battery merely discharges energy into the watch, but a Kinetic capacitor stores the energy generated by the kinetic movement of your wrist, just like an automatic, and feeds it back to the watch as needed. However, unlike an automatic that might have a two or three-day power reserve, the 7L22 movement can store up to five months of power in its capacitor.
The Longevity. And to further distinguish itself from its electrical counterpart, the Kinetic capacitor only needs to be replaced every 10-20 years, instead of every 1-2 years like a quartz watch.
The Accuracy. From the back, it has all the hallmarks of an automatic, but it ditches the standard automatic movement accuracy of ±25 seconds per day in favour of a quartz-style ±15 seconds per month. In my opinion, it takes some of the most appealing elements of both movement types and creates a compelling hybrid.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition overall. Just serviced by Seiko. New capacitor. A handful of small marks can be seen on the case on very close inspection.
Scope: No box or papers
Movement: 7L22 Kinetic Hybrid Movement
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 46.5mm
- Case Thickness: 14.0mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46.5mm
