During the end of the 20th century, battery-powered watches began taking over the watch industry. This newly developed technology was pioneered by Seiko in 1969 and shook the traditional mechanical watch industry like it had never experienced before. In a small amount of time, Seiko had managed to take complete control of the market for the majority of price points. However, one area which remained untapped by the Japanese watchmaker was the upper end of fine watchmaking. And so, only a handful of years after the first quartz watch, Seiko founded Credor in 1974. Created to sound like a luxurious, traditionally European watchmaker, Credor (which comes from the French Créte d'Or, meaning “the ultimate of the gold”) was their grand entrance into haute horology and their next move to further cripple the Swiss watch industry in their disruptive and pioneering manner.

Credor set off on the right foot by drafting in none other than Mr Philippe ('Philippe Dufour's Journey to Becoming a Watchmaker' by A Collected Man) who helped establish the Credor studio in Japan. Today, Credor watches are exceedingly rare thanks to extremely low production numbers a year because of the painstaking hours, days, weeks and months required to produce their watches to such a high standard. Interestingly, Credor watches are unapologetically designed for the Japanese market, making examples of their watches being available outside of Japan an undeniably exceptional occasion. 

 

Eichi II GBLT999

Translating to wisdom in Japanese, the Credor Eichi II GBLT999 is easily their most recognisable model in the lineup. It’s also the most subjectively simple watch. Credor is not afraid of producing incredibly thin tourbillons, highly engraved lacquered dials, and even a minute repeater. In comparison, the Eichi II is a plain old time only, sub 40mm watch that is indeed beautiful but above all else relatively run of the mill, right?

Well not entirely, as although at a glance it's a simplistic piece, there is so much going on with the Eichi II that easily rivals the best of the best that Switzerland has to offer. With only 20 examples being produced a year, the Eichi II is a special piece; and it all starts with its dial...

A stacked macro photography image of the porcelain dial of a Credor Eichi II GBLT999

It’s said that the brilliant white porcelain dial of the Eichi II is inspired by the snowy mountains of winter in the region of Shinshu, and much like snowflakes, the dial is overwhelmingly delicate. To continue this narrative of excellence, the hour markers and the logo text are not applied or embossed onto the dial but instead painted on by hand, taking a watchmaker from the Micro Artist Studio a whole day to complete just one dial.  What the dial lacks in height, depth and minute details, it most certainly makes up for in artist flair and an unrivalled commitment to true artisan craftsmanship.

Gentle tapering thermally blued hour and minute hands grace this supremely sophisticated dial with a pinpoint accurate and elongated seconds hand gliding across the dial complete with a crescent moon counterbalance injecting a touch of personality.

A stacked photograph of the Spring Drive calibre 7R14A1 which is found inside a Credor Eichi II GBLT999

A benefit of Credor being produced by Seiko is that they have access to a fully integrated and multi-layered, in-house watch empire that just so happens to make some of the finest movements in the world. The advent of Spring Drive technology was a hugely significant moment for the Seiko cooperation. In the Eichi II, it ensures that the second hand is entirely smooth thanks to the 7R14A Spring Drive movement. With 60 hours of power reserve, 41 jewels, and a level of wide bevelling and chamfering that Mr Dufour would be immensely proud of, it’s evident that the Eichi II delivers both mechanically and aesthetically. 

Fortunately, this staggering movement can be enjoyed through the display case back of the Eichi II along with its power reserve indicator, Credor logo, and the beautiful bellflower case of the mainspring, which is the symbol for the Shiojiri region near where the Micro Artist Studio is located in which the watch is crafted.

Cased in platinum, the Eichi II case perfectly provides refined, premium context to the excellence of the features that sit within it.  Amongst many things, the Seiko corporation is known for its impeccable finishing, which Credor has championed. In addition, its round shape is complemented by a short lug design that, once again, is purposefully incorporated to draw the eye to the beauty of the dial. 

A photograph of the Credor Eichi II GBLT999 in Platinum being worn on the wrist of a model.

The Eichi II is a traditionally formal watch with its sole focus on hours, minutes and seconds. Still, its simplicity shouldn’t mean it cannot be enjoyed on all manner of occasions. Because of its direct and deliberate styling, the Eichi II is a multifaceted piece that is just as comfortable when paired with a three-piece suit, business attire or a crisp oxford shirt and chinos.

A wrist shot photograph of a model wearing the Credor Eichi II GBLT999 in Platinum

The platinum case of the Credor Eichi II GBLT999 measures 39mm in diameter representing a size increase of 4mm from the previous 35mm Eichi I. It has a flat bezel design which ensures all attention is drawn to this piece's superb dial while also aiding wearability for larger wrist sizes. Once fitted to the wrist, the perfect symmetry and refined balance from case to dial is irresistible. Less is more certainly more as far as the Eichi II is concerned.

A flat lay photograph of the Credor Eichi II GBLT999 case back

Although classically styled and overly luxurious, the Eichi II is far from one dimensional. Its grace, artistic brilliance and pure sophistication is unrivalled at this price point. Credor represents once again the world-leading watchmaking ability Seiko offers.

The Credor Eichi II GBLT999 is now available from James Porter and Son in extremely limited numbers.