Credor Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the Blue/Gold Eichi II GBLT996

While Grand Seiko is often regarded as the top-tier brand within the Seiko Group, there’s yet another hidden gem that’s not as easily available, not understandable, but equals (and sometimes surpasses) GS regarding complexity and attention to detail; Credor. Born in 1974, Credor gained international fame in the 2000s with the creation of highly complex watches such as the Spring-Drive sonnerie, as well as an exquisite watch launched in 2008, the time-only Eichi. Its successor, the Eichi II (presented in 2014) has been elected for a special edition, celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary. 

While the original Eichi was presented in 2008, alongside other impressive models such as the sonnerie (launched 2006) or the minute repeater (launched 2011), all powered by Spring-Drive movements, it’s the Eichi II that mostly gained fame among collectors. A classic time-only watch, this watch is all about Japanese traditions, handcrafts and distinctive elegance. The original Eichi II was, until now, offered with a white dial punctuated by hand-painted blue indexes and logos (in platinum or rose gold), and in platinum with a deep blue porcelain “Ruri” dial (reference GBLT997, launched in 2020).

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Credor, the brand uses the same overall base as the 2020 edition but adds touches of gold everywhere, making it a bolder, more lively edition. This new Credor Eichi II reference GBLT996 is housed in a 39mm 18k yellow gold case, with relatively compact proportions – about 10mm in thickness and 45mm in length. Gently curved and entirely polished, the case isn’t the most striking element here, but a discreet and elegant home for what matters… The movement and the dial.

Still using the same porcelain technique, the deep blue colour of the dial is referred to as “ruri” or lapis lazuli. This dial, like the rest of the watch (made, assembled and finished by hand), is the work of the elite team of watchmakers at the Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri. The deep, rich and gradient-like colour is obtained thanks to the careful application of porcelain glaze. The hour markers, the Credor logo at the 12 o’clock position, and the Credor letters are all hand-painted by a craftsman at the Micro Artist Studio. After the dials are fired, gold is applied over the hand-painted elements to create a warm, multi-dimensional effect. The technique is a nod to ‘Ruri-Kinsai,’ a famous yet rare form of traditional craftwork that came to widespread attention during the Edo period, in which gold is overglazed on ruri-coloured material, such as porcelain.

Inside the gold case of the Credor Eichi II reference GBLT996 is the Spring Drive calibre 7R14. This hand-wound movement is characterized by its combination of traditional crafts and a modern regulating system combining mechanical with quartz. The power reserve indicator on the back reminds of the comfortable 60h of energy, linked to the Torque Return System. Even if discreet, the finishing is done by hand at Micro Artist Studio. For instance, the anglage are not flat but “bercé”, creating a rounded surface. The holes for rubies and the screws are all mirror finish and the screws are heat-blued and polished, all that contrasting with the subtle straight brushed decoration of the bridges. The barrel has the shape of the bellflower that is the symbol of the city of Shiojiri and all the edges are again hand-bevelled.

Worn on a crocodile strap with a yellow gold three-fold clasp, the Credor Eichi II 50th Anniversary Limited Edition GBLT996 will be produced in 30 pieces only, available from June 2024. It will be priced at EUR 48,000 or JPY 6,600,000. For more details, please visit www.credor.com.