Introduction
While they might be most notable for creating sturdy budget-friendly watches, Seiko have two sibling brands that exist only to punch up. The better-known Grand Seiko and the lesser-known Credor, whose tiny output allows them to create some of the finest watches on the market today in competition with brands like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and so forth. Introduced in 1974 as a collection of precious metal models, Credor began its life rather differently to how we know it today. Branded as "Crêt D'Or", meaning "Golden Crest" in French, it wasn't until 1978 that the brand was spun off into its own collection of watches and renamed "Credor" - as we know it today. While there are plenty of great Credor models, the Eichi II has quickly become one of the brand's most highly revered timepieces. Released alonsgide Credor's 40th anniversary in 2014, the Eichi II succeeded the extremely rare Eichi I. Produced by a team of artisans in Seiko's Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, Japan, the Eichi II symbolizes the spirit of what a watch is when all of the noise is stripped away. While not a limited edition piece, the Micro Artist Studio can only create about 20 watches a year, ensuring the Credor is one of the most exclusive timepieces in the world. Boasting a hand-made, hand-painted white Noritake porcelain dial, the Eichi II does not strive for attention, much like Credor themselves, hence their mystique. Powered by the hand-wound Credor cal. 7R14 Spring Drive movement, the Eichi II comes with a power reserve indicator mounted to one of the two finely finished movement bridges that mirror the Eichi II’s stunning dial and complete the timepiece’s stunningly elegant design on both its front and back. This particular example was made in a small limited edition for the Wako Ginza Seiko Flagship store which is iconic for its Seiko clock tower. As part of the Wako edition, the ref. GZLT999 is distinguished from the standard Eichi II with the hand-painted Roman numerals at 6 and 12 o'clock on the dial.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Guarantee
Est. value range
$30,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Credor
Dimensions
39mm x 10.3mm
Model
Eichi II
Movement
Manual-wind spring drive cal. 7R14A1
Reference
GBLT999
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2023
Condition
Excellent+
Material
Platinum
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
White (Porcelain)
THE DIAL
This limited edition Eichi II made for Wako Ginza features a roman 6 and 12 on the dial, whereas the standard dial features all stick markers.
THE MOVEMENT
Powered by the manually-wound Spring Drive cal. 7R14A1, the Eichi II boasts perhaps one of the most finely-finished movements in watchmaking with a stunning blend of brushed surfaces, polished bevels, blued steel screws and truly mesmerising architecture that matches the Eichi II's Zaratsu polished 950 platinum case and bright white porcelain dial.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
The spring drive movement does not give a readout on the timing machine.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. The watch would grade higher but there is a section of micro scratches along part of the caseback where the words "WATER RES" are engraved. Please examine the images carefully. Other than that, watch presents in a better condition with only minor case wear evident.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Inarguably one of the most finely constructed timepieces to come out of Japan, the Eichi II has become legendary for its execution. Additionally, this example is perhaps the most luxurious Eichi II variant Credor offers thanks to its 950 platinum case.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
