GBLT999, Eichi II, Platinum

The Eichi II is the pinnacle offering of Credor, a luxury branch of Seiko launched in 1974, produced in just 25 examples annually since its release in 2014. Where Grand Seiko emphasizes precision, wearability, and durability, Credor is unique within Seiko in its focus on luxury dress watches with immaculate handcraft. Credor watches are made within Seiko’s esteemed Micro Artist Studio under master watchmaker Yoshifusa Nakazawa, a Seiko employee since 1978. The resulting watches focus on minimalist design and elegantly executed traditional handcraft. 

The original Eichi I released in 2008 brought solid footing to the Credor brand. A minimalist porcelain dial platinum dress watch in 35mm, it was made to the highest standard in Seiko’s Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri. Porcelain use has a long history in Japan dating back to the 17th century when porcelain clay was discovered near the city of Arita. The region became known for its signature hand-painted blue and white style. While the dial aesthetic of both Eichi I and II clearly share this color combination Credor credits inspiration for the dial’s color to the snowy Shinshu region of Japan, home to some of the most prominent porcelain manufacturers today. Credor brought in Philipe Dufour in 2002 to assist their watchmakers in learning his hand finishing methods. Dufour’s technique required a specific wood to hand polish bevels on the movement plate. The wood was unavailable in Japan apart from one hospital using it for research, who Credor struck a deal with to produce more for the sake of their watchmaking effort. Though the Eichi I was produced in just 25 examples, it generated both interest in Credor, along with the capability and identity that allowed a purposeful follow on in the Eichi II. 

The platinum Eichi II was released in 2014 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Credor and 15th anniversary of the Spring Drive movement. It has since been produced at a limited rate of just 25 per year. Its 39mm Zaratsu polished case was later offered in pink gold in 2018. Credor aimed to distill the spirit of the Eichi I, offering an even more pure aesthetic while building upon its successes. The power reserve indicator was moved from the dial to the caseback to preserve its minimalistic spirit. Its white porcelain dial takes a full day's effort to manufacture. Dial blanks for the Eichi II are produced by an unnamed Japanese porcelain specialist before being finished in house. This is a distinct difference between the externally manufactured dials on the Eichi I. Hand painting the logo and indices, in a hue matched to the heat blued hand set, is a skillset that took over a year of effort from a skilled watchmaker to master. The Eichi II utilizes the calibre 7R14, a close cousin of the 9R02 Spring Drive, which combines a mechanical mainspring with Spring Drive regulation for precise timekeeping in a distinctly Japanese fashion. Close inspection reveals bridge plates arranged to give a stem to the mainspring flower, with two petals revealing the constantly-spinning, magnetically controlled glide wheel regulated by a quartz crystal. This all derives its current from the mainspring. The technique for resolving angles and creating wide rounded bevels, learned from Dufour, shows clearly on the bridges and barrel.

The Eichi II is immensely well balanced, not only in proportions but in design. It is the product of a compilation of various handcrafting methods, each meticulously perfected within Seiko’s Micro Artist Studio. Its calibre 7R14 combines one of Seiko’s most cutting edge technical solutions, the Spring Drive, with traditional handfinishing methods while the porcelain dial is a captivating display of traditional porcelain production. It is, quite simply, an elegant display of Japanese ingenuity, consideration, and unyielding attention to detail.

This Eichi II presents in excellent overall condition. Its porcelain dial is immaculate, showing no signs of patina or wear. The Zaratsu polished case has only occasionally light hairline scratches and no marks. The case geometry is sharp and original. The watch is running well within spec on our timing equipment. It comes with its full set.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.