Originating in 1974, the Credor line is a subsidiary of Seiko, and possesses an entirely different persona from its more well-known parent brand. Made at Seiko’s Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, the workshop consulted with Philippe Dufour, one of the most talented independent watchmakers working today, to help establish the practices and techniques behind the creation of the pieces that now bear the Credor name. In the early days, to perfect their technique, the Credor watchmakers even used the same wood used by Philippe Dufour to bevel his movements, which they collected on a visit to Switzerland.

The Credor Eichi II was released in 2014 to mark the 40th anniversary of the brand. Only 20 pieces are manufactured each year, with a spot on the coveted waitlist being difficult to obtain. At a glance, the watch is a minimalist piece, with a pure white dial and delicately painted blue markers. It is cased in platinum, with a corresponding platinum crown.

The hand-painted porcelain dial of the watch looks almost translucent, and although the methods used are similar to enamelling, out of all the materials typically used for watch dials, porcelain is one of the hardest to work with. Each dial is handmade, so no two watches will be exactly the same. This porcelain dial was made by a manufacturer in the Nagano Prefecture, and the applied glaze used allows for the pure white of the dial to shine through. 

Additionally, each index marker is painted in-house by hand, a time-consuming process that requires the watchmakers to undergo at least three years of training under ceramics masters before they can work on the dials. The hands are steel, flame-blued by experts who are able to create the same shade of blue as the index markers.

In contrast to the white and blue minimalism of the dial, the movement holds a small surprise in the form of a skeletonised bellflower motif, complete with a delicate stem and two leaves, which also reveal the inner workings of the piece. Although this Eichi II is powered by quartz, it also makes use of the calibre 7R14, a close cousin of the Spring Drive Grand Seiko 9R02 movement, which combines both mechanical and electronic principles for more accurate timekeeping. 

Closer look

Condition

This Credor Eichi II is in very good condition throughout. The case and lugs show very light superficial marks from minimal wear. More specifically light surface scratches on the top left lug, and on the bezel between one and two o'clock. The porcelain dial and thermally blued hands are free from any signs of imperfection. The engravings on the caseback are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.