Credor Eichi II GBLT997

Credor Eichi II GBLT997 Platinum Ruri Blue Dial

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 navy blue 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. THE DIAL Made of porcelain and boasting white hand-painted hour markers to match its platinum hands, the Eichi II's blue dial (named "Ruri" after the Japanese word for Lapis lazuli) is the embodiment of restraint, understated design, and immaculate craftsmanship. THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting a simple and understated platinum case, the Eichi II showcases its craftsmanship through the meticulous finishing of its entirely polished construction. 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.