Credor Eichi II GBLT99

Since its inception in 1974, Credor has been synonymous with the marriage of Japanese aesthetics and precision watchmaking. The name Credor itself evokes images of the pinnacle of artistry in watchmaking, drawing inspiration from the French “créte d’or,” which translates to “crest of gold.” The year 2024 marks Credor’s golden anniversary, and a special limited-edition of the revered Eichi II has been unveiled to commemorate this milestone.

The original Eichi, introduced in 2008, and its successor, the Eichi II, have garnered international acclaim for their simple yet captivating design, exceptional finishing, innovative movements, and the undeniable beauty of their hand-painted porcelain dials. For discerning watch collectors, a Credor Eichi II represents a timepiece that transcends mere function; it is a wearable work of art.



The Credor Eichi II GBLT996 is a testament to Credor’s dedication to its craft. This anniversary edition watch retains the core characteristics that have endeared the Eichi II to collectors worldwide – the clean design, the meticulous hand-finishing, and the groundbreaking Spring Drive movement. However, Credor has incorporated several subtle refinements that elevate the Eichi II GBLT996 to a whole new level.

One of the most captivating features of the Credor Eichi II GBLT996 is its Deep Blue porcelain dial, boasting a color reminiscent of ruri, the Japanese word for lapis lazuli. The dial’s gentle curve is achieved through the meticulous application of porcelain glaze, a technique that creates surface tension, resulting in a slightly domed shape. This curvature, along with the properties of the glaze, allows the dial to showcase a captivating play of colors that shift depending on the viewing angle and ambient light.

Even the markings on the dial are noteworthy. The hour markers, the Credor logo at the 12 o’clock position, and the Credor inscription are all meticulously hand-painted by a skilled artisan at the Micro Artist Studio, the elite watchmaking workshop where the Eichi II GBLT996 is crafted. After the dials are fired, gold is meticulously applied over the painted elements. This multi-step process, requiring remarkable skill and precision, creates a warm, multifaceted aesthetic that exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking artistry. The gold application technique used in the Eichi II GBLT996 pays homage to ‘Ruri-Kinsai,’ a rare and historically significant form of Japanese craftwork that rose to prominence during the Edo period. Ruri-Kinsai involves the application of gold over ruri-colored materials, such as porcelain. The juxtaposition of the meticulously hand-painted ruri dial with the 18Kyellow gold case creates a visual harmony that perfectly embodies the essence of the Credor Eichi II GBLT996 – a celebration of 50 years of heritage, innovation, and unparalleled artistry.



Powering the Credor Eichi II GBLT996 is the manual-winding Spring Drive Caliber 7R14. For those unfamiliar, Credor's Spring Drive technology is a revolutionary hybrid that melds the precision of a quartz movement with the artisanal allure and smooth seconds-hand sweep of a traditional mechanical watch. Within the Caliber 7R14, a traditional mainspring and gear train provide the power, while a unique Tri-synchro regulator replaces the familiar ticking escapement found in mechanical watches. This regulator uses an electromagnetic brake to govern the unwinding of the mainspring, ensuring unparalleled precision. What truly sets Spring Drive apart is the glide motion of the seconds hand. Unlike a quartz watch with its stepped, once-per-second motion, a Spring Drive seconds hand sweeps smoothly and continuously across the dial, mirroring the uninterrupted passage of time itself.

Yet, the Caliber 7R14 does not simply rely on innovative technology – its beauty and meticulous craftsmanship rival what's visible on the dial. Through the sapphire crystal case back, one can witness the intricate beauty of the movement. The barrel bears a striking resemblance to a bellflower, a symbol of Shiojiri City, home to Credor’s Micro Artist Studio.



Spring Drive calibers, including the 7R14, incorporate a unique feature known as the Torque Return System. It's a clever bit of engineering that optimizes the use of energy. See, when a watch's mainspring is fully wound, it has its highest torque output. Surprisingly, about 30% of this available power is excess and actually wasted in a normal watch movement as it's not needed for accurate timekeeping. The genius of the Torque Return System is its ability to capitalize on this surplus energy by using it to partially rewind the mainspring, resulting in an extended power reserve.

The Torque Return System grants the Caliber 7R14 a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, a significant 25% increase over its sibling, the manual-winding Spring Drive Caliber 7R88. This means you could leave your Credor Eichi II GBLT996 resting for nearly three full days, and it would still spring to life with perfect accuracy upon your return.

The Micro Artist Studio, the birthplace of the Credor Eichi II GBLT996, is renowned for the exceptional hand-finishing of its watch movements. The Caliber 7R14 is no exception. The movement's bridges are adorned with polished beveled edges that catch the light from every angle, creating a subtle sparkle that's an absolute joy to observe. The finishing technique is labor-intensive and requires a skilled artisan's steady hand. Even seemingly minor components like the screws and jewels receive meticulous attention. Each screw is heat-blued with a hand-controlled flame to achieve that distinctive vivid blue coloration, and their holes are mirror-polished for a touch of extra brilliance.



At 39mm in diameter, the Credor Eichi II GBLT996 possesses a perfectly balanced size, neither too large nor too small, making it an ideal choice for various wrist sizes. Its 10.3mm thickness allows the watch to slip comfortably under most shirt cuffs. This wearable size, coupled with the warm glow of the 18K yellow gold case and the captivating depth of the ruri-colored dial, ensures the Eichi II GBLT996 maintains a striking yet understated presence on the wrist. In day-to-day wear, the watch evokes quiet confidence, not flashy extravagance.

Limited to just 30 pieces worldwide, the Credor Eichi II GBLT996 is a true collector's piece. Its significance lies not just in its beauty and technical prowess but also in what it represents – a celebration of Credor's 50-year pursuit of blending Japanese aesthetics with unparalleled horological expertise. To own an Eichi II GBTL996 is to own a piece of that legacy, a testament to both traditional craftsmanship and relentless innovation.