This Credor Eichi II is a special piece released in honour of Seikos 140th anniversary. With a deep blue, porcelain-glaze dial and elegantly designed movement, the watch is an unusual and rare piece that represents some of the best of Japanese horology.

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 Seikos 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.

This Credor Eichi II Ruri was released in 2021, in honour of Seikos 140th anniversary. The watch is of course, distinguished by its blue dial, a shade so deep that it almost seems black. This effect is created through many layers of translucent porcelain glaze, with a slight fading effect near the edge and centre of the dial, which emphasise the glazes colour and qualities. A thin white band is retained at the outermost ring of the dial, revealing the original shade of the porcelain dial.

Further to this, 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. In this case, the white indices are displayed in a striking contrast against the dial.

Turning the watch over, we see through the sapphire caseback that the movement is beautifully finished and features a skeletonised bellflower motif, complete with a delicate stem and two leaves, which give a peek into the movement below. Although the 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 mechanical and electronic principles for more accurate timekeeping.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Credor Eichi II 'Ruri' Blue Dial GBLT997 will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Credor Eichi II is in excellent condition throughout. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, likely worn on a handful of occasions, if at all. The hallmarks and engravings on the caseback are crisp and well defined.

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