Why 19 Out of 20 Porcelain Dials Break
The first time I witnessed the porcelain dial production process for the Credor Eichi II, the failure rate was shocking. Out of 20 attempted dials, 19 break during the multiple firings at 1,100°C. Even the slightest microfracture during the cooling process means starting over. The 12 indices and 'Credor' logo are hand-painted by an artisan using a brush so fine it contains just a few hairs, and they can complete only one dial per hour.
Current market prices tell an interesting story. The platinum GBLT999 sells for around $53,000 USD, while the rose gold GBLT998 runs about $41,000. The blue "Ruri" dial GBLT997 commands EUR 59,000 ($63,000), and the 50th Anniversary yellow gold GBLT996 fetches EUR 48,000. Secondary market prices typically range from $30,000 to $40,000. With annual production limited to just 20 pieces globally, wait times stretch from 9 to 12 months. Living in Seoul, where Japanese luxury watches have a devoted following, I've noticed these pieces rarely appear on the secondary market — and when they do, they're gone within days.
What Philippe Dufour Taught Seiko
The bridge finishing on the Spring Drive caliber 7R14 reveals something extraordinary. The beveling technique, known as anglage, isn't just good — it's Philippe Dufour good. That's because the legendary Swiss independent watchmaker personally consulted with Seiko's Micro Artist Studio. Dufour taught them his technique of using gentian wood for the final polish, the same method he employs on his Simplicity watches that now sell for over $1 million at auction.
The movement's bridge curves represent flowing water, while the cutouts symbolize flower petals. The bellflower motif isn't random — it's the official flower of Shiojiri, where the Micro Artist Studio sits. The contrast between hairline-finished surfaces and mirror-polished beveled edges creates what the Japanese call 'light and shadow harmony.' Moving the power reserve to the movement's reverse side wasn't just aesthetic minimalism — it was philosophical purity.
Why Swiss Brands Can't Make This
The fundamental difference between the Eichi II and Swiss minimal watches lies in their approach to restraint. Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin dress watches, however minimal, won't abandon brand signatures, Geneva Seals, or intricate guilloché patterns. The Eichi II eliminates everything except time display itself.
What's more revealing is the production method. Even top Swiss brands often outsource dial production, but Credor makes everything at the Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, within Seiko Epson's facility. This workshop produces only 25 watches annually — 20 Eichi IIs and 5 chiming watches. For comparison, Philippe Dufour himself makes about 20 Simplicity watches per year, yet his pieces now trade for $200,000 to $1.3 million — roughly 20-30 times an Eichi II's price. The quality gap? Negligible. The price difference? Marketing, heritage, and Western collector bias.
Real-World Ownership Experience
The 39mm platinum case feels substantial yet slides under shirt cuffs at just 10.3mm thick. Zaratsu polishing creates a mirror finish so perfect it shows every fingerprint and micro-scratch — consider this high-maintenance luxury. Yet platinum's specific gravity and luster surpass white gold in ways photos can't capture.
Spring Drive's sweeping second hand moves continuously, not in steps. It's mechanically powered but quartz-regulated, achieving ±15 seconds per month accuracy. The 60-hour power reserve proves practical for weekend rotation. However, service requires shipping to Japan, with 3-4 month turnaround times. Original papers and box are essential — while parallel imports are rare, undocumented pieces lose significant value. From my experience in Asia's watch market, Credor authentication is crucial since the brand lacks widespread recognition outside Japan.
Details Only Collectors Know
The 2020 Wako Ginza limited GZLT999 features Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock, distinguishing it from standard models. Limited to 30 pieces, they're essentially impossible to find now. The 2018 rose gold variant comes on crocodile leather and costs about $12,000 less than platinum versions.
In 2025, Credor's attempting global expansion with the Locomotive collection. The Gerald Genta-designed hexagonal bezel GCCR997 at $12,500 offers more accessibility than the Eichi II. Titanium construction with automatic movement makes it genuinely wearable daily, unlike the precious metal Eichi II. Having handled both at Tokyo's Wako boutique, the Locomotive feels modern where the Eichi II feels eternal.
Bottom Line
The Credor Eichi II isn't just another luxury watch — it's Japanese craftsmanship crystallized into 39mm of platinum perfection. While Swiss watches balance tradition with innovation, Credor pursues something different: essential beauty through absolute restraint. At $53,000, it's priced like a solid gold Rolex Day-Date but offers something far rarer — genuine handmade haute horlogerie.
For those finding the Eichi II beyond reach, consider the Goldfeather collection starting around $25,000. These aren't investment pieces in the traditional sense. They're for collectors who understand that sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. In Seoul's Cheongdam district, where I've seen every luxury watch imaginable, the Eichi II still stops conversations. That's worth more than any price appreciation.
Disclaimer: This article contains no sponsored content or affiliate links. Watch prices, availability, and specifications may vary by market and time. All purchasing decisions remain the sole responsibility of the reader. Information provided is for educational purposes only.