SJX
[Purist]
8540
One of the most exquisitely finished watches I have ever encountered - the Seiko Credor Eichi
The Seiko Credor Eichi Spring Drive. Though visually dfferent, it is finished to the same standard as the best of independent Swiss watchmaking.
It is made in a small room under the stairs...
Known as the Micro Artists Studio. It is assembled by these two gentleman. It is assembled, disassembled, tested and then assembled again, like how Lange does it.
The small room under the stairs is in the Seiko Epson factory in Shiojiri, in Nagano prefecture. Other non-mechanical Seiko watches are also made here, Spring Drive, Kinetic and quartz. The facility is almost 100% vertically integrated; whatever is not made here is made by other companies of Seiko, save for lubricants and leather straps.
Seiko Epson in Shiojiri
Just as impressive is the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka where mechanical Grand Seiko watches are made, as well as some quartz. The quality of the work here, manufacture, finishing and assembly, is top notch. In particular, the function finishing of moving parts, pinions, wheels and gears, is superb.
Seiko Instruments Inc in Morioka
I have long been a proponent of Grand Seiko (click here and here for my reviews), but now I am convinced that Grand Seiko (as well as Credor and other higher-end Seiko watches) are incredible products, especially at the prices they retail for.
More to come on Seiko soon.
- SJX
This message has been edited by SJX on 2010-09-13 00:09:04
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One of the most exquisitely finished watches I have ever encountered - the Seiko Credor Eichi
The Seiko Credor Eichi Spring Drive. Though visually dfferent, it is finished to the same standard as the best of independent Swiss watchmaking. It is made in a small room under the stairs... Known as the Micro Artists Studio. It is assembled by these two...
Speaking of GS fans
after the visit the small handful of collectors who visited the factory left Japan with seven Grand Seiko watches. I accounted for two of them. - SJX
Thank you
SJX, I have had utmost respect and highest regard for Seiko always and this story only affirms my strong belief in the company. Best, Filip
Not surprising
given the quality of Grand Seiko. Hope to see photos of your two new Grand Seikos soon SJX. By the way, on the second photo there's a large white 2, 4 and 7 projected over the dial which I can't really see on the first photo. I assume that is some sort of...
The 2, 4 and 7 are part of the Credor dial design
found on most Credor watches. They represent 24 hours and 7 days. - SJX
I guess I'd have to see it up close...
But to me, a design feature that looks out of place for this particular dial. Regards, Richard.
The numerals are subtle
being a shade of white against the white dial. I too had the same impression until I saw the watch in person in 2008. - SJX
Thanks SJX
im really looking forward for more, as its one thetop brands on my list which im always tuned for updates on . Faisal
awesome, any more info on this photo?
It's intriguing how crude and haphazardly modified this "rig" appears to be. Do you you know what was being worked on here? It appears to be a precisely controlled jig on the side of a vertical lap of some sort and the loupe fixture would indicate somethi...
He is polishing the leaves of a pinion...
Photo of pinion diagram deleted at Seiko's request The faces of the leaves are polished, as are the shanks of the pivot. In other words it is finished to Geneva Seal standard. The functional finishing of Grand Seiko, both mechanical, Spring Drive and quar...
Didn't Credor bring in the great Philippe Dufour
as a consultant for these pieces? I think they did - helps explain the outstanding finishing NickO
Yes...
this, along with the answer to ei8htohms, was meant for future articles but yes, Dufour did assist (and more) with this. Having spoken with Mr Dufour about this, he speaks very highly of Seiko (and Lange too). - SJX
A great watch but...
It has a "too cold" design for me, almost "too clinic". Thanks a lot for your post. Fr.Xavier
beautifully finished. i'm a big GS fan and Credor look as good or better
only 2 men make them, no wonder you dont see many around. i suspect most of them are snapped up by hi end asian watch collectors who are able to get them as soon as they are released. thanks for showing us Graham
You know the Japanese always take their works seriously
and even bring them to a higher standard! Well done JiaXian...I love my GS!
Great!
Heeey, didn't you let me know that you were coming to tour Japan??? Unfortunately, I heard that they have stopped taking orders for Eichi.... Sigh... I was too late... If you are still in Japan or coming to Japan next time, DO NOT forget to let me know! I...
very interesting..
do you know what's the annual production by these two artists? interesting 247 overlay...
10 pieces a year. 5 each of Eichi and Credor Sonnerie.
Made by a team of 13, including the two gentlemen who do assembly. The rest do finishing, manufacturing of parts as well as design and R&D. - SJX
Regrets:
SJX, Thanks for the report. I've had few regrets from my stay in Japan, except that I did not take up the chance to buy a Credor haute horlogerie piece back in 2006 from the Wako store in Ginza.... It was a really fine piece and would have been a few step...
Amazing Watch
love the Credor and theTechnology behind it. i also think their Quality is among the BEST. thanks for sharing Tony
Nice article SJX - have one on Seiko in the works myself.
Not the GS line, although I am sure one of the GS watches is in my near future! , but on something more robust. On both the finishing and design fronts Seiko moves forward. Very impressive. Thanks Andrew H
Thanks for the report ...
Simple and elegant. I have always been wanting to see them in flesh but haven't got the chance yet. Lucky you (like my kids love to say)!
Delicious timepiece.
I love everything about it. HQ from japan at its best. Thanks for sharing. Vte