Credor Watches

Credor

Haute horlogerie… from Japan? You ever see a Credor in the wild and think, “Wait — Seiko made that?” You’re not alone. Credor is one of those brands that slips under the radar

unless you’re deep into the game. But once you know, you know.

This is Seiko’s answer to Patek, Vacheron, and AP — except quieter, more poetic, and arguably more obsessive.

Credor History

Credor launched in 1974, originally as a luxury sub-brand of Seiko. The name itself comes from the French crête d’or, meaning “the golden crest.” It’s a nod to refinement, not flash.

From the beginning, Credor wasn’t about mass-market success. It was about proving that Japanese watchmaking could rival — and in some ways surpass — the Swiss.

Seiko had already blown minds with Grand Seiko and quartz tech. Credor? That was their flex in the haute horlogerie lane.

We’re talking hand-engraved bridges. Skeletonized minute repeaters. Ultra-thin movements. Credor was where Seiko let their watchmakers go full samurai-artisan mode.

Collector Highlights

Let’s get one thing out of the way: The Credor Eichi II is a masterpiece. Full stop. It’s arguably one of the finest three-hand watches ever made — white porcelain dial

hand-painted indices, Spring Drive movement polished to within an inch of its life. It’s the kind of watch that humbles even seasoned collectors.

Then you’ve got the Credor Minute Repeater, which features a hand-tuned cathedral gong made from Myochin steel — the same alloy used in ancient Japanese armor. Yes, really.

Other collector favorites? The Credor Node, Signo, and Phoenix lines — especially in precious metals. You’ll also find ultra-thin dress pieces that give vintage Piaget a

run for their money.

Why Collectors Care

Credor is for the collectors who’ve moved past the flex. These are watches you buy for yourself — not for the Instagram likes.

They combine insane craftsmanship with a level of aesthetic restraint you rarely see in Western high horology. Think: traditional Japanese artistry meets bleeding-edge engineering.

And because they’re mostly Japan-only or boutique-distributed, Credors carry real insider cred. No hype machine. Just serious watchmaking.

Modern Watches & Current State

Credor continues to produce select models in small quantities — often made by hand at the Micro Artist Studio in Shiojiri, where only a handful of craftsmen work on

each piece. The brand is basically allergic to mass production.

If you’re into Spring Drive, enamel work, or handcrafted movements with no corners cut — Credor’s modern lineup is worth exploring. Just don’t expect

to find them in a mall boutique.

These are collector watches, full stop. You either get it… or you don’t.

Fed’s Take

I handled a Credor Eichi once and honestly? I was scared to breathe on it. It was that clean. The finishing was so perfect it made some Swiss stuff look lazy.

They don’t scream. They whisper — with absolute authority. And that’s a power move in its own right.

Add One to Your Collection

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Credor watches — especially Eichi, Phoenix, and Node models.

If you have a Credor you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

Be the first to know when new Credor watches become available — sign up for insider access here:

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