With the exception of the Eichi ii timepiece, Seiko’s high-end Credor brand has been largely kept to the Japanese domestic market in order to keep the spotlight on Grand Seiko internationally. Fortunately, it looks like everyone got the memo with the latest release celebrating the 50th anniversary of Credor. The watch is is a reissue of the brand’s not-quite-iconic, but certainly cult-classic Locomotive watch which was their first to be designed by none other than Gerald Genta (there was also the later Credor Ref. 9461-5010). This reissue retains the lovably eccentric personality of the original with some updates and upgrades to stay competitive in the cutthroat low five-figure price category. Though with a production run of just 300 pieces, I doubt these will stick around too long.
While the 1979 original was slightly smaller and outfitted with a quartz movement, the new model has a titanium case measuring 38.8mm wide and 8.9mm thick with a lug-to-lug height of 41.7mm (and 100m of water resistance). I handled an original Locomotive a few years ago and absolutely loved how relentlessly idiosyncratic the design touches were. The Locomotive is characterized by the hexagonal case/bezel and what I can best describe as a hybrid of an integrated bracelet and Vendôme lugs (Genta was also responsible for the Cartier Pasha). Were it designed today, I think the crown at 4 o’clock would be sacrificed at the alter of being “too much” but fortunately Genta didn’t have to worry about that.
As it is 45 years later, it’s not surprising that the reissue actually improves on some things. For example, the six screws on the bezel are now functional as opposed to simply being ornamental. Done with a three-fold clasp with push release, the tapered bracelet doesn’t stray from Genta’s initial design with those hexagonal intermediary links that are obviously very reminiscent of the Royal Oak. The black dial is finished with 1,600 directly engraved radial lines that are achieved by utilizing a special new process developed specifically for this watch. Also of note are rounded hour indices and especially the applied twin indices at 12 o’clock which were part of Genta’s original design sketch but could not feasibly be produced back in 1979.
Unlike the original Locomotive which had a quartz movement, the reissue has the automatic Caliber CR01 which has a 45-hour power reserve and is exclusive to Credor (though much of the architecture and specs are shared with the Seiko 6L37). The movement isn’t visible due to the enclosed case back which is A-okay with me. Personally, I would go full Tex Avery for a 9F Quartz movement here but I understand the decision to go with a slim automatic.
A fun throwback to an oft-forgotten Genta watch, the Credor Locomotive Limited Edition is limited to 300 pieces at a price of $12,000 and will be available in August.
To learn more, visit Credor, here.
