Model: Credor “24/7” GCLH991 Spring Drive / 7R88-0AL0
Year: March 2009
Features:
The Design. The Omiwatari SBGY007 is iconically thin. Conceived as the thinnest Spring Drive in the Grand Seiko catalogue, its 10.2mm profile has seen its popularity only rise since its release in 2021. But the GCLH995 Spring Drive - on offer today - was made by Credor almost two decades ago, and it clocks in at an Omiwatari-beating 9.1mm.
The Spring Drive. Not only does the absence of a rotor allow the watch to fit a more traditionally dressy profile, it also gives you an unobscured look at the manual wind Spring Drive powering the watch. The 7R88 calibre has been tastefully hand-finished - Geneva stripes run across its chamfered plates, and pinks, yellows and blues add interesting pops of colour.
The Design. Eerily floating above the dial are Credor’s traditionally shaped 2, 4 and 7 - but they’re anything but traditionally applied. The GCLH models epitomise the collection, and Credor honoured their design with half a dozen colour variants - namely the GCLH985, 987, 989, 993, 995, and 997. But the 991 stands alone. It’s the only one to have the 24/7 markers etched into the underside of the crystal, rather than applied to the dial.
The Etchings. Not a dramatic difference, but a pleasingly intriguing one - especially given how unique it is. From certain angles and distances, the numbers fade away, leaving you with a clean, white-faced Credor - but on close inspection, the every second counts mantra that Credor swears by shifts into focus.
The Bracelet. The bracelet is fully brushed with deep bevels between each link. Its non-traditional design might initially catch your eye, but on the wrist the bracelet’s matte finish allows the zaratsu-polished bezel - and the dial inside it - to take centre stage. And for those that haven’t experienced one in person, Credor bracelets from this era are generally considered comfier than modern Grand Seiko bracelets, thanks in part to the narrower links and tighter layout.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition. No marks of any major significance, other than handling marks on the caseback.
Scope: Box and papers
Movement: 7R88 Manual-wind Spring Drive
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 38.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.4mm
- Case Thickness: 9.1m
- Bracelet Length: Up to 7.6 inches
