Model: Credor “Engraved MOP” GBAQ968
Year: 2019
Limited Edition: 25 Pieces
Features:
The Rarity. Despite its 2019 release date, you’ll find almost nothing about it online. The hushed existence of Credor’s limited production runs is legendary among Japanese collectors. Why waste time marketing a watch, when a few phone calls to the right clients will see all 25 fly out the door? I’m sure a more conventional brand wouldn’t pass up the FOMO-inducing opportunity, but Credor has always been happy to operate more delicately.
The Dial. The split-layered dial has been meticulously hand-engraved in what resembles a partial 雲文, or cloud motif. I’m no expert, but hand-engraving mother-of-pearl sounds nightmarishly difficult. One has to assume the failure rate during production was astronomical - which might explain why only 25 were made.
The Craftsmanship. The steady hand of Seiko’s Master Engraver, Kiyoshi Terui, guided the burin across the fragile dial. Given his three decades of experience, perhaps it was foolish of us to worry about failure rates?
The Signature. As I mentioned earlier, very little information about the GBAQ968 exists - so how can I say with certainty that the engraving was completed by Terui himself, and not the work of his protégé, Hisashi Ogawa? Kiyoshi Terui kindly signed the back of the watch. It’s subtle, but unmistakable. Terui began using a T inside shield to mark his work a handful of years ago
The Detail. It’s a small detail, but it’s one I’m always excited to see as it connects the art to the artist on a more direct level. It also stands as one of the only examples of Terui engraving a non-metallic surface, so his desire to sign this work specifically is even more understandable. Because again, just look at the results. How does the MOP not crack under the burin?
The Movement. At just 1.98mm thick, the 68 movement is the thinnest mechanical calibre ever produced by Seiko. Each one takes two highly skilled Credor watchmakers half a day to assemble.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition overall. No marks of any major significance.
Scope: Box and papers.
Movement: Credor 6898 Manual Wind
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 38.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.1mm
- Case Thickness: 7.8mm
