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Credor “First Spring Drive” GBLG999 1000 Platinum

Credor “First Spring Drive” GBLG999 1000 Platinum

£11,100.00 GBP
£11,100.00 GBP
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Model: Credor “First Spring Drive” GBLG999 1000 Platinum

Year: 1999

Limited Edition: 100 Pieces

Features:

The Origin. It’s hard to separate Spring Drive from Seiko. The smooth sweep of the seconds hand has become one of the brand’s most recognisable calling cards - and yet, by horological standards, it’s a fairly novel invention. The GBLG999, on offer today, has been there since the beginning.

The Dream. The Spring Drive entered development at Seiko in 1977. Yoshikazu Akahane, the engineer who began his ambitious quest for the everlasting watch, hoped to solve the accuracy issues that plagued traditional watches, while significantly reducing mechanical wear as well.

The Success. It took 22 years, 600 prototypes and countless patents (currently at 230, although most are expired), but Akahane’s lofty goals were achieved. The Spring Drive was ready for production in 1999. Tragically, Akahane passed away in 1998 at just 52, so he wasn’t able to bask in all of his deserved glory. Thankfully, he lived long enough to see his creation unveiled to the world at Baselworld the same year.

The Dial. The hobnail dial texture hasn’t appeared particularly often in the Credor catalogue over the last thirty years, but it provides exactly the right amount of contrast without becoming overbearing. Atop the concentric rings that frame the dial beautifully sit tombstone hour markers - a design I have no recollection of seeing beyond this watch. 

The Case. The hands are an unusual blend of syringe tips and sword hands - again, not something I’ve seen elsewhere in the Credor catalogue. Similarly, this is the only modern Credor reference I know of housed in 1000 platinum. Even the platinum Eichi II uses the industry-standard 950 alloy, or 95% platinum.

The Movement. The 7R78 calibre itself only ever appeared in the GBLG999. Admittedly, it’s essentially a gold-plated version of the 7R68 found in the SBWA001 and SBWA002 - Seiko’s other joint first-generation Spring Drive releases - but unique is unique, and I’m not afraid to add it to the list.

The Engraving. And just in case you weren’t already sick to death of me pointing out all the unique elements offered by this watch, I’ve got one more up my sleeve. Inlaid into the side of the platinum case is a narrow strip of 18k gold. Credor added it specifically to encourage owners to personalise their watch using the company’s engraving service. This particular example remains a blank canvas.

The Result. The GBLG999 is Seiko’s victory lap. Twenty-two years of hard work celebrated through design choices that were not just distinctive at launch, but remain distinctive to this day. I have to assume Credor hasn’t revisited any of them out of respect for the original. Given what this movement came to represent for Seiko, and the fact that only 100 of this platinum variant were ever produced, it’s not a watch you’ll have the pleasure of seeing very often. 

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. No marks of any major significance. 

Scope: No box or papers. 

Movement: Credor 7R78 Manual-wind Spring Drive

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 37.5mm
  • Lug to Lug: 40.8mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.3mm
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