Model: Credor “Imari Nabeshima” Goldfeather GCBY991 / 6890-01F0
Year: 2026
Limited Edition: 60 Pieces
Features:
The Origin. In 2026, for the first time in its history, Seiko presented a Credor at Watches & Wonders. With international eyes very much focused on the brand, would it play it safer than normal? Thankfully, no. Credor turned up with the GCBY991, and the risks taken by its bold visuals were matched by the complexity of its production.
The Dial. The dial is porcelain, but that’s a slight disservice. It’s Nabeshima porcelain. Historically known as white gold due to its trade value, it’s one of the highest forms of porcelain. The GCBY991 dial was crafted by Hataman Touen, a company based in Imari that has been firing porcelain in the same traditional kilns for over a century, using techniques that very few companies, even in Japan, can replicate.
The Craftsmanship. Because the dial sits inside a Goldfeather, it can’t be flat. In order to make the watch as lean as possible, everything curves downwards towards the edge of the case - and that includes the hands and dial itself. Curved porcelain sounds nightmarish, but the artisans at Hataman Touen know what they’re doing. Every dial is made oversized, which not only helps prevent warping during the multiple rounds of firing, but also allows the edges to be polished down into a perfect curve. The technical achievements don’t stop there.
The Hue. In order to create that vibrant shade of blue, an underglaze of gosu - a cobalt based pigment - is added. The dial is then fired five times throughout the process, allowing the design to be built up in layers. The darker feathers are added during the first firing, while the white feathers are added before the fifth and final firing.
The Risks. Every time you fire porcelain, you risk irreparably damaging it, but Credor determined (correctly, I must add) that the juice was worth the squeeze. Not only does that subtle depth help to create the shadowy effect demonstrated by the feathers, but it also significantly enhances the dial’s fumé gradient. It becomes easy to understand why it was limited to 60 pieces though.
The Branding. And just as a quick aside, because the photos will have made it obvious already, the theme of shadows is echoed by the floating Goldfeather and Credor that have been stamped onto the underside of the bubble crystal, rather than the dial.
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: Reportedly unworn and in great condition. No marks of any significance. On the original strap and buckle.
Scope: Box and papers.
Movement: Credor 6898 Manual Wind
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 37.1mm
- Lug to Lug: 43.2mm
- Case Thickness: 8.3mm
- Lug Width: 19mm
