Model: Credor “Lunar Rainbow” Raden GCLP991 / 7R87-0AD0
Year: December 2015
Limited: 100 Pieces
Features:
The Complication. Whether we’re talking about mechanical movements or spring drives, the only high-end Seiko movement with a Big Date complication is the 7R87 Credor Spring Drive. And even more surprisingly, there are only a handful of models that even use that movement… and they’re all discontinued.
The Technique. Raden is a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which hand-cut slivers of mother-of-pearl are inlaid into lacquer. You won’t be surprised to learn, given Seiko’s love of artisanal craftsmanship, that this isn’t a modern artistic flourish - examples of Japanese Raden lacquerware date back to the 8th century.
The Artist. Seiko partnered with Yamada Heiando, a 106-year-old Tokyo-based lacquerware atelier, to produce all 100 dials by hand. While any lacquer could technically be used for Raden, Yamada Heiando wisely opted for urushi - the famously deep, jet-black lacquer that offers maximum contrast against the iridescent inlays. The result is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Design. The theme is simple yet perfectly captures Japan’s enduring fascination with the moon. The mother-of pearl inlays glow like the radiant light emanating from the edges of the moon during a lunar rainbow, while a traditional Japanese cloud motif drifts across the lower dial. Above it, a single star rises.
The Theme. In the late 1800s, a branch of the Meiji government used a lone star on its flag. Said to represent the North Star, the guiding light for all sailors, it was a symbol of hope - designed to encourage government officials to guide Japan safely through challenging times. Credor’s earlier Spring Drives often featured 24/7 symbolism, reminding wearers to make every second count, so it doesn’t feel like too much of a stretch to assign meaning to the single star placed beside the big date window. Perhaps it’s a gentle reminder to check your own North Star each day before setting course?
The Dimensions. With the 7R87 Spring Drive, removing the automatic rotor not only ensures that the beauty of the movement isn’t obscured, but it also trims down the case thickness, giving this Spring Drive a more traditionally dressy profile. At just 9.7mm thick, it’s slimmer than any Grand Seiko Spring Drive on the market.
The Fit. Its slim dimensions make it an absolute delight to wear. Winding the crown and watching the power reserve needle drift across the Maki-e Platinum finish is deeply satisfying. Depending on your angle and the lighting, the mother-of-pearl fragments flash with silvery shades of every green, pink, purple and blue hue. It’s a wrist-rollers dream.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition overall. Just serviced by Credor. No marks of any major significance. Full box and papers.
Scope: Original box and papers
Movement: 7R87 Manual-wind Spring Drive
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 37.5mm
- Lug to Lug: 44.4mm
- Case Thickness: 9.7mm
