Model: Seiko Credor “World Baseball Classic” GCBG975/ 4S77-00B0
Year: February 2006
Features:
The Design. Credor produced 110 of these limited edition watches in 2006 to commemorate hosting the inaugural World Baseball Classic (WBC). Much like the Credor Pacific was designed to pay homage to Japan’s ancient maritime history, and this piece celebrates Japan’s modern passion for baseball.
The Baseball. For those that don’t know, Japan went on to win the 2006 WBC, which has led many in Japan to crown this piece the “Winners Watch.” The most recent 2023 WBC final offered a tantalising and normally impossible match-up: Los Angeles Angels teammates Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout going head-to-head. Ohtani triumphed, helping Japan secure victory over the US in the final. Unfortunately, this remains the only World Baseball Classic watch Seiko has ever produced.
The Movement. At the time, the 4S77 was one of the most complicated automatic movements Seiko made. In the early 1990s, the 4S calibre was born from Seiko’s desire to recapture the high precision and excellence of their 1970s Chronometer Certified 52 calibre. Delighted with the results of the 4S, Seiko committed to producing 200,000 units - their largest single calibre production run to date. Thanks to its ambitious production volume and versatile design (with 13 variants in total), the 4S movement found its way into various Seiko models in the '90s and early 2000s - many of which are now considered iconic by collectors, like this GCBG973 Credor.
The Complication. The secondary crown allows you to jump the hour hand in one-hour increments, without affecting the minute and second hands or the 24-hour subdial. While it might not look like a traditional GMT as its-24 hour hand is on a subdial, the secondary crown makes this watch a "True" or "Traveller" GMT. Additionally, the 4S77 movement offers a 50-hour power reserve, a retrograde day function, and a circular date pointer. It’s a lot of watch for the current price, especially considering originally retailed in Japan at ¥320,000 in 2003 (around $3,100 USD at the time, not adjusted for inflation).
The Shape. The 39mm wide tonneau case is as universally sized as a watch can be - you’d need particularly large or small wrists for this shape not to suit you.
Condition: In great condition. Any marks are minor/hairline. The bracelet is full sized and can fit a 7.8” wrist.
Scope: No box, manual or papers.
Movement: Automatic 28,800 bph with 28 jewels, 50-hour power reserve.
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 39.0mm
- Case Thickness: 13.0mm
- Lug to Lug: 46.0mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
