Were you aware that Seiko has a watch division whose wares often eclipse even those of Grand Seiko in craftsmanship and execution?

That’s right. In 1974, Seiko created Credor to fashion watches — often, though not always, from precious metals — that matched their Swiss and German counterparts in quality and style. The brand flies well under the radar even today, however, giving true meaning to the oft-overused phrase, ‘If you know, you know.’

The particular Credor we have here is a Reference GCLP995 from the 2020s. Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a polished bezel, it features a sunburst silver dial with applied ‘baton’ indices, a stainless steel ‘sword’ handset with a blued steel seconds hand, a power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock, and an outsize, ‘digital’ date window at 5 o’clock. 

Powered by the beautifully finished, manually wound Credor Caliber 7R87A 1 movement, it comes paired to a stainless steel multi-link bracelet with a signed, double-push button deployant clasp and features an exhibition caseback. In excellent condition throughout, it also includes its factory goodies.

Many Credor timepieces cost tens of thousands —  this is a beautiful example of a piece that retains all the character of such a watch at a fraction of the price.

What’s not to like?!