Inside Credor: Eichi Dial Painting and Spring Drive

cazalea · 2021-06-09T16:06:52Z

Go behind the scenes at the Credor atelier with cazalea, exploring the hand-painted Eichi dials and Spring Drive movement assembly. See the artistry.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

11 replies6008 views20 photos

cazalea offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Credor atelier, focusing on the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Eichi dials and Spring Drive movements. This photo essay, featuring reprocessed images from a 2014 visit, provides a rare glimpse into the artistry and technical precision that define Credor's high-end timepieces, making a decade-old experience newly accessible and valuable.

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In late 2014, thanks to gracious hosts at Seiko, was able to visit the atelier and observe the painting of these dials, and the assembly of the movements and complete watches. Today I cleaned up, resized and reprocessed these images for Seiko fans.

Let's get our lint-free coats and hats on first, shall we?

A look at the dials first, as that's what you first see of the watch.

Color varies according to ambient light and angles of the watch to the light.

Now to the movement. I was able to inspect several that were in the process of being assembled.

Mysteries of the Spring Drive are revealed here. The tri-syncro generator / speed brake and about a million millimeters of copper wire.

Removing specks of dust left in the assembly process (probably when I bent over with the camera)

All assembled and cased, from a few different angles.

What you may have been waiting for -- the dial painter. He's in another room across the hall, with the diamond-setting ladies.

Diamonds strewn around the table!

A few other Credor high-end pieces beckoned to me

We walked past the custom shop, where they do one-off pieces and small runs, like the Credor Sonnerie

$400,000 or so? Would you like to try it on? Yes, I would.

I suppose this is more my style and my budget!

I hope you enjoyed the insider tour.

Cazalea

Key Points from the Discussion

The Eichi II dial is highly regarded for its impeccable and pure aesthetic, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship of Credor.
Magnetism affects Spring Drive movements similarly to mechanical watches, potentially causing timekeeping inaccuracies, and demagnetization by a service center is recommended.
There is a common misconception among enthusiasts that Spring Drive movements are more susceptible to magnetism than mechanical watches, which Seiko is working to clarify.
The contributor shares personal experiences with various Spring Drive models, including the first production in 1999 and the SBGA001, offering a historical perspective on ownership.

The Discussion

Ronald Held

Jun 9, 2021

That I should go on,someday...

mahesh

Jun 10, 2021

the dial is impeccable & pure...Eichi II is a timepiece i like and appreciate very much. i've a question if i may - does magnetism affect spring-drive in same way as any mechanical timepiece ? thanks again for sharing pics of this wonderful dial. Best, mahesh.,

cazalea

Jun 10, 2021

So I asked it of Seiko too, and here's Seiko's answer: How does magnetism affect a watch? Watches can be adversely affected by magnetism and may gain or lose time. It is important not to leave a watch close to magnetic objects for a long periods. In particular, cell phones, television and PC speakers, magnetic necklaces, handbag clasps, hair-driers, electric razors, magnetic parts of refrigerators are all magnetic. When your watch is influenced by magnetism, contact the nearest Authorized Seiko

mahesh

Jun 10, 2021

great detail...i was pondering over this for a while...i also never knew about the 40k a/m. Best, mahesh.,

mahesh

Jun 11, 2021

shouldn't Seiko make this explicit...I was worried of it for long to get a spring drive as I presumed it is much more susceptible to magnetism & airport x-ray machines ! personally I think this movement is underrated & you got me thinking Mike !!

cazalea

Jun 12, 2021

My first in 2005 SBGA001 The very first Spring Drive 1999 production - I owned this but foolishly sold it (small and rattly bracelet) Credor Moon Phase Spring Drive; I have owned this since 2006 A Credor on strap with a slightly newer manual wind movement, it's from about 2000 but I have owned it since 2013. The best-known, Snowflake, which I have had since 2007 Finally a Galante Spring Drive from 2008 I think you will enjoy a Spring Drive watch. Cazalea

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Inside Credor: Eichi Dial Painting and Spring Drive

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