Philip Dufour actually shared knowledge with the Japanese watchmakers. He showed them how he polished the bevels on the movement with a special type of wood. Based on that information the Japanese went out in Japan to find their own type of wood to recreate the same effect. The people at Credor and what Philip Dufour have in watch making is just unbelievable.
@@kencur9690 I hear you brother, 40K is a little steep here. You're largely paying for the limited numbers here unfortunatley. They have to recoup all the labour, design and development costs through the sale of only a few pieces a year. Definitly not disagreeing with you, it would be hard to drop 40K on any watch, certainly one that doesn't really stand out from a distance. Cheers
@@-JohnGalt- I think the simplicity is the main appeal. Mainly intended for the wearer,(whose not looking to scream look at me,like a RM or other well recognized watch with brand cache like PP) The eichii is one those pieces that gets better every day , never get tiring or out dated , with new dimension you notice every day despite its simplicity. I found in reality, simple watches never get boring/lose it's charm vs more complicated designs that end up in the drawler It is stunning. One of those watches you end up staring at all day with a huge smile on your face
Have to say. The appeal to me IS the mindful zen simplicity. It refuses to scream LOOK AT ME! wanking rights for insecure millionaires. But is executed subtlety. That becomes ever more obvious on detailed examination.
A big surprise for me that finally I see my watch on this channel 😁 I have owned it for more than nine months and only let it rest for four days in total just because I so love to wear it!
Leya Y haha, that makes sense. I could have had a sweet piece had I done the same, but I have too many interest so I prefer to spread the love. I content myself with a humble collection of vintage and entry-level pieces. Glad you managed to reach your grail then!
I agree. You look at all the old Rolex's from the 50's and they are beat to shreds. Light, water, weather, and time have taken a toll but they are more beautiful. They have a soul.
In my option the scratches are only good to a point, a watch like this should last 100 years and the wear can prevent this. I like the idea of a watch that is very old, but still looks fantastic because it has been taken care of. Worn, but taken care of.
I’m so happy that amongst the divided opinions and hot takes of the hobby, this watch is unanimously amazing. I’ve never seen anyone who did a review on it that wasn’t mind blown. And for such a deceptively simple watch, that’s an incredible feat.
Thank you for this Credor Eichi review. I have a Grand Seiko spring drive. Both the technological virtuosity and institutional tenacity of Seiko in developing the spring drive over a period of twenty years and approximately 200 patents is an amazing story but all that really matters is the almost supernatural sweep of the seconds hand. The mind set behind the Eichi is the same mind set as that of Harry Miller, the California American race car builder whose cars won nine Indy 500 races in the 1920s era with another four Indy 500 victories for cars powered by Miller built engines. Ettore Bugatti, the great French sports car designer of the 1930s, bought two Miller cars which he shipped to France and tore down to understand Miller’s engineering and build expertise. Swiss watch companies should be doing with the Eichi what Bugatti did with the Miller cars but It is unlikely that they will.
Fantastic presentation of an incredible watch! Great point that the steady glide of the seconds hand complements the simplicity of the dial so we'll. It's also refreshing to see a presentation free of the usual bias against Japanese watches. Thanks for this video!
Very amazing movement. I appreciate the level of craftsmanship that went into the dial, even tho it is too simple for me. And I really like the smooth rotation of the seconds hand. I tip my hat to the Seiko engineers who developed this watch.
This watch is the most insane watch in all of horology. Move over, Moser and Hublot! The Credor team actually went to Dufour to perfect their finishing techniques. So it’s a Quartz-hybrid Seiko with Phillipe Dufour finishing.
With due respect and appreciation to all the characteristics you present about this Credor Eichi II, one might wonder how efficient it is at keeping time. . .
Top tier watch. Could never afford. Might get a GCLP993. Nowhere near the same, but has the same type of movement (much less finished) and fairly simplistic dial design. Also costs a mere fraction of an Eichii.
I think the only thing would make this watch better is the Credor logo at 12, its a gorgeous logo and also is very common in the other models to replace the 12 with that
Generally spring-drive movements have automatic watch like rotors as a part of their movements, but this watch doesn't seem to has any...am I correct...if so can you please give some information about the absence of the rotor in this watch... thanks
That is a beautiful timepiece. But I think most people don't consider it as being in the "traditional" horological class of mechanical watches. The point is that a "classical" watch can be made with nothing but hands and raw materials. You can not do this for an integrated circuit.
@@DirtFather407 I doubt it. Rolex and Patek use brushed finishes like that on their cases and bracelets. In fact you could do it yourself with a brillo pad using straight motions. I do that to refinish my oyster bracelet.
In order for Japanese watches to stand out from European watches they need to forge their own path. The Japanese are masters of reduction and no other country compares to them. For instance, in the West, we admire the flourish of decorated porcelain. Perhaps the best example being Nymphenburg Cumberland. Compare a Nymphenburg Cumberland plate to the teapots (kyusu) of Yamada Jozan lllrd. Jozan's kyusu is wood fired in kilns for days, fire and ash coaxed by the artist into breathtaking vessels of beauty. It's art without ego. I applaud Credor for their brushed straight graining. Let clay be clay. Let metal be metal. Let Japan be Japan.
This is to me the definition of master watchmaking craftsmanship. Where all elements combine to create a time piece that pushes every element to its limit. In both manufacture artistry and performance. The heart of any mechanical wrist watch is its movement. That is where the Grand Seiko design and implementation shines. And the Credor niche of that brand adds the zen artistic mastery. This is what the Japanese do so well. Take the best elements of European watchmaking and then equal or exceed them on almost every level. 👍 Where I think they fall below the Europeans has nada to do with the watch itself. But EVERYTHING in how cleverly they are marketed.
A really nice watch that 90% of people can't afford. Seiko kinetic and quartz watches can last a long time, are stylish, and cost only a few hundred bucks.
Nathaniel Chisholm, You made a valid point. I have several watches, including a Seiko quartz from the 80s, and a Seiko kinetic about 20 years old. Both watches combined cost about $450, and the mechanisms have never needed repair.
@@robertromeo3765 I've got a Seiko 200m Kinetic had it since 2012 and it runs great! You certainly don't need to spend a lot to get a good watch. I'm thinking about adding an Orient diver or a Glycine combat sub...
In order for Japanese watches to stand out from European watches they need to forge their own path. The Japanese are masters of reduction and no other country compares to them. For instance, in the West, we admire the decorated porcelain, the best example being Nymphenburg's Cumberland series. Compare a Nymphenburg Cumberland plate to the teapots (kyusu) of Yamada Jozan lllrd. Jozan's kyusu is wood fired in kilns for days, fire and ash coaxed by the artist into breathtaking vessels of timeless beauty. Tradition supersedes individualism. I applaud Credor for their extreme reduction. Like the kyusu of Yamada Jozan lllrd, the Credor Eichi ll is a watch without ego.
Is that how they made those ancient water whatyamacallit things that the water keeps cycling forever?? WITH MAGNETS?? Until they just are abandoned or an earthquake or something destroys them!? BUT THAT WATCH IS BEAUTIFUL AINNIT... I gave my daughter my Swarovski as a graduation gift bc it didn't suit me anyway 😅😁 It also winds very smoothly... wait it has a battery or I don't even know anymore 😂
I don't believe that the Swiss is disinterested in the SD concept. Many have tried and failed to bring to fruitation for ex. Piaget. It maybe to downplay the inability to complete the design...similar to when Swiss abandoned mechanical movement competition after being embarrassed by Seiko . Additionally, the amount of handwork that goes into zarastsu case finishing, flawless handmade dials , and the movement wouldn't allow a volume manufacturer like Rolex/Tudor to make million units per year., it's impossible..so it also has to due with not being ideal for true mass production. And if we are being honest, had Rolex made it, the vast majority who bash SD would turn around and boast non stop.It would make the basic submariner upwards $25-30k street price due to developmental, marketing, and decreased production capacity and the usual supply/demand. But, Rolex is not giving up on volume so SD isn't for them. I am a collector and have handled almost everything out there and people don't seem to realize that it's a Miracle that we have one of the most/if not the most capable manufacturer, making iconic watches after iconic watches at all price points that can be enjoyed by so many, whether it's a Seiko 5 or Credor.. One common theme even from collectors of many brands is that Seikos get most wrist time..
I'm wearing my Credor Eichi II in platinum as I reply here. I think 'boring' is quite fair actually. In essence it's a really simple design, and one man's 'simple' is another man's 'boring'. Fair enough. And yes, it looks like a MVMT watch in the same way that a chip of broken glass does closely resemble a diamond. So, your comment isn't unreasonable.
Philip Dufour actually shared knowledge with the Japanese watchmakers. He showed them how he polished the bevels on the movement with a special type of wood. Based on that information the Japanese went out in Japan to find their own type of wood to recreate the same effect. The people at Credor and what Philip Dufour have in watch making is just unbelievable.
Charging wood with an abrasive compound?
Masterpiece - no frills or eccentricity here, just incredible watchmaking.
John Galt I don’t know man, for 40k I’d expect a frill or two... and this coming from a fairly conservative guy.
@@kencur9690 I hear you brother, 40K is a little steep here. You're largely paying for the limited numbers here unfortunatley. They have to recoup all the labour, design and development costs through the sale of only a few pieces a year. Definitly not disagreeing with you, it would be hard to drop 40K on any watch, certainly one that doesn't really stand out from a distance. Cheers
@@-JohnGalt- I think the simplicity is the main appeal. Mainly intended for the wearer,(whose not looking to scream look at me,like a RM or other well recognized watch with brand cache like PP) The eichii is one those pieces that gets better every day , never get tiring or out dated , with new dimension you notice every day despite its simplicity. I found in reality, simple watches never get boring/lose it's charm vs more complicated designs that end up in the drawler
It is stunning. One of those watches you end up staring at all day with a huge smile on your face
Have to say. The appeal to me
IS the mindful zen simplicity. It refuses to scream LOOK AT ME! wanking rights for insecure millionaires. But is executed subtlety. That becomes ever more obvious on detailed examination.
A big surprise for me that finally I see my watch on this channel 😁
I have owned it for more than nine months and only let it rest for four days in total just because I so love to wear it!
Leya Y how the heck do you get to own a 40k watch! I’m not exactly poor, but Jesus!
Or, well, perhaps I am...
@@kencur9690 I am a watch nerd for several years. Owning a masterpiece like this is my dream. I just sacrificed others and kept saving till I got it 😅
@@maskito4256 Sorry I don't have the interest of making videos of my watches..
Leya Y haha, that makes sense. I could have had a sweet piece had I done the same, but I have too many interest so I prefer to spread the love. I content myself with a humble collection of vintage and entry-level pieces. Glad you managed to reach your grail then!
You would right! 😍
I love all the scratches. Someone's used it as a watch should be. What a personal pleasure to wear this one would be - under the radar for sure.
I agree. You look at all the old Rolex's from the 50's and they are beat to shreds. Light, water, weather, and time have taken a toll but they are more beautiful. They have a soul.
In my option the scratches are only good to a point, a watch like this should last 100 years and the wear can prevent this.
I like the idea of a watch that is very old, but still looks fantastic because it has been taken care of. Worn, but taken care of.
I’m so happy that amongst the divided opinions and hot takes of the hobby, this watch is unanimously amazing. I’ve never seen anyone who did a review on it that wasn’t mind blown. And for such a deceptively simple watch, that’s an incredible feat.
Thank you for this Credor Eichi review. I have a Grand Seiko spring drive. Both the technological virtuosity and institutional tenacity of Seiko in developing the spring drive over a period of twenty years and approximately 200 patents is an amazing story but all that really matters is the almost supernatural sweep of the seconds hand. The mind set behind the Eichi is the same mind set as that of Harry Miller, the California American race car builder whose cars won nine Indy 500 races in the 1920s era with another four Indy 500 victories for cars powered by Miller built engines. Ettore Bugatti, the great French sports car designer of the 1930s, bought two Miller cars which he shipped to France and tore down to understand Miller’s engineering and build expertise. Swiss watch companies should be doing with the Eichi what Bugatti did with the Miller cars but It is unlikely that they will.
But Manual SD is much rare and only apply with their highend model
Fantastic presentation of an incredible watch! Great point that the steady glide of the seconds hand complements the simplicity of the dial so we'll. It's also refreshing to see a presentation free of the usual bias against Japanese watches. Thanks for this video!
Now my grail watch is on this channel! BTW "Eichi" in Japanese pronounces just like "H" and means wisdom.
Very amazing movement. I appreciate the level of craftsmanship that went into the dial, even tho it is too simple for me. And I really like the smooth rotation of the seconds hand. I tip my hat to the Seiko engineers who developed this watch.
This watch is the most insane watch in all of horology. Move over, Moser and Hublot! The Credor team actually went to Dufour to perfect their finishing techniques. So it’s a Quartz-hybrid Seiko with Phillipe Dufour finishing.
Gorgeous! You must have some amazing connections to get your hands on this piece!
Fabulous. I love it. Nice video and Excellent choice.
Thank you for showing us
With due respect and appreciation to all the characteristics you present about this Credor Eichi II, one might wonder how efficient it is at keeping time. . .
The tip of the hands reminds a little bit of Moritz Grossmann hands, althought the latter have a much thinner base.
Top tier watch. Could never afford. Might get a GCLP993. Nowhere near the same, but has the same type of movement (much less finished) and fairly simplistic dial design. Also costs a mere fraction of an Eichii.
I think the only thing would make this watch better is the Credor logo at 12, its a gorgeous logo and also is very common in the other models to replace the 12 with that
Any reason that the watch looks so banged up?
Preowned platinum watch. Platinum always picks up swirls. Swirls look bad under bright lights
Generally spring-drive movements have automatic watch like rotors as a part of their movements, but this watch doesn't seem to has any...am I correct...if so can you please give some information about the absence of the rotor in this watch... thanks
That is a beautiful timepiece. But I think most people don't consider it as being in the "traditional" horological class of mechanical watches. The point is that a "classical" watch can be made with nothing but hands and raw materials. You can not do this for an integrated circuit.
pure japanese philosophy of perfection , is applied here as well .
For a watch this expensive, why don't they finish the movement plates? Straight grain brushed finish seems simple. The beveling looks nice though.
That straight grain finish was probably harder to achieve than Patek’s Geneva stripes
@@DirtFather407 I doubt it. Rolex and Patek use brushed finishes like that on their cases and bracelets. In fact you could do it yourself with a brillo pad using straight motions. I do that to refinish my oyster bracelet.
In order for Japanese watches to stand out from European watches they need to forge their own path. The Japanese are masters of reduction and no other country compares to them. For instance, in the West, we admire the flourish of decorated porcelain. Perhaps the best example being Nymphenburg Cumberland. Compare a Nymphenburg Cumberland plate to the teapots (kyusu) of Yamada Jozan lllrd. Jozan's kyusu is wood fired in kilns for days, fire and ash coaxed by the artist into breathtaking vessels of beauty. It's art without ego. I applaud Credor for their brushed straight graining. Let clay be clay. Let metal be metal. Let Japan be Japan.
This is to me the definition of master watchmaking craftsmanship. Where all elements combine to create a time piece that pushes every element to its limit. In both manufacture artistry and performance. The heart of any mechanical wrist watch is its movement. That is where the Grand Seiko design and implementation shines.
And the Credor niche of that brand adds the zen artistic mastery. This is what the Japanese do so well. Take the best elements of European watchmaking and then equal or exceed them on almost every level. 👍
Where I think they fall below the Europeans has nada to do with the watch itself. But EVERYTHING in how cleverly they are marketed.
A really nice watch that 90% of people can't afford. Seiko kinetic and quartz watches can last a long time, are stylish, and cost only a few hundred bucks.
90%? more like 99%! Only 1% of the world's population could afford such things!
Nathaniel Chisholm, You made a valid point. I have several watches, including a Seiko quartz from the 80s, and a Seiko kinetic about 20 years old. Both watches combined cost about $450, and the mechanisms have never needed repair.
@@robertromeo3765 I've got a Seiko 200m Kinetic had it since 2012 and it runs great! You certainly don't need to spend a lot to get a good watch. I'm thinking about adding an Orient diver or a Glycine combat sub...
@@NathanChisholm041 , Enjoy your new watch. Have a Happy New Year.
@@robertromeo3765 You to mate!
No adjustment screw?
In order for Japanese watches to stand out from European watches they need to forge their own path. The Japanese are masters of reduction and no other country compares to them. For instance, in the West, we admire the decorated porcelain, the best example being Nymphenburg's Cumberland series. Compare a Nymphenburg Cumberland plate to the teapots (kyusu) of Yamada Jozan lllrd. Jozan's kyusu is wood fired in kilns for days, fire and ash coaxed by the artist into breathtaking vessels of timeless beauty. Tradition supersedes individualism. I applaud Credor for their extreme reduction. Like the kyusu of Yamada Jozan lllrd, the Credor Eichi ll is a watch without ego.
Is that how they made those ancient water whatyamacallit things that the water keeps cycling forever?? WITH MAGNETS?? Until they just are abandoned or an earthquake or something destroys them!? BUT THAT WATCH IS BEAUTIFUL AINNIT... I gave my daughter my Swarovski as a graduation gift bc it didn't suit me anyway 😅😁 It also winds very smoothly... wait it has a battery or I don't even know anymore 😂
Aren't they fillets not bevels?
can you imagine how much it would cost to service one of these bad boys?
In terms of finishing a lange sohne tops everything
Not even close.
What a hoot! Talk about Seiko gulling the suckers out of their money!
The correct pronunciation of this brand is Aye-chi. Not eye-chi.
I don't believe that the Swiss is disinterested in the SD concept. Many have tried and failed to bring to fruitation for ex. Piaget. It maybe to downplay the inability to complete the design...similar to when Swiss abandoned mechanical movement competition after being embarrassed by Seiko .
Additionally, the amount of handwork that goes into zarastsu case finishing, flawless handmade dials , and the movement wouldn't allow a volume manufacturer like Rolex/Tudor to make million units per year., it's impossible..so it also has to due with not being ideal for true mass production.
And if we are being honest, had Rolex made it, the vast majority who bash SD would turn around and boast non stop.It would make the basic submariner upwards $25-30k street price due to developmental, marketing, and decreased production capacity and the usual supply/demand. But, Rolex is not giving up on volume so SD isn't for them.
I am a collector and have handled almost everything out there and people don't seem to realize that it's a Miracle that we have one of the most/if not the most capable manufacturer, making iconic watches after iconic watches at all price points that can be enjoyed by so many, whether it's a Seiko 5 or Credor..
One common theme even from collectors of many brands is that Seikos get most wrist time..
A piece of Zen
All the metal is scratched on it. It hasn't been looked after very well.
that's what happens when you actually wear a highly polished watch.
The boring common case design doesn’t equate to $40,000. Innovative but,,,,
Boring, but in precious metal plays a part of the cost.
The thing I understand least, is how these watches get so beat up. Painful.
Oh my word it's B-E-A-U-Tful but dam I'm not sure I could justify $40k 😅
This watch is scuffed up quite a bit
Excelentw
CREDOR✨
Looks scratched to bits!
Grail!
Respect would be taking 5 secs to look up the proper pronunciation on the internet.
Poor and boring design, it looks like a MVMT watch
You are poor
I'm wearing my Credor Eichi II in platinum as I reply here. I think 'boring' is quite fair actually. In essence it's a really simple design, and one man's 'simple' is another man's 'boring'. Fair enough. And yes, it looks like a MVMT watch in the same way that a chip of broken glass does closely resemble a diamond. So, your comment isn't unreasonable.
I smell some burn on the broken glass and diamond comparison