In 2023, the renowned Goldfeather line was revived by Credor, presenting a pair of elegant gold timepieces. While these initial models were exclusively available in Japan, the year 2026 marks a significant expansion. A stunning new iteration, the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima Limited Edition, is now poised for international release, allowing a global audience to appreciate its beauty.
Within the Seiko group, Credor occupies the pinnacle of luxury watchmaking. Historically, its creations were primarily destined for the Japanese market. Although some pieces found their way abroad through various channels and select Seiko boutiques, these high-end timepieces maintained their exclusivity and premium pricing. The latter aspect remains unchanged, but Credor has notably broadened its accessibility with recent offerings like the re-released Locomotive, a Genta-designed model from the 1970s. Enthusiasts worldwide have eagerly awaited the broader availability of collections such as the Eichi or the latest Goldfeather. That anticipation culminates with the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima, which will soon be accessible at Seiko boutiques internationally.
Before delving into the intricate details, one cannot help but be captivated by the sheer elegance of the new Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima. For those who favor a more classic aesthetic over the abstract nature of the Locomotive, this model presents an ideal choice. The watch features a stainless steel casing, enhanced by meticulous Sallaz polishing and diamond-cut facets on its lugs. Its dimensions are perfectly suited for a sophisticated dress watch: a 37.1mm diameter, a 43.2mm lug-to-lug span, and a slender 8.3mm thickness. A domed sapphire crystal with an internal anti-reflective coating further elevates its refined appearance. While its water resistance is rated at a modest 30 meters, the accompanying crocodile strap clearly indicates that this timepiece is not intended for aquatic adventures.
The distinguished name, Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima, pays homage to a particular style of porcelain art originating from Okawachiyama, which rose to prominence during the Edo period. The intricate techniques employed in creating these wares were closely guarded and continue to be practiced today. Hataman Touen, a contemporary artisan producer of Imari Nabeshima porcelain, was selected for a collaboration to craft the watch's remarkable dials.
Each dial begins as a pristine white porcelain base, gradually transitioning into a rich cobalt blue hue. Twelve distinct blue feather motifs are precisely aligned with the hour markers, complemented by an equal number of white feather-shaped outlines that fill the intervening spaces. The creation of this effect involves multiple layers of color and transparent glazing, applied between successive firings. In total, each dial undergoes five separate firing stages. Furthermore, every dial starts as a more substantial piece of porcelain, which is meticulously ground down to achieve a delicate 1mm-thick domed profile. The time is elegantly indicated by a straightforward set of faceted and polished metallic hands, displaying both hours and minutes.
In contrast to previous gold models that featured solid metal case backs, the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima proudly showcases its inner workings through a sapphire crystal. The hand-winding caliber 6890 is exquisitely finished with blued screws, anglage, and intricate striping. From a performance standpoint, it adheres to traditional horological standards, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offering a 37-hour power reserve. However, its accuracy, specified at +25/-15 seconds per day, raises questions about Credor's dedication to precise movement adjustment—an oversight that seems incongruous for a timepiece of this caliber. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that this detail will not deter most discerning collectors.
Credor openly acknowledges the exclusivity of the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima, with only 60 individually numbered units destined for the global market. Priced at €15,000, it faces competition from numerous watchmakers in Switzerland, Germany, and even within the same corporate group. However, acquiring a Credor timepiece transcends mere technical specifications or movement comparisons. It represents an appreciation for artisanal mastery, setting it apart from typical dress watches. In this regard, it stands as a truly unique and compelling offering that warrants in-person examination.