The Most Varied Seiko Collection Ever Made Wasn't Designed by Seiko
It's made by Credor. Does that still count?
The Precursor
Variety is the theme of today’s newsletter, and the Credor Node collection embodies this perfectly. Its name, drawn from the astronomical term "node"- the point where two orbits intersect - symbolises its design philosophy. Each Credor in the collection blends subtlety with bold, unconventional elements, aiming to sit at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.
Seiko Credor GCAT992
The GCAT992 highlights a brand that balances artistry, innovation, and subtle luxury. Credor is best known for its use of precious metals and stones, and this often results in their more modern offerings being overlooked - many of which were developed by the Grand Seiko team at the Shizukuishi Studio.
First introduced in 2004, the Node collection marked a pivotal moment for Credor. Seiko redefined the brand from one that heavily relied on precious metals to one that paired sophisticated, modern designs with elite movements, using precious metals as subtle accents rather than the main feature. The result was a decade of remarkable diversity, producing what I believe to be the most varied collection in Seiko’s history.
Above is merely a glimpse into the collection’s breadth:
GBLS998: Spring Drive Minute Repeater
GCBT997: “Hi-Beat”, Seven-Handed GMT, with Power Reserve, Retrograde Day, and Circular Date
GCLP997: Spring Drive “Big Date” with Power Reserve
GCLL992: Spring Drive Moonphase with Power Reserve, and diamond “stars” chapter ring
For those with a morbid sense of curiosity, the GBLS998 retailed at $440,000 over a decade ago. I’ve never seen one on the pre-owned market, which is obviously a shame as the only thing stopping us from buying one is availability… right?
To further illustrate my point about the Node Collection’s tolerance for variety, the GCAT992 on offer today is different to the four watch types mentioned above - it’s an ultra-thin, high-accuracy quartz, accurate to within 10 seconds per year.
Its beautifully integrated bracelet creates a seamless, lug-less dress watch aesthetic. At just 5.4mm thick and 36mm wide, it will effortlessly slip under even the tightest of cuffs. The dial emphasizes the numbers 2, 4, and 7 as a poetic reminder of life’s “ceaseless flow of time,” and to cherish every moment that happens with your 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The GCAT992 is now available to buy on our website.
In very good condition. There are some small marks on the bezel and bracelet. No box or papers.
Seiko SLT063 “The Great Blue” HAQ Perpetual Calendar
A sailing alternative to Seiko’s high-accuracy mountain watches. This early-2000s sea-inspired GMT Seiko offers a refreshing twist on the famous SBCJ Alpinist models, swapping mountain climbing flair for nautical practicality. Packed with distinctive quirks, it stands apart from its rugged, land-oriented counterparts.
A hallmark of Seiko’s seafaring designs, the watch features dual crowns at 3 and 9 o’clock, a layout that enhances toughness by protecting both crowns with guards. In contrast, the SBCJ Alpinist models have their crowns at 4 and 2 o’clock on the right side of the case, leaving them exposed to potential knocks.
The SLT063 has triple time-zone tracking capability, facilitated by:
The standard hour hand
The yellow GMT hand
The rotating 24-hour bezel, which enables manual calculations.
The inner 24-hour bezel is controlled by the left crown, while the True GMT movement allows you to adjust the hour hand independently via the right crown. Unlike many high-accuracy GMT movements, the second hand doesn’t hack. This choice complements the watch’s high accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per year, ensuring that adjustments to the hour hand don’t compromise timekeeping precision.
A unique combination of functionality, durability, and a dash of maritime charm makes this watch a standout alternative to its mountain-ready siblings.
The SLT063 is now available to buy on our website.
In very good condition. No box or papers.
Campanola “Grand Complication” AH4000-01X Minute Repeater
The Campanola “Grand Complication” lives up to its name. Released in 2003 with a price tag of $3,400, this exquisite timepiece, dubbed “Kokiake” or “Deep Scarlet”, was limited to just 300 pieces. Only 13 of Citizen’s watchmakers were deemed skilled enough to work on these hand-assembled Campanolas at Citizen’s Minami-Shinshu Studio, and when you read through the list of complications, it’s easy to understand why. It boasts the following:
Moonphase
Leap year and perpetual triple calendar
12-hour split-time chronograph with a sweeping second hand
24-hour dial
Small Seconds
GMT functionality
Minute repeater
While most of these complications speak for themselves, the minute repeater deserves special attention.
When activated, the minute repeater plays a chime that audibly conveys the current time, essentially acting as a musical Morse code for your wrist. Intriguingly, the chime’s time-setting can operate independently of the displayed time, allowing it to function as a GMT “hand.” This feature is best appreciated in action, so please watch the video below to hear the chime (timestamped at 1:09):
The grandeur of this watch extends beyond its movement. It features a raised minute track, a double-domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a hand-lacquered urushi dial mixed with gold flakes, and Citizen’s patented “Duratect” coating - a surface treatment that makes the metal five times harder than steel.
The AH4000-01X is available to buy on our website.
In perfect condition, with no visible marks or scratches. Recently serviced by Citizen in Japan. No box or papers included.
Seiko Credor “Phoenix” GCBR995 / 8L75-0A30
The longer you look, the more you see. Far from being overcrowded, its design is filled with subtle yet interesting details. Released in 1999, the silvery-white sunburst dial is enhanced by five standout elements:
“Ranger” hands – A style no longer seen in modern Seiko or Credor models.
Red accents – A bold line below each index and a red-tipped second hand, echoing the splash of colour seen on the SCVF007 “Red” Alpinist.
Porcelain-like applied indices – Rounded lume-filled markers that almost resemble human teeth!
Oversized onyx crown – A striking feature that might tempt you to check for a Cartier logo.
Crosshair dial – A nostalgic nod to the crosshair dials found on various Grand Seiko models from the 1970s.
Speaking of Grand Seiko, the 8L75 movement inside is part of the 9S Grand Seiko family, having been based on the GS 9S55 movement. Not only were they designed by Grand Seiko’s Shizukuishi Studio, the 8L75 movements were also physically built by them too. Though officially rated at +/- 15 seconds per day, these Credor watches typically perform to the tighter tolerances of the 9S55, achieving an impressive +/- 5 seconds per day.
Credor’s artistry extends to its caseback, where the dial’s minimalism often gives way to intricate engravings. The GCBR995 features a phoenix motif that, while not as maximalist as the Credor Pacific GCBG975’s Clipper ship design, is no less captivating.
The Credor GCBR995 is now available to buy on our website.
In great condition overall. Full box and papers. Minor hairlines on the bezel and case.
Seiko SARY159 Honeycomb
If Seiko employees spend enough time in your bar, they might just let you design a watch. Hisashi Kishi, owner of the "Star Bar" in Ginza, which is a short stroll from Seiko’s headquarters, was invited to collaborate on watch dials inspired by his favourite cocktails.
Many stunning designs emerged from this partnership, but few are as coveted as the SARY159 “Honeycomb.” Limited to 6,000 pieces, it features an open-heart design - a sometimes controversial dial choice among collectors - that feels perfectly at home here. The opening blends seamlessly into the textured honeycomb pattern, evoking the feeling of peering into a bustling hive.
The SARY159 is one of the most frequently requested watches I’m contacted to source, and today I’m thrilled to offer an exceptional example: the very first one issued. This particular piece is numbered 0001/6000. As a long-time Seiko collector, I’ve never come across a 1/X issue number outside of museum displays. Among collectors, it’s widely believed that #1 pieces are reserved for designers, well-connected clients, or retained by Seiko itself. How this one made its way to the open market remains a mystery, but I knew I had to acquire it the moment I saw it.
I fully understand that not everyone is interested in issue numbers - some people just want to wear the watch. However, this SARY159’s unique status as #1 makes it a highly collectible piece. As such, it will be listed at a premium price.
The Seiko SARY159 is now available to buy on our website.
In perfect, unworn, condition. Full box and papers, with both of the original straps.
Don’t forget to follow my Instagram to see all of the watches above in full cinematic glory later this week.