Introducing: The Credor Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima LE

January 21, 2015

Credor resurrected the Goldfeather name in 2023 with a pair of gold models. The watches combined elegant proportions with a thin case. Unfortunately, the pieces were only offered in Japan. For 2026, there s good news afoot with a new release intended for global distribution. The new Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima Limited Edition is a beauty that we all can potentially buy.In the hierarchy of Seiko-owned brands, none rank higher than Credor. Until recently, though, the watches were meant solely for the Japanese market. Yes, pieces leaked into other countries, and some Seiko boutiques have even sold a few. But these ultra-high-end pieces have remained exclusive and expensive. The latter attribute hasn t changed, but Credor has expanded its reach with pieces like the Locomotive, a revived Genta-designed reference from the 70s. Many of us, though, have been waiting for global availability of pieces like the Eichi or the new Goldfeather. Now, that day has come because the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima is coming to a Seiko boutique near you.The Credor Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima Limited EditionBefore we get into the details, behold the new Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima; what a stunner! For those of us who have been waiting for a more traditional design compared to the rather abstract Locomotive, this could be the ticket. The watch has a stainless steel case and features Sallaz polishing and diamond-cutting on the faceted lugs. Its sizing is suitable for a dress watch, with a 37.1mm diameter and a 43.2mm lug-to-lug length. The 8.3mm thickness is reasonable, and it includes a domed sapphire crystal with an internal antireflective coating. The water resistance rating is scant at 30 meters, but considering the included crocodile strap, it s fair to say that swimming isn t advisable while wearing the watch. Here for the incredible dialThe namesake of the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima refers to a porcelain style from Okawachiyama that became famous during the Edo period. The unique techniques used to craft the wares were fiercely protected and continue today. Hataman Touen is a current producer of Imari Nabeshima porcelain and has been chosen as the collaborative partner for the watch dials.Each piece starts with a white porcelain base and has a gradient effect in cobalt blue. Twelve distinctive blue feathers align with the hour indexes, while an equal number of white feather-shaped outlines fill the spaces between them. Various layers of color and transparent glazing are added between firings to create the final product. In all, the dial undergoes five firing stages. Plus, each dial starts as a more substantial piece of porcelain ground down to a 1mm-thick domed shape. A simple set of faceted and polished metal hands displays the hours and minutes.Using the familiar caliber 6890Unlike the previous gold models with their all-metal case backs, the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima displays its movement through a sapphire crystal. The hand-winding caliber 6890 features blued screws, anglage, and striping. Performance-wise, it s more of a traditional unit with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a 37-hour power reserve. The accuracy performance of +25/-15 seconds per day, though, makes us wonder why Credor doesn t spend time on adjusting the movement. It s an omission that makes little sense at this level. Still, we suppose most interested parties won t mind.The Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima - Limited and lovelyCredor makes no secret about the limited production of the Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima. Just 60 individually numbered pieces will be created for the global market. With a price of $15,000, there are many competitors from Switzerland, Germany, and even from within the corporate umbrella. That said, buying a Credor isn t likely about spec matchups or movement comparisons. This is as much an artisan specimen as it is a typical dressy timepiece. In that regard, I think it s a special and relatively distinct offering worth seeing in person. For more information, visit the official Credor website.Watch specifications Brand Credor Model Goldfeather Imari Nabeshima Porcelain Dial Limited EditionReference GCBY991Dial Blue gradient Imari Nabeshima porcelain with feather motif and painted indexesCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 37.1mm (diameter) 43.2mm (lug-to-lug) 8.3mm (thickness)Crystal Domed sapphire with internal antireflective coatingCase Back Stainless steel with sapphire display, snap-on Movement Credor 6890: manual winding, 21,600vph (3Hz) frequency, 37-hour power reserve, 22 jewels, accuracy of +25/-15 seconds per dayWater Resistance 3 bar (30 meters)Strap Black crocodile leather (19mm width) with stainless steel folding claspFunctions Time only (hours and minutes)Price $15,000 Special Note(s) Limited to 60 pieces