Credor is the ultra-luxe, top-of-the-line name Seiko applies to its finest watches. And the very finest Credor watches are produced at the Micro Artist Studio, a tiny workshop at Seiko’s factory in Shiojiri, a city in central Japan. The work at the Micro Artist Studio is so artisanal that the dozen craftsmen employed there produce just around 30 watches per year.

The quintessential Credor timepiece is the Eichi. Japanese for “wisdom”, Eichi is a perfectly simple, yet perfectly executed, wristwatch. Originally introduced in 2008 as the Eichi I, the model was gently revised and succeeded by the Eichi II in 2014. The dial completely pared down, and the case size increased, these changes were a result of the craftsmen at the Micro Artist Studio coming together and refining the Eichi into an even better timepiece, reflective of their vision and skills.

Conceived with almost no frills, yet every detail lavishly attended to, the Eichi II is one of the most understated, yet horologically compelling watches of our time. In fact, the watch is known in horological circles as the Japanese version of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity. There is no photographer or camera which can truly convey the depth and spirit of the porcelain dial.

Displaying an incredibly well-finished Spring Drive movement, the Eichi II is arguably amongst the finest creations made by Seiko today. Every element, inside and out, is executed par excellence. The polished, bevelled edges of the movement bridges, or anglage, are incredibly well done - crisp, sharply defined, and mirror polished. And the porcelain dial – a pristine white thanks to its specially formulated porcelain - is hand-painted by an artisan of the Micro Artist Studio who relies on a tiny brush and a microscope. So meticulous are these artisans that only one dial can be produced per day.

The present watch is an early example of the Eichi II – the serial number indicates it was produced in 2015 - evidenced by the gilt fill in the engraving on the movement. Later versions have blue lettering. Only two dozen pieces are produced per year, and the waiting list currently extends beyond a year. Even the presentation box embodies Japanese craftsmanship and excellence to match the timepiece, as it is finished in urushi - Japanese lacquer. This particular piece has been worn very few times by its previous owner, and with the greatest care, and is offered complete with all of its original accessories.