Since 2000, the Seiko Micro Artist Studio situated in a small workshop at the Seiko’s factory in Shiojiri, Japan. With only a handful of Seiko artisans, the objective of this studio was to produce the company’s finest watches. In 2006, six years after the establishment, the studio debuted the Credor Spring Drive Sonnerie.

Like the sound of a softly tinkling hanging bell, the timepiece takes inspiration from temple bells, the “orin” which echoes with calming sounds as it chimes. Strongly resonating with the Japanese culture, bells were used to indicate the time of the day with chimes in intervals of three hours.

The Spring Drive Sonnerie is powered by the spring drive manual-wind glide-motion calibre 7R06 with over 600 components and has a power reserve of 48 hours. Other than the main Shiojiri town flower shaped barrel, an entire separate barrel is dedicated to the Sonnerie mechanism to ensure sufficient power and are indicated with individual indicators on the dial. The movement is also ‘fool-proof’ to prevent any damage or inappropriate actions when the Sonnerie is activated.

Cased in a 43mm pink gold case, the intricacy of the sophisticated semi-skeletonized movement invites you to witness a metropolis spectacle. Visually striking, the acoustic of the chime is equally remarkable. Divided into three modes: Sonnerie (chime every hour on the hour) , Silence (chime deactivated), Original (Chime in 3 hours interval 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock). The pusher at 8 o’ clock activates the hour repeating function with a gentle push.

The first example to be offered at Phillips, for connoisseurs who embraces purity the present Spring Drive Sonnerie will impress you with each of its chime.