The Credor Reference GBBD963 represents a pinnacle of Japanese horological artistry, blending traditional craftsmanship with mechanical sophistication. Introduced at Baselworld 2016 alongside the Fugaku Tourbillon, this limited-edition timepiece from Seiko’s high-end Credor collection draws inspiration from Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” The watch is a testament to Seiko’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, combining the technical expertise of its Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio with the aesthetic mastery of Japan’s finest artisans. Only 30 examples of this reference were produced, making it a highly coveted piece among collectors of haute horlogerie.

The 18K white gold case houses a mesmerizing skeletonized movement and dial, where the artistry of master lacquerware artist Issyu Tamura takes center stage. Tamura-san’s meticulous work creates a stunning purple-to-yellow-green gradation, evoking the dynamic movement of waves. This lacquer, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, captures the essence of Hokusai’s masterpiece, with each dial becoming a unique work of art. Complementing this, the intricate wave patterns engraved on the caliber 6899A movement were supervised by master engraver Kiyoshi Terui. Terui’s hand-engraved balance cock, featuring a depiction of Mount Fuji, showcases extraordinary precision, executed under a binocular microscope to achieve unparalleled detail on a movement just 1.98mm thin.

The Credor GBBD963 is a rare fusion of traditional Japanese artistry and modern watchmaking, with Tamura’s lacquerwork and Terui’s engravings elevating it to a work of wearable art. Its limited production run of 30 pieces, combined with its historical significance as part of Seiko’s 2016 celebration of Japanese aesthetics, ensures its place as a collector’s gem. Recent auction results for Credor limited editions reflect growing demand for such pieces, particularly those showcasing Japan’s master craftsmen.