16Seiko Watch Corporation will release a limited edition model from the popular, urbane and elegant "Linealx" series of the luxury watch brand Credor at Credor shops from July 10th. The model features an Imari Nabeshima ware dial and a design theme based on "A Japanese Water Journey." The suggested retail price is 4.95 million yen (tax included) (4.5 million yen excluding tax), and only 10 units will be sold.
Japan is unique in that it has a climate where the sea and mountains are close to each other, and unlike on the continent, the landscape of its rivers changes in various ways from their source to their mouth. The water gushing forth from the steep mountains upstream rushes down the river, sometimes forming beautiful, wide waterfalls known as "mizu noren" (water curtains) in the valleys. In the middle reaches, the water emerging from the mountains onto the plains becomes a babbling brook, calm and sometimes violent. As the river widens, the flowing water shines beautifully in the sunlight, emanating a tranquil atmosphere.
This piece focuses on the "mizu noren" (water curtains), one of the many expressions of Japan's water journey, and is rendered with the artistic talents of Credor and the sophisticated techniques of its skilled artisans.
Product Features
Mizu noren design on an elegant Imari Nabeshima ware dial
This piece features a dial created in collaboration with Hatamatsu Touen, a renowned producer of Imari Nabeshima ware, a representative Japanese porcelain. In the 17th century, Imari ware captivated European royalty and aristocracy, and was traded at prices comparable to those of gold, earning it the nickname "white gold." Imari Nabeshima ware, in particular, was cultivated in Okawachiyama, known as the "home of secret kilns." During the Edo period, it served as the official kiln (*1) of Lord Nabeshima of the Hizen Saga Domain, producing gifts for the shogun and other feudal lords using highly sophisticated techniques that were kept secret. With this history and technology as its backdrop, Hataman Touen was founded in 1926 as a pottery manufacturer dedicated to preserving traditional techniques.
The process of creating the dials incorporates intricate techniques requiring skilled techniques that are reminiscent of works featured in exhibitions. First, to express the flow of a waterfall spreading out like a noren curtain, an intricate striped pattern with a gradation is created on the dial surface using the traditional Nabeshima ware technique of "sumihajiki" (*2). After a transparent glaze is applied and fired, 11 abbreviated characters are painted in three dimensions. Next, to express the mist of the waterfall, four colors - gold, platinum, pearl white, and radiance - are applied in order and fired at temperatures appropriate for each color. As a result, the dial goes through more than 10 firing cycles before it is completed. The case back is also engraved with the name of Hataman Touen, a proof that it was made by the company.
Features an alligator strap from KYOTO Leather(R) (Kyoto Leather) (※3)
In a first for a watch, Kyoto Leather has taken inspiration from the "suminagashi dyeing" (※4) technique and used Mississippi alligator for the strap, with silver powder pigment fixed to the surface of the leather. It harmonizes with the design of the dial and leaves a strong impression of a world view that expresses the atmosphere of a waterfall.
In addition to the Kyoto leather strap that makes a statement on the wrist, this special edition comes with a chic navy blue strap for replacement.
An ultra-thin movement worthy of a luxury mechanical timepiece
The platinum case houses the ultra-thin hand-wound movement, Caliber 6890, manufactured by Shizukuishi Luxury Watch Studio (※5). Because it is just 1.98mm thick, precision to the nearest 1/100th of a millimeter is required to correct the shape of each individual component and adjust the gaps (the gaps between components). This is a low-volume production movement, with even a skilled watchmaker able to assemble only one or two per day.
Credor was born in 1974 as a brand of high-end dress watches with rich individuality, combining Japanese sensibilities with exquisite craftsmanship. True to its name, which means "Golden Peak" in French, the brand continues to preserve its beauty and quality by applying the techniques of master craftsmen to carefully selected materials, from the movement to each and every tiny component. Among these is the popular Linea Lux series, which offers a modern interpretation of the design features of the Linea Curva design series, which began in 1985, and this year marks the 35th anniversary of the Linea Curva series.
Product Number: GBBY985
Suggested Retail Price: 4.95 million yen (tax included) (4.5 million yen excluding tax)
Case: Platinum 950
Strap & Clasp: Kyoto Leather Mississippi Alligator
Replacement: Crocodile Leather (Dark Navy) & Buckle (Platinum 950)
Dial: Imari Nabeshima ware (white)
Sales quantity: 10 pieces
Domestic retailer: Credor Shop
Scheduled release date: July 10th (Friday)
[Product specifications]
Glass material: Dual curved sapphire glass (inner anti-reflective coating)
Case back: Sapphire glass (see-through back)
Water resistance: Water resistant for everyday use
Magnetic resistance: Magnetically resistant (JIS class 1 magnetic resistance)
Case size: [Outer diameter] 38.0 mm (excluding crown and protrusions) [Thickness] 7.8 mm
After-sales service: Manufacturer's warranty: 2 years
[Movement specifications]
Mechanical movement: Caliber 6890
Winding method: Manual winding
Time accuracy: +25 to -15 seconds per day
Power reserve: Approximately 37 hours
Number of jewels: 22 Stone
Vibration frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 vibrations per second)
(※1) Official kiln
Separate from the "Imari ware (Ko-Imari)" fired in private kilns during the Edo period, the Saga Nabeshima clan, which produced Japan's first porcelain, built the Nabeshima clan kiln directly operated by the clan in what is now Okawachiyama, Imari City, in order to keep its techniques a secret and strive to maintain high quality and techniques. The pottery produced at this clan kiln was not intended for sale, but primarily for presentation to the Shogun, feudal lords, and the Imperial Court, and the pottery produced at such great expense and with the highest level of skill later came to be known as "Nabeshima" or "Nabeshima ware." Even after the clan kiln disappeared in the Meiji period, the techniques were passed down by the many potters remaining in Okawachiyama and known as "Imari Nabeshima ware."
(※2) Ink-repelling technique
A white-out technique used in Nabeshima since the Edo period. First, the pattern is drawn with ink, and then a blue and white dye is applied over it. The glue in the ink acts as a water repellent, repelling the blue and white paint in the areas painted with ink. The piece is then fired in a kiln, burning off the ink and revealing the white pattern.
(※3) KYOTO Leather(R) (Kyoto Leather)
This Cool Japan project, brought to life by a collaboration between traditional Kyo-Yuzen and Nishijin-ori craftsmen and tanners in Himeji, Japan's leading leather production region, produces premium leather unique to Japan.
(※4) Sumi-nagashi dyeing
This is a "suminagashi" dyeing technique in which pigment is dropped onto the surface of water and the resulting ripple pattern is transferred onto paper or fabric.
(※5) Shizukuishi High-End Watch Workshop
Established in 2004, Shizukuishi High-End Watch Workshop is one of Japan's leading workshops specializing in high-end mechanical watches. We handle everything from parts manufacturing to assembly.
Credor official website address:
http://www.credor.com
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