Credor
Seiko · Japan
Credor is the luxury watch brand of Japan's Seiko, created in 1974. It makes high-end watches in precious metals with a strong focus on craftsmanship, including the Eichi II and Fugaku models.
| Created | 1974 |
|---|---|
| Parent | Seiko |
| Original name | Crêt D'or |
| Key models | Eichi II, Fugaku |
| Website | credor.com |
What is Credor?
Credor represents the top of Seiko's watch range and its most specialised products. It is very well recognised in Japan and has only relatively recently become officially available outside the country.
History
Credor's history dates its creation to 1974. The range first appeared in Seiko catalogues under the name Crêt D'or, French for golden crest, before becoming Credor in late 1978. Its mountain logo, a stylised form of the Japanese character for mountain rising to meet three stars, first appeared in the 1980 catalogue.
Products and positioning
Early Credor watches were high-end models with precious metal cases and bracelets, some of them solid gold versions of standard steel Seiko models and others unique designs. The brand is associated with:
- Precious metals and precious stones
- High levels of hand craftsmanship
- Current models such as the Eichi II and Fugaku
Why it matters
Credor is a key part of Japan's high-end watchmaking story, showing how a domestic group built a luxury tier to compete with Swiss haute horlogerie, and its gradual international rollout makes it increasingly relevant for watch retailers outside Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Credor made by Seiko?
Yes. Credor is Seiko's luxury watch brand and sits at the top of the Seiko range.
When was Credor founded?
Credor dates its creation to 1974; the name Credor has been used since 1978, replacing the original Crêt D'or.