redor was born in 1974, employing delicate, artisanal techniques to achieve precision in watchmaking with a Japanese aesthetic. Based on the French crête d’or, or “crest of gold,” the Credor name suggested the highest echelon of horological artistry and craftsmanship. From its early days, Credor has been rooted in Japanese beauty and craftsmanship, yet it has cultivated an openness to artistic influences from diverse cultures in order to create extraordinary watches unlike any others in the world.

Today, in celebration of Credor’s 50th anniversary, one of its most important watches, the Genta-designed Locomotive, is reborn as a limited edition of 300.

The relationship between Gérald Genta and Seiko reaches back to the 1970s. Genta visited Japan many times and built a close relationship with the Japanese watchmaker. He was delighted to design a watch for the company and, in a career that birthed a number of famous watches, the Locomotive became a symbol of the deep friendship and mutual respect between Genta and Seiko.

The name Locomotive evoked the power of an advancing train and is also a French term meaning “driving force”. Genta chose the name in the hope that it would drive Credor ahead and, by extension, lead Seiko into the future. To the famed designer’s credit, the Locomotive became one of the best-known timepieces in the history of Credor.

“My husband always connected with Asia and its cultures,” said Mrs. Evelyne Genta, the widow and business partner of the late Gérald Genta. “His love for Japanese culture in particular came from the desire to achieve excellence, the attention to detail, and the great value placed upon craftsmanship. He was honoured to work for Seiko, and the Credor Locomotive became one of his most important creations. I am sure he would be delighted to know of its rebirth.”

For the new creation, every detail has been re-examined and reproduced based on Gérald Genta’s original sketch. At the same time, Genta’s bold and unmistakable design codes are expressed through modern watchmaking capabilities and expertise, enhancing the depth and beauty of the new creation.

The Locomotive’s iconic hexagonal bezel with six screws has been preserved. Only now, the screws have been adapted to be functional rather than merely decorative for the sake of long-term use as well as easy maintenance. The case has various types of finishing applied to its surfaces, from the bezel to the sides, adding to the beauty and appeal of the entire design. The case and bracelet are now made of high-intensity titanium, an alloy 30% lighter and more scratch resistant than stainless steel, maximising durability and achieving long-lasting beauty while enhancing comfort on the wrist.

The black dial takes its inspiration from a steam locomotive. Its pattern was precisely created thanks to advanced technology. Based on Genta’s original sketch, a digital dial rendering with approximately 1,600 radial lines was created, reinterpreting the original pattern. A special machine process was developed so that each line of the pattern could be directly engraved onto the dial. The pattern is carefully crafted to realise a hand-engraved quality and exquisite textured pattern that shines beautifully.

Inheriting the design of Genta’s sketch, the new bracelet is carefully constructed and features the same taper and hexagonal intermediary links that gave the original its distinctive character. Crafted with techniques that require a high level of skill, the new integrated bracelet in high-intensity titanium ensures comfort on the wrist.

The watch houses Caliber CR01, a new automatic movement exclusive to Credor. Less than 9mm thick, the new three-hand movement with date allows the new Locomotive to maintain a svelte profile and elegant proportions in line with Gérald Genta’s celebrated original, which used a quartz movement.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber CR01

• Driving system: Automatic
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
• Power reserve: 45 hours
• Number of jewels: 26

Specifications

• High-intensity titanium case and bracelet
• Three-fold clasp with push button release
• Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Screw-down crown
• Water resistance: 10 bar
• Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
• Diameter: 38.8mm; Thickness: 8.9mm
• Recommended retail price in Europe: €14,000
• Limited edition of 300