Seiko Credor Signo GMT GCBZ995

It used to be that Grand Seiko was the one and only grail for watch lovers looking for a new, reliable, and above-all Japanese timepiece. But now that Grand Seiko (and Ananta) are available worldwide, attention has turned to Seiko’s other Japanese-only brands, including Credor. And when it comes to attainable Credor grails, few can match the unique combination of features found in this Seiko Credo Signo GMT, ref. GCBZ995.

This Japan-only Credor is not only the rare GMT model but also says “Seiko” on the dial, unlike most!

Positioned as a more modern look than Grand Seiko, Credor is just as upscale. In fact, Seiko uses this brand for their rarest models of all: Grand complication “Masterpiece” models in the true Haute Horlogerie tradition!

This particular Credor is in the main stream of the line, known as Signo. Generally, Seiko doesn’t brand Credor timepieces with the Seiko name, perhaps in response to the continued criticism their Grand Seiko lineup receives. Yet this Credor includes the Seiko name, one of very few to have it.

The Credor-only 8L36 is similar to the 9S56 movement found in Grand Seiko GMT watches

Automatic Credor models share their movements with the first-generation Grand Seiko timepieces as well: The 8L family is identical to the 9S family except for finishing differences. This Credor shines in this area as well, boasting a GMT version of this modern movement, a rarity in the line. And it is finished nicely even though it’s not sitting in a SBGM-series Grand Seiko.

The Credor Signo GCBZ995 is still listed on the Credor web site, but it’s likely very hard to find. Perhaps Higuchi or Seiya could scare one up for you, but it’ll be pricey! 350,000 Yen is about $3,500 US. That’s why we were happy to see a used one pop up on PuristSPro. Listed at $2,900 by a long-time poster there, it’s probably the easiest way to lay your hands on a true JDM rarity!