Credor "Mother of Pearl" GCBZ999 GMT

Model: Credor GCBZ999 / 8L36-00B0

Year: January 2011

Limited Edition: 110 Pieces

Features:

The Rarity. Produced in 2011 and limited to 150 pieces, this GMT Credor is full of surprises, both inside and out. A Mother of Pearl dial, with a floral pattern etched into the centre circle. And as eye-catching as the design is, perhaps the most intriguing aspect is how rarely Seiko has used Mother-of-Pearl as a dial material.

The Dial. Outside of a handful of women’s watches, Seiko has only ever produced one other MOP dial - the Credor GBBE972. That’s a bold claim, I know, and admittedly not one I’m willing to vehemently defend - Seiko’s catalogue spans tens of thousands of models. However, after wracking my brain, consulting several Japanese watch collectors, and engaging in some good old-fashioned Googling, I’ve come up mostly empty-handed. This GCBZ999 Credor appears to feature one of the only Mother-of-Pearl dial in a male-sized Seiko watch, and it’s stunning.

The Design. The MOP sits recessed between the 24-hour GMT markers, while the 60-minute track has been lifted above. The resulting interplay of shadows across the dial only enhances the watch’s character. To further accentuate the shimmering quality of the MOP, Seiko coated the 60-minute track and rehaut in titanium nitride, which makes it iridesce under light.

The Movement. Credor didn’t stop at creating a captivating dial - the movement is equally noteworthy. The 8L movement inside this watch is a true, or “Traveller,” GMT calibre and was crafted at Seiko’s renowned Shizukuishi Watch Studio. Isn’t Shizukuishi the studio that produces all of the mechanical Grand Seiko 9S movements? What a sensible question I just asked myself! Indeed it is. However, they also manufacture a select number of high-end Credor and Galante movements, such as the 8L36 housed within this GCBZ999.

Specifications: 

Condition: In great condition. No marks of any noticeable significance. 

Scope: Box, and comes with a the original bracelet and a spare Credor rubber strap

Movement: 8L36 Automatic GMT

Dimensions:

• Case Width: 40.0mm
• Lug to lug: 46.2mm
• Case Thickness: 13.2mm
  
• Bracelet length: Up to 7.5 inches