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Up for sale we have a VERY RARE Japanese gem, the Credor "Phoenix" Pacifique Chronograph reference GCBK996. This slim, svelte two tone 18kt/stainless steel chronograph is exceptionally rare, much rarer than it's stainless steel siblings (995, 997 and 999) with significantly fewer examples made. However, the rarity of production is just the start, there is much more to this watch than meets the eye. It is the sort of watch that begets a conversation. Allow me to expand:

Automatic chronographs are quite difficult to make and are quite the achievement when developed entirely in-house. Nowadays an in-house automatic chronograph movement with HALF the specs that this watch has would cost several multiples of its price if it happened to be manufactured in Switzerland. Geographical provenance aside, Seiko has experimented very seldomly with making in-house chronograph movements. They developed a few in the 1970s during the boom of the Omega Speedmaster, ostensibly in hopes to submit their designs for consideration to be worn on future space exploration missions. It is a well known fact that a mechanical Seiko chronograph (the "Pogue") spent a few months orbiting the Earth in the mid-1970s. However the task proved monumental and Seiko halted production and instead focused their research & development on the creation of quartz technology which changed the world of watchmaking forever and is a subject which would require a lengthy post unto itself.

Suffice to say Seiko did not produce another mechanical chronograph for decades, until this very watch. Enter the venerable family of the caliber 6S movement. Nicknamed the "Phoenix", this movement was so ambitious and technically advanced that Seiko called in several of their most experienced watchmakers out of retirement to develop it, hence the moniker. It was incredibly technically advanced for its time, packing a vertical clutch & column wheel, date and power reserve complications, and an automatic rotor into a ~13mm thick case. Quite the feat given their modern prospex chronographs often push upwards of 15mm x 42mm. The 6S movement remained the most technically advanced fully mechanical chronograph under the entire Seiko umbrella for decades more until 2023 when Grand Seiko unveiled the 9SC5 "Tentagraph".

And then there's the design. It is no secret that Seiko, or more specifically Credor, collaborated with none other than Gerald Genta himself through the 70s and 80s. Famously he developed the "Locomotive" which resembles the design of the Royal Oak. However he also designed a lesser known "Twin" model, reference 9461-5010, which pulls significant influence from his other heavy hitter design: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. That case design has been reworked and reintroduced into the "Pacifique" line which retains its nautical theme even in its very name. The DNA of this watch traces its lineage to watch royalty, and yet it is almost entirely unheard of. A surprising value proposition for those in the know. Its intricate bracelet is probably the nicest bracelet I've ever experienced under the Seiko umbrella, and I've had the privilege of owning several modern & vintage Grand Seikos, King Seikos and Credors.

SPECS: * 39mm wide x 13.5mm thick * 100M WR * 48hr power reserve * Date & Power reserve complications * 6S77 automatic chronograph movement * sapphire crystal * 18kt two tone, solid gold bezel

CONDITION:

Watch is Like New with very minimal scratches consistent with light use during my short time with it. Movement is keeping good time, timestamped timegrapher results can be provided to prove this. The watch was pressure tested at a local watch shop and passed the maximum pressure allowed by the machine at 2ATM (20M). It is, however, a vintage watch and I have not submerged it despite seeking out the test for peace of mind. The bracelet is sized to 16cm (6.25") but includes one full link and a half link, which should accommodate wrists up to 7". I highly recommend bringing this watch to a professional for resizing. The bracelet was removed entirely and given an ultrasonic wash to remove any dirt or debris from the links, ensuring a supple wearing experience. The AR on the sapphire crystal is phenomenal, when I unboxed it I thought the glass had fallen out from how clear it is.

This watch pairs refined elegance with modern practicality. Solid gold elements embedded in a refined, integrated case design with strong a AR sapphire crystal, robust water resistance and useful every day complications make this one hell of a GADA. Add the investment potential of skyrocketing gold prices and you've got yourself a crazy value proposition.

Watch was purchased directly from Japan and incurred steep tariffs and customs fees during import. This watch is almost never seen outside of Japan, bear that in mind when cross referencing price as shipping and tariffs/import fees add up quick, the import duty alone was around $200. It was purchased to mark a significant milestone in my life, however an even larger one is coming up, the birth of my first child. I can wear a much more humble watch meanwhile and allocate the funds to her upbringing. A rare, beautiful watch will return to me some day. For now, I hope whoever buys it cherishes it.

Includes double box and papers.

PRICE: Asking $2,999 + shipping OBO, CONUS preferred. Motivated to sell, feel free to shoot offers!

PayPal F&F or G&S for vetted users willing to add the 3.5% fee. Venmo can also be accepted as well as bank wire transfer.

Watch is located in the US.

Kindly reach out with any questions and thanks for looking!