Gérald Genta

The Genta’s have had a long and strong relationship with Japan. Gérald Genta was very fond of the Japanese culture. He particularly appreciated the deep sense of respect, the admiration of nature and also the aesthetic of the island. He considered it an honor to work not only for himself and Swiss brands, but also Japanese manufactures. As such, Seiko and its founder, Mr. Hattori, always held a very special place in the watch designer’s heart and he thoroughly enjoyed working with them. 

To many, the Credor Locomotive is the Nautilus or Royal Oak’s rare distant cousin. Indeed, it has all the characteristic of the sport watch in the purest Genta philosophy. The hexagonal bezel secured by screws is the most obvious sign of filiation. The configuration of the dial is also similar: hours and minutes only, indicated by two large hands and indexes and the window for the date at three o’clock. One would also notice the crown at four o’clock. While this is different to the final version of its cousins, the Nautilus was also imagined by Gérald Genta with this case configuration, cfr. the original design of the Nautilus, lot 1 of Gérald Genta: Icon of Time, Sotheby’s, Hong Kong, April 19^th 2022. 

The integration of the bracelet is a transition between the first sport pieces he designed and the later watches Gérald Genta produced under his own name. The links of the bracelet, on the other hand, are clearly in line with its 1972-1976 production. 

Produced in 1979, the Seiko Credor Locomotive is a most important creation of Gérald Genta. It is his fourth iconic stainless-steel sport watch produced for another brand. It is also the symbol of the deep friendship and mutual respect between the Master and Japan.