Credor “Chino” GZBP999 Chronograph

Model: Seiko Credor “Chino” GZBP999 / 6S87-0A10

Year: August 2000

Limited Edition: Quantity Unknown

Features:

The Look. Released in the late ‘90s, the GCBP997 is a wonderful throwback to the era’s design language. A time when tool watches started to flirt with luxury, and maximalist design was prevalent. Why give the bezel colour when it could be brushed steel instead? After all, steel is a colour. 

The Variant. The GZBP999 was a special commission produced by Seiko in 2000, exclusively for the Chino Watch Shop. Established in 1904 and run by four generations of the Chino family, it shouldn’t come as any great surprise that a retailer with such heritage would be allowed to design their own Seiko variant. 

The Legacy. But one could argue the Chino Watch Shop did too good of a job, as Seiko ended up acquiring them in 2019. Two years later, their assets would be rolled into Cronos Inc., another one of Seiko’s wholly owned retailers, meaning Chino Watch Shop has ceased to exist in name. Luckily, its legacy lives on through the GZBP999 on offer today.

The Chronograph. The bezel carries a tachymeter, while the chapter ring manages to squeeze in a telemeter - giving you the means to measure both speed and distance. Interestingly, the subdials don’t feature the bevelled edges commonly seen on chronographs, and instead have been finished with a bubbled edge - adding to the overall glossy feel of the dial.

The Mission. This isn’t just any chronograph - it’s a 6S. Developed in the late ‘90s, it’s known as the Phoenix Calibre, because it was designed by a handful of Seiko employees whose expertise was so sought after that Seiko dragged them out of retirement, like some sort of crack team assembled to execute one last heist. Their mission was simple: revive Seiko’s mechanical chronograph line-up.

The Result. Even in a contextless vacuum, it’s obvious they delivered. Seiko's Chronograph Division was alive and well. Though the calibre was discontinued in 2016, it laid the groundwork for its successor, the 8R, and it’s often still thought of as the higher-end option between the two. 

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. Just serviced. A few marks can be seen on the brushed bezel and caseback, but it’s mostly unscathed. No box or papers.

Scope: No box or papers

Movement: 6S78 Automatic Phoenix Chronograph

Dimensions:

• Case Width: 40.0mm
  
• Lug to lug: 48.1mm
• Case Thickness: 13.8mm
  
• Lug Width: 20mm
• Bracelet: Fits up to a 7.6 inch wrist