Credor Goldfeather, between swirl and urushi lacquer
The Japanese watch manufacturer once again combines fine watchmaking and traditional craftsmanship with the Goldfeather tourbillon.
Skip the ad Skip the adJapan is not Switzerland. While its watchmaking history dates back more than a century, its artisanal know-how is unique to it, and the great Japanese brands are careful to preserve and pass it on. A talent that French or Swiss brands, unfortunately, do not always possess... For its new creation, a limited edition of ten pieces available from next October in Europe and France for €190,000, Credor called upon Isshu Tamura, a Japanese master craftsman of the Urushi lacquer technique. He brought to life the birds soaring in the sky on the dial of this watch. The e raden technique made it possible to delicately inlay mother-of-pearl of different colors on the lacquered dial, creating a magnificent shimmer against the dark urushi background. As for kirikane, it is a decorative art consisting of cutting fine lines or shapes from gold plate and applying them to surfaces.
To create the dial, Isshu Tamura carefully applies each layer of mother-of-pearl and gold plating, each of varying thicknesses. Controlled layering is essential to achieve perfect harmony. He then refines the surface with extraordinary precision to achieve a uniform finish and bring out the ideal color. This meticulous work produces a smooth surface and depth in the thin layer of lacquer, creating a gradient of colors that draws gentle curves across the dial and evokes the infinite beauty of the sky.
The gold flakes surrounding the tourbillon cage are made using maki-e, a technique that involves sprinkling gold powder onto lacquer. The tourbillon's movement symbolizes the radiant energy of the sun, while the tourbillon bridge takes the form of a bird in flight with its wings spread. Indeed, for the first time, a Credor Goldfeather watch incorporates a tourbillon. This new tourbillon movement, the caliber 6850, is assembled by Katsuo Saito, the 2023 recipient of the Yellow Ribbon Medal. This distinction is awarded by the Japanese government to individuals who have become public role models through their diligence and perseverance in their profession.
Visible through the caseback, this caliber features a dynamic feather-inspired design, expressed through intricate engraving and urushi art. While housing a tourbillon movement and sporting Goldfeather's signature curved shape, this creation maintains its slim profile of just 8.6 mm. This new movement features an enlarged spring barrel that extends the power reserve to 60 hours. The central case, lugs, and the portion of the caseback not covered by sapphire crystal, all formed from a single piece, give it a streamlined silhouette. The case is made of 950 platinum, a material that is difficult to polish. Polished and finished by hand by skilled artisans, the case ensures smooth surfaces and optimal comfort on the wrist, as well as uncompromising beauty.
lefigaro
