Special Interview! The dramatic revival of "Credor Locomotive." The bond between Gerald Genta and Seiko

For Japanese watch enthusiasts, this name has a particularly special ring to it. "Credor Locomotive." Designed by the famous Gérald Genta, this model was a testament to the prestige of Seiko, the world's leading watch manufacturer at the time. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Credor. To celebrate this memorable year, the Credor Locomotive has been revived. And what's more, it has been done with the cooperation of Gérald Genta's wife, Evelyn Genta.

Gerald Genta and Seiko
Witness to the "Fellowship of Epic and Stone"

　It is not widely known that Seiko and Gérald Genta had a strong bond. This is attested to by Evelyn Genta, Genta's wife and Monaco ambassador to the UK. She joined Gérald Genta's business in 1980 and has supported him both publicly and privately ever since.

"In 1972, Reijiro Hattori (of Seiko) sent an invitation, asking him to provide style training to his design team. Gerald was impressed by Hattori, and Hattori was also captivated by his talent. Gerald said that Japan had excellent quality products and that they should be used in watches. He said that the best of Japan should be exported." In fact, the rise of the "Gerald Genta" brand also had something to do with Japan and the Hattori family.

"Gerard created six special watches. I believe they were perpetual calendar watches, without any logos. They were exhibited at Wako in Ginza (a Seiko affiliate). At the time, Wako advertised the watches as being made by a designer who had worked on famous watches." However, a Swiss manufacturer pointed out that they should not use their company's name.

"Hattori suggested that if that was the case, he should make watches under his own name. So he put the Genta name on six watches, which were later sold. Several companies, including Seiko, helped him with the establishment of the company." The connection between Gerald Genta and Seiko began in 1972. "Hattori Reijiro invited Genta to Hakone to meet with five designers, and we discussed various aspects of watch design. I think that was in 1978." Genta apparently spoke frankly, which apparently pleased Hattori very much.

"Around the same time, Mr. Hattori asked Gerard to design a special watch. He wanted to add an iconic watch to his collection. The design was an unusual hexagon, the crown was in an unusual position, and the bracelet was gorgeous. What impressed Gerard about Japanese watches was the finish of the stainless steel bracelet. He said that it was impossible to achieve such perfect polish in Switzerland. In fact, the first six prototype watches that Gerard made were sent back because the quality of the bracelets was not good enough." After this exchange, the Credor Locomotive was completed.

"There's an anecdote I'd like to tell you about the Locomotive. Gerald worked on a variety of models. However, the only model that he named outside of the company was the Locomotive. In other words, Gerald worked on everything from A to Z of the Locomotive. The Locomotive is literally the 'Genta Baby.'"

　Why did Genta accept Seiko's request at a time when the Swiss watch industry was being threatened by Japanese manufacturers? "There was a friendship between Gerard and Seiko. And Gerard was a completely independent artist," she said, emphasizing Genta's talent and forward-thinking spirit.

"He was ahead of his time, by 30 years. The Locomotive was released in 1979, but if it sat in a showcase it would look like a modern watch. It was an honour that this model was chosen to celebrate Credor's 50th anniversary, and I'm sure it will remain so for 50 years to come."