The Details 

Before we get into the details I should mention that the watch featured in this report is a prototype. Small changes may take place between now and when actual production watches become available in early 2007. I will return to Japan in late 2006 to make a detailed technical report on the sonnerie mechanism and photograph some actual production watches.

The Credor Sonnerie is a true sonnerie, striking the hours on passing. In other words, when set in Sonnerie mode, the watch automatically strikes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the zenith of each hour. When set to Original mode, the watch automatically makes three strikes on each of the following hours, 03:00, 06:00, 09:00, and 12:00. And of course Silence is Silence. But wait, there is more...

Located on the side of the watch at about the 8:00 position is a push button that will activate the sonnerie upon demand. Even if the watch is set to silence or original mode, the last hour will be struck. Example: if it is 7:20 and the upon-demand button is pressed, the watch will strike 7 times on the bell.

The sonnerie barrel has been decorated in the shape of a bell flower. Notice the hand polished screws and beveled jewel settings.

At the bottom portion of the face the sonnerie mode is indicated clearly.

The pierced front plate serves as a dial and provides an excellent view of the ultra complicated sonnerie mechanism.

The power reserve, or "MARCHE", is indicated in the upper left portion of the face. The Spring Drive movement that the Credor Sonnerie is built around has 48 hours of power reserve.

Power reserve for the sonnerie mechanism is located in the upper right portion of the face. The sonnerie mechanism has 60 hours of power reserve, or to be more precise about 400 strikes of the bell.

In this detailed 3-D view we get a good look at the excellent finishing and attention to detail.

In conclusion, the Credor Sonnerie is a fine work of art that pays tribute to the Japanese traditions of craftsmanship. The SEIKO watch company should be proud, and anyone interested in striking watches should certainly give the Credor Sonnerie a serious look, and listen.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this article, coming in late December.

© Ron DeCorte 2006, All rights reserved