Introducing: The Gérald Genta-Designed Credor Locomotive With A New Dial

One of last year’s biggest surprises was the reintroduction of the Credor Locomotive. The original watch from the 1970s was one of Gérald Genta’s lesser-known creations. As soon as you see it, though, you immediately recognize Genta’s characteristic design signature. Having said that, it’s a divisive design because of its quirky presence. I also had my initial reservations, but a hands-on experience completely changed my opinion. The limited-edition reissue of the Locomotive ended up on my list of last year’s best releases after that. Now Credor presents a follow-up that features a new dial and is a regular production model. It’s time to find out more!

Initially, I wasn’t too excited when last year’s modern Credor Locomotive popped up out of nowhere. I questioned the looks of the watch as it all seemed a bit unbalanced and slightly weird. But I should have known better. While Gérald Genta’s portfolio of designs is not an infinite string of hits, he always ensured the proportions of his designs were spot on. On top of that, as the designer who popularized the modern sports watch with an integrated bracelet, he loved playing around with the concepts he created…with divisive results, I might add. This Credor Locomotive is the perfect example of a play on the concept, but it certainly isn’t for everyone. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, though. I quickly found that out once the watch landed on my desk. After having initial reservations, I was quickly swept off my feet by the wonderful modern version of the Credor Locomotive.

From popular limited edition to regular release

But we didn’t expect to see a follow-up to last year’s limited edition. Credor produced 300 pieces of that version to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. After that, it seemed like business as usual. But we will indeed get a follow-up. The new Locomotive is a regular production model featuring a new green dial that gives the watch a different look. Other than that, nothing has changed. But that is a good thing because last year’s version was a great release, so there is no need to alter anything that is already marvelous.

Let’s remind ourselves of the watch’s specs. The Locomotive has a 38.8mm high-intensity titanium case with a 41.7mm length, an 8.9mm thickness, and a 100m depth rating. This hexagonal case with its characteristic hex-socket bezel screws features a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock with a similar socket design. It’s a beautifully finished case that shows the great skill and craftsmanship of the Credor watchmakers. The watch also weighs a feathery 78 grams, including the not-so-integrated bracelet.

A new dial for the Locomotive inspired by a familiar shape

As I mentioned in last year’s review, the bracelet is highly reminiscent of the Royal Oak’s. The main difference with the Royal Oak bracelet is the design of the intermediate links, which are a play on the hexagonal case. That shape is also where the Credor designers found inspiration for the new dial. The green dial features a clever pattern of hexagons executed differently. Not only do we see two shades of green, but the lighter hexagons also have a striped pattern that alternates in different directions. As a result, when the light hits the dial, you will get a different effect depending on the angle. It’s a complete break from last year’s dial with 1,600 radial lines that showed a far greater contrast.

My first immediate question was whether this was hexagonal overkill. But after looking at the images a bit longer, I quickly started warming up to the design. The key is that the designers use hexagons of different proportions to keep it interesting. To avoid repetition, the Credor designers chose a hexagonal shape for the dial pattern that differs from the hexagons found in the case, bezel, crown, and bracelet’s connecting links. On top of that, the level of detail is impressive and will probably look amazing in real life. I also love the dark green hue because it gives the watch a bit more warmth compared to last year’s monochromatic model.

A familiar layout and much-debated bracelet

The applied hour markers with their polished frame and the date window at 3 o’clock stayed. On the outside of the hour markers, you will find a white 60-minute/second scale. The overall design is fairly simple, but it gives the pattern room to shine, and I love that. Hovering over the dial are the three hands that match the design of the indexes perfectly, creating a harmonious overall picture. It’s a stark contrast compared to the seeming mismatch between the case and the bracelet.

As I explained in last year’s review, initial reactions to the combination of the case and bracelet might bring the watch’s visual attractiveness into question. It looks odd because the bracelet is not integrated but connected to the case with a central mounting point. On top of that, the bracelet seems too wide for the case. But while the pictures suggest this, having the watch on the wrist for just one minute can dispel those doubts. The lightweight titanium is a joy to wear. It’s also beautifully finished and perfectly in sync with the case. While you can debate the style endlessly, you can’t fault Genta for getting the proportions right. It made me fall in love with that first release, so I am curious to learn more about this follow-up release.

The Locomotive’s engine

Inside the watch, nothing has changed. Credor equips the Locomotive with its recently developed CR01 movement. This thin automatic caliber operates at 28,800vph and offers a 45-hour power reserve. It is hidden behind the titanium case back, which is affixed with six screws. While the caliber’s accuracy is not spectacular at +15/-10 seconds per day, the movement has a nice gilt finish. Additionally, it features stripes on the bridges and rotor and blued screws for an attractive overall look.

Final thoughts on the new Credor Locomotive

I was pleasantly surprised to see this new Credor Locomotive. After last year’s limited edition, I thought Credor would leave it at that. However, with the announcement of the new regular production model, the brand also announced that the new Locomotive marks the beginning of a new design series within the Credor collection. The Locomotive’s characteristic design will inspire these new creations, which is exciting news. I can’t wait to find out what Credor has planned for us.

For now, the new Credor Locomotive GCCR997 will be available starting in May 2025 for €14,500. I would love to take this new version of the Locomotive for a spin to see how this new dial works in real life. After falling in love the first time, I am ready to be swept off my feet again.