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You are here: Home / Movements / Seiko 8L88

Seiko 8L88

Last Update: February 1, 2020

Brand:Credor, Seiko, Shizukuishi Watch Studio
Family:
Seiko 9S8x Hi-Beat Family
Height:
Jewels:41
Reserve: hours
Frequency:43,200 A/h
Winding:Automatic, Bi-Directional Automatic Winding, Central Rotor Automatic Winding
Diameter:
© Seiko Credor Cal. 8L88A in the Credor GBBX998 Complications:Hacking Seconds, Hand Winding, Power Reserve Indicator
Hands:Central Hour Hand, Central Minute Hand, Central Seconds Hand, Open Heart at 10:00, Power Reserve Pointer at 3:00
Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Central-Rotor Automatic
Clockwise Balance Cock
Balance
Balance at 1:30
Central Rotor
Production: 2008 – 2009
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Cal. 8L88 was the fastest Hi-Beat movement ever produced by Seiko and set the stage for the modern 9S8x Hi-Beat movement family. Although it was only ever seen in a single watch model, the limited-production Credor GBBX998, and is not widely known, it was a critical development for Seiko in the 2000s. By producing a 12 Hz (43,200 A/h) movement, the company showed the quality of its engineering and metallurgy capabilities. Twoyears after the 2008 introduction of the Credor 8L88, Grand Seiko returned to Hi-Beat movements with the 10 Hz (36,000 A/h) Cal. 9S85.

Note that some sources list the date of introduction for the Credor Juri Tenga with Cal. 8L88 as 2006, but Shizukuishi Watch Studio officially lists the introduction as 2008.

Credor GBBX998

The GBBX998 was an exclusive watch with a rectangular case constructed of 18k gold and rare Japanese lacquered wood. The “Super Hi-Beat” balance was visible through the open heart dial at 10:00. On the rear, a transparent case back showed the central winding rotor and balance. A power reserve indicator pointer was positioned at 3:00.

The watch retailed for 50 million Yen (about US$600,000), making it the most expensive Seiko watch ever produced, though the dial simply said “Credor”. The back was quite wordy, however, with “Water Resistant”, “Made in Japan – Seiko”, “8L88-00A0 – 18KT” and the production number “8 10001” listed around the aperture. The rotor was inscribed “Super Hi-Beat” and the movement shows “Seiko Time Corp/Forty One Jewels/8L88A/Credor.”

CalibreProductionSpeedJewelsFunctionsModels
Cal. 8L552015-present36,00037DateProspex SLA/SBEX
Cal. 8L882008-200943,20041Power reserveCredor GBBX998
Cal. 9S852009-present36,00037DateGrand Seiko SBGH
Cal. 9S862014-present36,00037Date, GMTGrand Seiko SBGJ

Images are taken from official publications and are used here for commentary and educational purposes. Copyright is held by the original owner as noted.

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