The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time was originally launched in 2010. Its name reflects the fact that the watches are based on a partnership with mixologist Shinobu Ishigaki, who runs the Ishinohana Bar in Tokyo. A new series of watches was launched in 2017, with two basic designs, a three-hand watch with date window, close to a dress watch appearance, and a version that has a power reserve indicator on the dial and a subdial at 6 o’clock for the date. The watch below is the Blue Moon, reference SRPB41J1, with an attractive graded dial.
The watch has distinctive looks by virtue of the box-shaped watchglass in Hardlex crystal, and a large crown – considerably enlarged with respect to the 2010 versions – that make winding and adjusting easy. The dial has a sunburst texture that creates reflections varying according to position with respect to the light. It is simple and atractive, with two types of faceted hour markers, elegant faceted hour and minute hands, and a second hand with a loop-type counterweight. The case is 40.5 mm in diameter, 11.8 mm in thickness so OK for a dress watch, and has a water resistance of 5 bars, 50 metres.
Power reserve indicator
It’s a nice idea to add a power reserve indicator to the dial, particularly in a watch in this price range – around €600, but available online at around €450 – that will appeal to first-time mechanical watch owners. In the piece below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Martini, reference SSA341J1. This is the only piece provided with a steel bracelet. I personally find this arrangement of time, date and power reserve very attractive and logical.
Movement
The watches are powered by the Seiko 4R57 (with power reserve indicator) or 4R35 (date display only) self-winding calibres, which provide 41 hours power reserve. In both, the balance runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and the movement runs in 29 jewels. It provides the stop-second function. The oscillating weight has some form of gilt coating. Movement finish is engineering quality. Precision rating is for a deviation of -35 seconds to +45 seconds per day. This is lower than the 6R movement used for the previous Cocktail Time watches, but it undoubtedly reflects Seiko’s desire to reduce the final price.
In the photo below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Skydiving, reference SSA343J1, with power reserve indicator.
Below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Espresso Martini, reference SSA345J1, with power reserve indicator.
In the photo below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Manhattan, reference SRPB46J1. The colours, based on cocktails, are original and attractive, particularly in this graded version that recalls watches by H. Moser.
Below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Margarita.
Below, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Sidecar, reference SSA346J1.
