Seiko Presage Cocktail Time leather strap review

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Collection: Where Precision Meets the Art of Mixology

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Review

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series blends fine Japanese watchmaking with the vibrant spirit of classic cocktails, creating a distinctively stylish collection. Each model in this line captures the look and feel of popular cocktails, featuring eye-catching sunburst dials and sophisticated leather straps.

Known for quality craftsmanship and an affordable approach to luxury, the Cocktail Time collection is ideal for those seeking an elegant and unique timepiece.

This approach gives each model in the collection a distinct identity and adds a fun, thematic element that appeals to watch enthusiasts and cocktail fans alike. Each watch in the series captures the essence of its cocktail inspiration, not just through color, but also through the dial’s texture and finishing, which reflects the complexity and allure of cocktail culture.

The dials of these recent Seiko releases are what make these watches special. From Grand Seiko down to Seiko 5, Seiko knows how to create gorgeous, eye-catching dials. And the new Cocktail Time watches are no exception. The dial on these watches features a concentric diamond pattern, radiating out in waves from the center. The somewhat glossy, slightly dégradé finish adds to the effect of looking through a full cocktail glass to varying effect, depending on the light. 

The hour markers are as much a distinguishing feature of these Cocktail Time watches as the patterned texture. Large applied numbers inspired by the lettering on a vintage liquor bottle mark the even hours. In between, slightly triangular applied metallic stick indices occupy the odd hour spots. A matching applied metallic Seiko Logo and metallic date window frame connect with the look of the hour markers. Printed “Presage Automatic” text in the lower portion of the dial and an outer printed minute track, both in the same color as the markers, complete the look. 

The Seiko 4R35 Movement

Powering the 2020 Japanese-made Seiko Presage Cocktail Time watches is the Seiko 4R35 movement. This is the same movement found in the earlier generations of Presage Cocktail Time watches, and in Seiko divers like the Samurai. Seiko specifies accuracy at +45 / -35 seconds per day, which isn’t great, but many people seem to report that the movement keeps significantly better time than that. It’s an automatic movement with the modern conveniences of seconds hacking, hand winding capability, and a quick-set date function. Though it’s not a beautiful movement, it is visible through the display case back, which is nice. And it provides a 40-hour power reserve. 

One detail to point out about the 4R35 movement is the beat rate of 21,600 BPH. That means the watch will have a sweep seconds hand, but it won’t be as smooth as a watch with a higher rate like 28,800 BPH.

Six Leather-Strap Models

Below are the six notable Cocktail Time models with their detailed technical specifications:

1. Mojito SRPE45J1 (Link Amazon USA)

   

   Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Mojito SRPE45J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Green sunburst with silver markers and hands

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex (Seiko’s proprietary mineral crystal)

• Strap: Black leather, 20mm lug width

2. Light Blue SRPB43J1 (Link Amazon USA)

   

   Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Light Blue SRPB43J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Light blue gradient with silver hands and markers

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex

• Strap: Black leather, 20mm lug width

3. Old Clock SRPE43J1 (Link Amazon USA)

   

   Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Old Clock SRPE43J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Champagne gold with vintage-inspired markers

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex

• Strap: Brown leather, 20mm lug width

4. Mockingbird SRPD37J1 (Link Amazon USA)

   

   Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Mockingbird SRPD37J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Bright green sunburst with silver accents

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex

• Strap: Black leather, 20mm lug width

5. Manhattan SRPB46J1 (Link Amazon USA)

   

   Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Manhattan SRPB46J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Rich brown gradient inspired by the Manhattan cocktail

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex

• Strap: Brown leather, 20mm lug width

6. Negroni SRPE41J1 (Link Amazon USA)

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Leather Strap Negroni SRPE41J1

• Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R35 (Automatic, 41-hour power reserve, manual-wind option)

• Case: Stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, 11.8mm thickness

• Dial: Fiery red sunburst resembling the Negroni cocktail

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Crystal: Hardlex

• Strap: Black leather, 20mm lug width

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique Design Aesthetics: Each model’s dial color and texture are inspired by iconic cocktails, making them truly unique in the world of horology.

• Quality Construction: The robust Seiko 4R35 movement is reliable and offers both automatic and manual winding options.

• Affordable Luxury: The Presage line provides high-end finishes, quality movement, and creative design at a competitive price.

• Versatile Style: These watches are elegant enough for formal wear yet casual enough for everyday style.

Cons:

• Water Resistance: Limited to 50 meters, these watches are not suitable for water sports or swimming.

• Hardlex Crystal: Though durable, Hardlex is less scratch-resistant compared to sapphire crystal, which may be expected at this price point.

• Size and Thickness: The 40.5mm case may be too large for smaller wrists, and the 11.8mm thickness is on the bulkier side for a dress watch.

Conclusion

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series is a unique fusion of watchmaking and artistic design, capturing the essence of classic cocktails through vivid colors and elegant dials. These models, with leather straps, are the perfect blend of charm and sophistication, making them suitable for both watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

With reliable mechanics, affordable luxury, and a story to tell, each watch brings a taste of mixology to the wrist, inviting wearers to savor the art of fine timekeeping.

For those seeking a conversation piece with character and craftsmanship, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time line is an ideal choice.

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