The Seiko Presage collection welcomed the addition of a new series inspired by the world of the cocktail bar. Eight models, each inspired by a different cocktail were introduced and well received. Two new designs are added to the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, inspired by drinks created by Hisashi Kishi, the head bartender at the STAR BAR in Tokyo’s Ginza area and a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships.
Hisashi Kishi, the head bartender at the STAR BAR in Tokyo’s Ginza area and a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships.
The Starlight cocktail is inspired by brilliance and mystery of the night sky.
The Seiko SSA361 Cocktail.
The design evokes the brilliance and mystery of the night sky. The overall tone of the dial is deep blue, with a glow of starlight radiating out from the center, intended to mimick the bubbles in the cocktail reflect the light in the glass. As Kishi puts it, “The secret of a great Starlight is the bubbles. I shake the cocktail mixer in a special way that I call my ‘Infinity Shake’ to add tiny bubbles that sparkle in the glass and create a sense of starlight in the night sky.”
The Sakura Hubuki cocktail expresses the beauty of cherry blossom in the spring breeze.
Seiko SRPC03 Cocktail Time.
The cherry blossom, or sakura is a big thing in Japan. Every year, the tourism authority publish a week by week calendar to track the progress of the blooming of the cherry in spring. The Japanese fascination with the cherry blossom is impressive, and the design of this Presage tries to captive the impression of the delicate pink of the flowers in the hue of the dial. Kishi says, “I love the flavors of this cocktail. The sharp taste of the gin mixes perfectly with the richness of the sweet Sake. The malted rice floats on the surface like cherry blossom in the spring breeze.”
Two versions
Each of the two designs is available in two versions. One uses the 4R35 three hand calendar caliber while the other offers, in addition, a center power reserve hand shaped like the stem of a cocktail glass. Both are automatic but can also be wound by hand. All four versions offer exhibition case backs.
New Presage Cocktail Time specifications and price
Automatic with center power reserve indicator: SSA361, 363
Caliber 4R57
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 41 hours
Number of jewels: 29
Functions: power reserve
Automatic: SRPC01, 03
Caliber 4R35
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 41 hours
Number of jewels: 23
Functions: Date
Specifications
Stainless steel case
Box-shaped Hardlex crystal
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 14.4mm (SSA361, 363), 11.8mm (SRPC01, 03)
Water resistance: 5 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Calf strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 550 Euro (SSA361, 363), 420 Euro (SRPC01, 03)
1 Comment
These are beautiful and punch far, far above their weight price wise but I wonder why Seiko decided to use the inferior 4R series as opposed to the 6R15 used in the previous Cocktail time SARB065. I still think they’re a tremendous value, those dials alone are worth the price of admission but I think they should have kept the old movements.