The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time has a very classic, even retro appearance. Yet the history of this watch is not that old. In 2010, Seiko released a now legendary new watch – at first – only to the Japanese market. Enthusiasts and collectors of Seiko watches worldwide went to great lengths to purchase this ‘Cocktail’, and the watch quickly acquired iconic status. For this reason, Seiko introduced a new series of Cocktail Time watches in 2017 based on this special watch, which are available worldwide.
Unique design and excellent workmanship
Lovers of Seiko watches will tell you all: at Seiko you always get more than value for money. Whether it’s a simple Seiko 5 watch or a much more luxurious Presage automatic. With prices from 350 euros, a Presage is nevertheless a considerable investment for many people, but you will get something in return:
Unique design
The design of the Cocktail Time is inspired by the world of the exclusive cocktail bar. The basis formed the unique cocktails created by mixologist Hisashi Kishi of the famous Star Bar in Tokyo. The color of each dial is derived from one of his special creations. The chic 1960s look of the watch is partly due to the shape of the case, which was already made by Seiko in that era. The convex glass and the structured dial also contribute to this.
Quality timepiece made in-house
The watches from the Cocktail Time series all contain one of two highly reliable movements that are entirely manufactured in-house by Seiko. The 4R35 and the 4R57. The 4R35 movement enables a relatively slim automatic watch with a date display. The 4R57 movement forms the basis for an elegant power reserve indicator on which you can read how long the watch will continue to run before it needs to be recharged (by movement or manual winding). The date is displayed separately with a hand at the bottom of the dial at the 6 o’clock position.
These timepieces also feature some of Seiko’s award-winning developments in mechanical timepieces; including the accelerated winding of the watch by the Magic Lever, the unique and extremely durable Spron alloys of the spring which ensures constant tension and therefore accuracy, and the Diashock system that protects the timepiece against shocks. Nevertheless, it is advisable to service these timepieces every few years, as is usual with automatic timepieces. This way your watch will last longer and you will continue to enjoy it.
Excellent finish with an eye for detail
You can see the quality of this watch in every detail. The beautiful colors of the dials are created by carefully applying seven (!) layers of beautiful lacquer. The dials of the Cocktail time also have a so-called sunray pattern. This means that the dial is polished in such a way that when moved it appears as if ‘sun rays’ slide from the waist over the dial and multiple shades of color can be seen. This pattern is further enhanced by the relief that also ‘radiates’ from the centre. In addition to these sunray dials, we also see sanding, smearing and scratching patterns on some models, which appear to have been applied by plasterers.
When you zoom in on the photos you will see that the hour markers and hands are shaped like a lance and are ‘kinked’ from the middle. This form pointer is called Dauphine. The big advantage of this is that light always falls on one of the sides, making the dial easy to read despite the relief of the surface and in less light.
The hands are also slightly curved towards the point, so that they fit nicely under the convex glass, which can therefore be placed lower on the case and the watch looks slimmer.
In short, a series of watches for the real enthusiast.
Even more exclusive: special editions
New models or limited editions in the Cocktail Time series are regularly released.
In 2019, for example, a number of new models that are produced in limited editions have been added to the collection. These Fuyugeshiki watches are of course also inspired by a cocktail, for which bartender Kishi took his inspiration from a winter landscape. The dial is white and has a pattern that shines in the light like a fresh layer of snow in the sun. These watches are provided with an individual serial number.
Whether you opt for a ‘regular’ Cocktail Time or a special edition, with a Seiko Presage you are guaranteed a special, durable and beautiful watch on your wrist. Cheers!
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