Japan takes drinking seriously. In fact, a whole culture has arisen around consuming alcohol. The country is well known for its incredible hospitality and the emphasis they put on tradition and reception. Drinking in Japan is a popular evening past time centred around community. It’s a way to relax and get to know your colleagues and friends better. Seiko’s Presage Cocktail collection seeks to pay homage to the tradition. Most importantly Seiko has been inspired by one particular establishment the Skybar in Tokyo’s Ginza district. The initial Cocktail Time collection was released in 2017 with the models below added at the beginning of 2020. Influenced by the chance discovery of an old bar Seiko’s Presage Cocktail collection additions have an elegant sophisticated design and a subtle vintage undertone. The slight retro look comes from the watch’s dials and the combination of colours and textures.
The watch’s overall design remains the same, however, the different colour palettes of each watch are inspired by a different cocktail. The dial on the timepiece features a delicate Guilloche embossing meant to mimic light refraction of a cocktail glass. The colour of the dial gradually darkens towards the edges. Its stainless steel case measures 38.5 mm in diameter. A Hardlex crystal protects the dial. Indices and Arabic-numeral hour markers, in a font similar to that on old bottles, add to the vintage look of the model. A set of dauphine hands complete the dial design. Each model features a leather strap which closes through a three-fold clasp with push-button release. An exhibition case back beautifully showcases the intricate movement.
Functions on the model include a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position alongside the hours, minutes and seconds. The watches are water-resistant to 5 bars or 50 meters. The movement on the model is automatic calibre 4R35 with an up to 41 hours power reserve.
Seiko Presage | Automatic | Green dial | Mojito | Date | Golden
This Seiko Presage Cocktail model is inspired by the Mojito. Fresh and timeless the elegant dial takes its colour from the fresh mint leaves, essential to the making of the cocktail. The hour markers and dauphine hands of the watch are in a yellow gold colour to resemble the brown sugar used in the drink. The gold nicely contrasts the green dial while complementing the brown leather strap. The exquisite combination of colours elevates the watch and adds to its elegant look.
Seiko Presage | Cocktail | Blue Dial | Automatic | Old Clock
Inspired by the Skybar’s Old Clock cocktail the dial of the watch is blue. It features a blue leather strap with blue topstitching. The hands and hour-markers on the watch are polished and silver in colour matching the case.
Seiko Presage | Negroni | Automatic | Red Dial | Cocktail
The Negroni, which inspired the palette of this watch, is an Italian cocktail. Though the drink’s origins have never formally been confirmed its believed that in the 20s, Count Camillo Negroni invented it by asking a bartender to add gin in his Americano cocktail instead of soda water. The watch’s rich red dial is contrasted by silver-coloured hour markers and hands. The leather strap of the watch is in dark brown mahogany.
Which of the models from Seiko’s Pressage Cocktail collection is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
