It’s been a hot minute since we’ve talked about the Seiko Cocktail Time collection. In fact, I think the last time I mentioned it was probably in our guide to every Seiko model. Now though Seiko have released two new versions with golden colourways that are exclusive to the US and Europe. They’re the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ‘Beer Julep’ and ‘Half and Half’.
The concept for the Cocktail Time comes from the Japanese tradition of post-work drinks, when at 5 o’clock colleagues would begin to relax, talk, socialise and debrief from the day’s work, an important time to build relationships and plan. Although, I wouldn’t say that’s a tradition exclusive to Japan as anyone who worked on a British newspaper a few decades ago would tell you.
How that translates into horology is that the dial of each Presage Cocktail Time is inspired by a particular drink that you might have after work. For example, with today’s release we have the ‘Beer Julep’, a drink consisting of beer with whisky, gin, sugar syrup, lemon and basil leaves. It’s a golden yellow drink which is why the corresponding watch ref. SRPK46 has a golden brown dial with a vertical gradient towards white that represents the head of the beer. It also has a scratchy texture finish that makes it look like you’re viewing the liquid through a glass.
The second timepiece being launched is the Presage Cocktail Time ‘Half and Half’ ref. SRPK48. This one is inspired by a mixture of ale and stout, hence the combination of light golden browns in the centre and the darker tone around the edges. Although, you can completely ignore the whole cocktail theme and take both of these watches at face value. In which case they’re just cool golden dress watches with gradient dials. And to be honest, that’s all they need to be to be exciting.
Specs-wise, both watches are the same. They have 40.5mm cases made golden-coloured stainless steel – Seiko haven’t specified what coating they’ve used to make it gold but considering the price it’s almost certainly not actual gold plating, it’s more likely some form of gold coloured PVD. They’re powered by the Seiko 4R35 automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve. They also share a price of £470. It’s a solid release and it’s nice to see something a bit different to the endless wave of Prospex heritage re-issues that Seiko love to release.
Price and Specs:
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ‘Half and Half’ and ‘Beer Julep’
SRPK46 (Beer Julep), SRPK48 (Half and Half)
40.5mm diameter x 11.84mm thickness, gold-coloured stainless steel
Gold coloured
50m (5 bar)
Seiko calibre 4R35, automatic, 23 jewels
21,600 vph (3 Hz)
41h
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Gold coloured stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
£470, exclusively available in Europe & US
More details at Seiko Boutique.
Oracle Time