Reviewing the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Red Brick Limited Edition
Wednesday - 23 November 2022
There will be 5000 pieces of the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Red Brick Limited Edition watch available. Mimicking the hypnotising ripples across the surface of a freshly poured Red Brick Cocktail, this crimson red number from the brand’s range of Tokyo-inspired STAR BAR watches is adorned with luxurious golden accents and exposes some of the movement through its partially skeletonised display.
It’s a well-known fact that when Seiko releases a limited edition watch, it will appeal to avid Seiko fans as well as those with a natural interest in whatever aspect the watch is inspired by. This could be a children’s television show, a music artist, natural landscapes, television programmes and... Cocktails. Seiko Cocktail Time watches take inspiration from the colour and flamboyancy of the world of mixology. The collection first launched back in 2010, but having been met with such resounding success, the famous Japanese brand gave the watch a line of its own within the Presage collection in 2016, merging it with some of the much-loved features of this ever-growing range. Since the Seiko Cocktail Time watches joined the Presage collection, each design has been inspired by a different drink. New for 2022, Seiko releases two new limited edition Cocktail Times watches, one with a sumptuous silver dial and the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Red Brick Limited Edition watch. Both are inspired by Hisashi Kishi – the owner of STAR BAR.
Tokyo’s rich nightlife
Hisashi Kishi was the first bartender to be awarded the title of “Contemporary Master Craftsman”. His cocktails are designed as a nod to the vibrant city of Tokyo. To anyone who has handled, worn or collected watches from the Seiko Cocktail Time collection before, this new Red Brick Limited Edition watch will feel very familiar on the wrist. Its proportions are cleverly balanced to create a presence without overpowering the arm. When Seiko launched the STAR BAR series in 2019, it began taking inspiration from Kishi’s exciting and colourful drinks with stunning sunburst dials and indices that are inspired by the stem of a cocktail glass. Similar to others from the same line, this new STAR BAR watch is simple and minimalist-like in design with a clear and legible dial to read the time from.
Whilst its counterpart has a textured silver dial (reference SSA455) inspired by the exclusive “Illumine” cocktail, this STAR BAR Red Brick iteration reference SSA457 takes its name directly from the “Red Brick” drink, with a deep and enchanting crimson red coloured dial. Upon this rich and captivating canvas is a meticulous skeletonised design with arc-shaped cut-outs that expose elements of the watch’s internally-fitted movement. These arc-like shapes radiate out into a fan-shaped, creating a three-dimensional effect and donating a sense of depth and dimension across the entire display. In addition to being able to view a large proportion of the model’s balance wheel through this special dial, the arc-shaped pattern is also intended to mimic the ripples across the surface of a freshly poured Red Brick Cocktail.
The dials of the new cocktail-inspired wristwatches by Seiko both feature dauphine-shaped hands. These have been paired with indices around the hour track that are sharp and crisp in shape. A golden-coated finish upon the surface of these hands and indexes creates a luxurious and sumptuous finish against the deep crimson tones of the display. The entire surface of the dial is protected underneath a strong box-shaped piece of Hardlex glass.
The case of the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Red Brick watch is crafted from stainless steel and measures a diameter of 40.5mm. Its depth measures a thickness of 11.6mm and a push-pull style winding crown at 3 o’clock has been engraved with the iconic Seiko logo. A screw-down display caseback is assisted by a 50-meter water-resistant rating to protect the internal mechanical movement as it performs. The Seiko Caliber 4R72 is an affordable time-only movement that keeps this limited edition Seiko watch at a reasonable price point. It provides a 41-hour power reserve once fully wound and performs at a rate of 21.600 vibrations per hour. Although simple in its performance, this movement from the 4R series, unlike others from the same family, is intended to be put on show. Therefore, golden finishes that can be viewed from both the front and back of the watch make for a particularly beautiful touch. The Seiko SSA457 watch is completed on a dark brown leather strap that secures with a stainless steel push-button mechanism, stamped with the Seiko logo.
Regardless of whether or not you have tried a watch from the Cocktail Time series by Seiko, these Presage watches are interesting to explore. The fact that Seiko continues to find unique ways in which it incorporates characteristics, colours and textures of each cocktail into a new design makes for an incredibly intriguing range to collect. If you’d like to learn more about this Red Brick Limited Edition watch from the Seiko Cocktail Time collection, you can do so by calling and speaking to a member of our sales team today at Jura Watches on 01335 453453.
