Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Illuminate Limited Edition Watch Review
Saturday - 03 December 2022
Seiko has launched two new cocktail-inspired limited edition watches from the Presage Cocktail Time series. This elegant white model, limited to 5000 pieces worldwide, takes on a new skeletonised dial concept with cut-out arc-shaped sections that expose the golden components of a movement from Seiko’s 4R Calibre family. Meet the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Illumine Limited Edition watch…
Do you know much about Seiko Cocktail Time watches? The first models were launched back in 2010 but were only made available to the Japanese market. They took inspiration from the work of mixologist Shinobu Ishigaki. Offered in different “flavours” the dials of these models were executed in sunburst effects for catching the light and creating a distinct shimmering effect, with radiant textures that evoked the look of melting ice. The narrow tapering hour markers were inspired by the stem of a glass and these models were powered by a reliable movement from the 6R series. Today, these initial Cocktail Time watches by Seiko are considered sought-after collectables. In 2016, the Seiko Cocktail Time design was revisited. This time the watches came under the Presage watch collection – a series of luxurious dress watches all powered by in-house Seiko movements. Over the years, the collection has grown wider and more varied, with “Blue Moon” iterations, timepieces inspired by Espresso Martinis and “Mockingbird” offerings, as well as pointer date options, power reserve complications, and open heart variants.
The STAR BAR designs
In 2019, Seiko launched the STAR BAR line inspired by the exclusive cocktails thought up by bartender Hisoshi Kishi, owner of the Tokyo STAR BAR in Ginza. New to the line is this Seiko Cocktail Time STAR BAR Illumine watch, inspired by a new and exclusive cocktail and limited to 5000 pieces. The ripples across the surface of the cocktail are portrayed through several fan-shaped cut-out sections in an arc shape, exposing some of the elements of the movement lying underneath. Its bright and crisp silver dial is home to slender narrowing hour markers that taper to echo the glass stem look and sword-shaped central hands. The luxurious golden tones of the mechanical movement exposed through the dial work well with the Seiko Presage lettering at 3 o’clock, which sits under a piece of protective Hardlex glass. The watch also features a screw-down onion-shaped crown, which assists the case with a 50-meter water-resistant rating. The new Seiko Cocktail Time watch has been released alongside a captivating deep crimson version, inspired by Kishi’s Red Brick cocktail.
Inside the 40.5mm stainless steel case of the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time watch is the Calibre 4R72. 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. A screw-down exhibition caseback puts more of the movement on show.
Seiko equips this Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Illumine watch reference SSA455J1 with a black leather strap that secures to the wrist with a three-fold clasp with a push-button mechanism. Crafted from stainless steel, the clasp is stamped with the Seiko logo. Quick-release levers are integrated into the mechanism of the clasp, enabling you to switch the strap over to another alternative without the need for a tool.
If you’d like more information on the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Illumine Limited Edition watch, you can check out the details on the watch’s product page here at Jura Watches or call and speak to a member of our sales team today on 01335 453453
Technical Specifications of the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Illumine Limited Edition watch
- Case: 40.5mm – stainless steel – height – screw-down exhibition caseback – onion-shaped screw-down crown – 50-meter water-resistant – box-shaped Hesalite crystal glass top
- Dial: Silver – textures – 10 arc-shaped cut-outs in a fan-shaped pattern – exposed golden elements of the movement shown through the dial – applied faceted indexes – sword-shaped hour and minute hands
- Movement: Calibre 4R72 – automatic – in-house developed – 21,600 vph – 41-hour power reserve – 24 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds – gold finishes for exposing through the dial and caseback
- Strap: Black – leather – stainless steel – three-fold clasp – push-button mechanism – quick release levers – no tool required
- Reference: SSA455J1
- Availability: Limited to 5000 pieces
- Price: £520
