Seiko Presage SRPE45J1 Seiko

The Seiko Presage SRPE45J1 is part of Seiko’s iconic Cocktail Time line. The initial version was a collaboration with Ishigaki Shinobu, a renowned Japanese bartender. It was released as a ‘JDM’ – Japanese Domestic Market – model that was also sold at Seiko Boutiques. Quickly this model caught on incredibly well, also in part due to the hype on the different watch forums. Seiko then decided to release the original Cocktail Time internationally and gradually building upon the line with new colourways.

This SRPE45J1 is one of the latest versions, with some new ingredients added to… the cocktail. There’s some minor and not so minor differences. To begin, the dial doesn’t have the lines you’ve come to know the Cocktail Time by, but rather an intricate pattern inspired by vintage drinking glasses. Extremely sophisticated and also extremely beautiful. It will just keep catching your eyes and it again has the unique ability to play with the light. Another change is that the case is now slightly smaller: 38.5mm (by 45.4mm lug to lug). In terms of a dress watch a very respectable size and it still goes very beautifully on most wrists.

The the domed Hardlex mineral crystal and the dauphine hands remain however, to continue the DNA of the original and maintain the classic look.

Under the hood is the reliable mechanical, automatic, Seiko Cal. 4R35, which is also visible through the caseback window. Of course this is an in-house Seiko movement, in line with the rich history of the brand.

All the all, even if you ignore the history and background, this is just a very beautiful watch that will draw attention in a very sophisticated way. What more can you wish for?