Seiko Presage SSA343J1 Seiko

Ask any artist if their latest work is going to be a big popular success and most times the answer will be that they don’t know. Sometimes that number 7 on an album turns out to be a song that really strikes a chord with the masses. Seiko had a similar thing with a model that inspired the now iconic Cocktail Time model 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. The demand was so big Seiko realised they had a global hit on their hands and the rest is history. 

The Seiko Presage SSA343J1 is part of this iconic line and you can easily see why this model caught on so well. A dial like this is a stroke of genius. When it comes to dress watches the details and smallest nuances can make a huge impact, which is why it’s so hard to make a truly inspiring model. What Seiko did was get the details just right. Everything from the domed Hardlex mineral crystal, the elegantly shaped 40.5mm (47.5mm lug to lug) case and the dauphine hands make the Cocktail Time into a very exciting watch that is a joy to look at each time you check the time. The dial plays with the light in a beautiful way which is why this watch draws so many compliments.

Under the hood is the reliable mechanical, automatic, Seiko Cal. 4R57, which is also visible through the caseback window and features a central power reserve indicator and date hand at 6 o’clock. Of course this is an in-house Seiko movement, in line with the rich history of the brand. These extra complications add a level of depth to the design, alongside being very practical. 

With the Cocktail Time you are purchasing an iconic, high quality, watch that stands out in all the right ways and makes you realise that while the success may have been unexpected initially, it’s entirely justified.