Seiko Presage SSA439J1 Seiko

The Seiko Presage SSA439J1 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 SSA439J1 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, subtle pattern and an ‘open heart’ through which you can see the movement ticking away. 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. The case size is still the same as the original at 40.5mm in diameter.

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. 4R38, which is not just visible through the dial, but through the caseback window. Of course this is an in-house Seiko movement, in line with the rich history of the brand.

A beautiful watch for anyone appreciating the craftsmanship and dynamics of a mechanical watch movement, but also those who appreciate beauty.