Originally introduced in 2010, the Seiko Cocktail Time series is a lineup of drink-inspired dress watches, and since 2017, it has existed as part of the brand’s Presage lineup. Over the years, Seiko has released numerous different Cocktail Time models that have been inspired by everything from alcohol flavor profiles to thematic signature drinks, and among its latest releases of 2024, the brand has created a duo of new limited-edition Cocktail Time watches in collaboration with Japan’s famous STAR BAR located in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Appearing in two different sizes, the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SRPK93 and SRE015 watches are inspired by STAR BAR’s original cocktail “Night-Time Tokyo,” which pays tribute to evening views of the city’s lights.
The larger of the two new models is the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SRPK93, which is crafted from stainless steel and measures 40.5mm in diameter by 11.8mm thick, with a lug width of 20mm and an overall lug-to-lug distance of 47.5mm. A box-shaped Hardlex crystal protects its dial, while the reverse side of the watch receives a screw-down display caseback, and at the 3 o’clock location is a signed winding crown with fluted edges that operates with a traditional push/pull-style action. Water resistance for the Cocktail Time STAR BAR SRPK93 comes in at the Presage collection’s usual rating of 50 meters, and powering the SRPK93 is the brand’s entry-level Caliber 4R35 automatic movement, which runs at a rate of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
Meanwhile, the smaller model is the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SRE015, and while it is also crafted from stainless steel with 50 meters of water resistance, it differs from its larger SRPK93 sibling when it comes to its crystal and caseback. Measuring 30.3mm in diameter by 11mm thick, with 14mm lugs and a lug-to-lug profile of 37mm, the Cocktail Time STAR BAR SRE015 offers significantly reduced proportions, and unlike its larger sibling, the SRE015 is fitted with a solid screw-down caseback, along with a unique box-shaped Hardlex crystal that has a faceted motif cut into the outer rim of its interior surface, which creates a visual effect similar to a diamond-set bezel. To correspond with its smaller case, the SRE015 is powered by Seiko’s Caliber 2R05 automatic movement, which operates at the same 3 Hz frequency as its larger sibling, although it has a slightly shorter power reserve of 40 hours.
Both of the new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR watches are fitted with matching stainless steel bracelets, and while they appear to offer a five-link construction, a view of the reverse side reveals a more economical and simplified design. In addition to having hollow end-links at the lugs, the two side links and the middle link are all formed by a single piece of metal, which means that the bracelets for the new Cocktail Time STAR BAR models will be a bit less flexible compared to an actual five-link bracelet. None of Seiko’s images detail the clasps, although the product descriptions for the models state that they operate with a push-button release. Additionally, given the economical construction of the bracelets themselves, it is relatively safe to assume that the removable links will be secured by standard friction-fit pins, and the clasps will be the brand’s standard stamped-steel offerings.
The new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SRPK93 and SRE015 watches both feature gray textured dials that feature a subtle gradient effect that darkens towards the outer edges, and they are punctuated by applied gold-finished hour markers and a matching set of golden dauphine-shaped hands. Just like Seiko’s other watches, the new Presage Cocktail Time SRPK93 and SRE015 models don’t feature any type of luminous material, and they embrace a traditional three-handed layout with a date window at 3 o’clock. The overall appearance of the dials is intended to be reminiscent of one of STAR BAR’s signature cocktails called “Night-Time Tokyo,” which features a color profile inspired by an evening view of Tokyo’s skyline and the illuminated high-rise buildings that stand out in a warm golden hue against the dark urban landscape below.
Compared to classic drinks like a martini or negroni, which are enjoyed by countless people around the globe, the number of individuals who can personally relate to STAR BAR’s “Night-Time Tokyo” cocktail is rather limited. However, Seiko has produced multiple other watches inspired by STAR BAR’s original drinks, and many collectors enjoy these pieces simply because they are affordable and good-looking watches with a thematic connection to Seiko’s Japanese heritage. While the larger Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR SRPK93 will be produced as a 9,000-piece limited edition with an official retail price of $550 USD, the smaller SRE015 will be slightly more expensive at $650 USD, and it will be produced as a limited edition of 6,000 examples. Lastly, both models will have their individual limited-edition numbers engraved on their casebacks, and while neither is exactly a small-batch offering, an individually numbered piece always feels a bit more special than a watch with a generic limited-edition inscription. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.