The Seiko Presage “Cocktail Time” line has been a massive success for the brand, becoming an affordable dressy staple in the general enthusiast consciousness in just a few short years. Part of the success of this series has been its variety, offering a distinctive and handsome style in a delicious assortment of colors. For 2020, the series branches out into three of its most unique models yet, offering an Arabic numeral dial in the line for the first time, along with a smaller 38.5mm case. These three new references, the Seiko Presage SRPE41 “Negroni,” the Seiko Presage SRPE43 “Old Clock,” and the Seiko Presage SRPE45 “Mojito,” take this modern classic in a more casual direction.
Despite the smaller 38.5mm diameter, the stainless steel case of these new “Cocktail Time” models should be familiar to anyone acquainted with the model line. The overall shape is clean and simple, with a narrow bezel, all-over mirror polish, and narrow straight lugs. Like previous models, this smaller case is topped off with a display caseback for some added visual flair.
The hallmark of the “Cocktail Time” series has always been the dramatically colored and textured dials, and the new trio of models keeps this spirit alive. The pressed dial pattern here is inspired by old-school cut crystal drinking tumblers overlaid with a deep, almost candy-apple color-coating evoking a classic cocktail: a handsome orange-red for the SRPE41 “Negroni,” the rich navy blue of the SRPE43 “Old Clock,” and a verdant green for the SRPE45 “Mojito.” The handset is a carryover from previous models, as well, a pair of mixed finish dauphine hands topped with the distinctive cocktail stirrer second hand. The indices are another major novelty for these models, with a mix of short triangular applied markers and stylized applied Arabic numerals modeled after the label text on vintage liquor bottles. It’s a combination that sounds good enough in theory, but in practice clashes somewhat with the rest of the design. For an extra added punch, the “Mojito” renders these in gold tone, playing off boldly with the green of the main dial.
As is expected in this price bracket for Seiko, the new Presage “Cocktail Time” models are powered by the in-house 4R35 automatic movement. This dependable powerplant provides a 41-hour power reserve. All three new “Cocktail Time” iterations are paired with leather straps in a complementary color — navy blue for the SRPE43 “Old Clock,” dark brown for the SRPE41 “Negroni,” and a medium tobacco hue for the SRPE45 “Mojito.”
These new additions to the Seiko Presage “Cocktail Time” lineup are some of the most dramatic departures yet from the core design, expanding the nameplate in new stylistic directions. All three models will be available by special order only, starting in July 2020, with all three priced at an MSRP of $425. For more information, visit Seiko’s website.