Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The 2026 Seiko Presage Cocktail Time HCB001, HCB002 and HCB003
Three nicely sized new iterations of the cocktail-inspired watch by Seiko
There’s no denying that Seiko’s collection is vast, ranging from accessible, sporty watches in the Seiko 5 Sports collection to professionally-oriented tool watches from the Prospex line. Also important for the Japanese manufacturer is the Presage range, itself to be divided into several sub-collections. The highlights are, without a doubt, the Craftsmanship Series that pays tribute to traditional decorative techniques, as well as the Classic series of elegant, restrained dress watches. But let’s not forget the Presage Cocktail Time models, original, accessible watches with a twist, inspired by Tokyo’s nightlife. Today, Seiko releases three new Presage Cocktail Time (HCB001, HCB002 and HCB003), with compact proportions and colourful dials.
Contrary to the more expensive and higher-end Craftsmanship Series, the Presage Cocktail Time watches keep it mechanically simple and thus fairly accessible. A good way to get yourself an elegant dress watch that’s anything but boring, as most watches in the collection feature textured dials executed in nice colours. Classy, with a bit of fun.
The new models in the series are no exception to the rule, and Seiko offers three new executions as part of the permanent collection: HCB001, HCB002 and HCB003. The technical base is familiar and identical for all three watches, starting with nicely proportioned cases measuring 38.5mm in diameter, under 12mm in thickness and only 45mm in lug-to-lug. Sure, a bit more thinness would be appropriate, but that would require a different and more costly movement… You can’t get it all. The design is simple but convincing, with straight lugs, a vintage-style Hardlex crystal on top (still no sapphire to report…) and a decent 50m water-resistance.
As always with the Presage Cocktail Time series, the dials are what matter most. Here, the HCB001 gets a gradient blue colour and pairs it with silver-toned hands and applied markers, resulting in a more discreet, slightly more modern look. The HCB002 and HCB003 play on warmer tones, with a gradient green or gradient brown base, paired with yellow gold- or rose gold-coloured hands and hour markers, respectively. On all three, the base of the dial underneath the translucent colour is lightly textured, and the non-luminous hands and applied markers are both polished and faceted. A circular date window sits at 4:30.
Inside the case is the brand’s most tried-and-tested movement, the calibre 4R35, which has been central in the development of Seiko’s entry-level offerings. This automatic movement beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour and stores about 41 hours of power reserve. It is visible here underneath a mineral glass caseback.
The way the watches are secured to the wrist also differs depending on the reference. The classic HCB001 pairs its blue dial with a 5-link brushed and polished steel bracelet for a more casual look. The HCB002 and HCB003 are fitted with a light-brown or dark-brown leather strap with a quick-change system and a three-fold steel clasp.
Available from the permanent collection, all three new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time are priced at EUR 490. For more details, please visit seikowatches.com.
