The New Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style Collection (Live Pics & Price)

When it comes to entry-level, affordable watchmaking with decent specs and (often) very good looks, you can’t ignore Seiko. The Japanese powerhouse has a collection that’s spread as wide as it is deep, with countless interesting styles and configurations to choose from. Perfectly suited for enthusiasts looking to start collecting or for those looking to own a good looking mechanical watch and call it a day, the Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ series is a great collection to consider. Seiko now expands the collection with three new models that take the humble Presage in three different directions. Here are the Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ13J1, SRPJ15J1 and SRPJ17J1.

The Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ has always been a fun and no-nonsense range of watches. The cases are always done in steel (sometimes coated in black) and you get a slice of what Seiko is capable of when it comes to dials: colours and textures. Inspiration unsurprisingly comes from the world of cocktails, with special editions like the Star Bar SRPH78J1 being on the more expressive end of the spectrum. What sets these three novelties aside is not all that spectacular, to be honest, but it does show that the Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ is a versatile little thing. Each one is a very different execution of the core codes, ranging from a sporty or stealthy look to more formal attire.

Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ13J1

First up is a literal no-brainer. Steel case, blue dial, steel bracelet, mechanical movement. That pretty much covers the essence of a good all-around watch you can put on, look good, and just forget about. The Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ13J1 has a 39,5mm wide stainless steel case, which is actually a touch smaller compared to previous models like the aforementioned Star Bar SRPH78J1 or the Matcha SRPF41J1 and Hojicha SRPF43J1.

Set under a box-shaped Hardlex crystal is a bright blue dial with a slight gradient effect. Radiating from the centre is a very fine guilloché-like pattern, which shifts tone under varying lighting conditions. Under certain angles the pattern seems to disappear, only to come back into play when light hits it. Surrounding the dial is a mix of baton-style and facetted indices, paired with sword-shaped hour and minute hands. The framed date window cuts into the three o’clock marker.

Inside all three of these new models is Seiko’s well-known Calibre 4R35 automatic movement. This is quite the workhorse and is used in a whole range of Seiko’s. It runs at a frequency of 21,600vph and provides a running time of 41 hours when fully wound. Visible through the transparent caseback is the distinct gold-coloured rotor.

The Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ13J1 comes on a stainless steel bracelet with H-shaped links and a deployment clasp. It is presented as a non-limited edition retailing for EUR 450.

Quick Facts – 39,5mm diameter – stainless steel case, polished and brushed – box-shaped hardlex crystal – see-through caseback – Push-down crown – 50m water-resistant – gradient blue dial with guilloché-like pattern – applied hour indices with facetted indices for 3/6/9/12 – facetted sword-shaped hour and minute hands – needle-like central seconds hand – framed date window – Calibre 4R35, in-house – automatic winding – 23 jewels – 21,600vph – 41h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date – stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp – EUR 450

Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ15J1

Next up is the most stealthy of the three, the Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ15J1. From the outside, all dimensions are exactly similar to the other two. The obvious exception however is the matte black coating on the case and bracelet. This gives the SRPJ15J1 a much more contemporary look, taking the overall vibe in a completely opposite direction as the SPRJ13J1.

The style of the dial matches the exterior and is finished in charcoal, with again a fine gradient. It can also emit a brown-ish hue when the light hits it at a certain angle. Just like the other two, it has been decorated with a fine guilloché-like pattern which waves outward from the centre. The hands and indices, as well as the minute track and framed date window, are identical to the SRPJ13J1 yet again.

Round the back, you are granted a view of the Calibre 4R35 that powers the SRPJ15J1. This offers central hours and minutes, with hacking seconds and a date indication. Again giving you 41 hours of autonomy, it’s wound by the gold0-coloured rotor but can also be wound by hand if desired. The SRPJ15J1 comes on the same stainless steel bracelet as the blue-and-steel one, albeit now with a black coating as well. It is priced slightly higher at EUR 520 but still provides decent value for money.

Quick Facts – 39,5mm diameter – black coated stainless steel case – box-shaped hardlex crystal – see-through caseback – Push-down crown – 50m water-resistant – gradient charcoal dial with guilloché-like pattern – applied hour indices with facetted indices for 3/6/9/12 – facetted sword-shaped hour and minute hands – needle-like central seconds hand – framed date window – Calibre 4R35, in-house – automatic winding – 23 jewels – 21,600vph – 41h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date – stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp – EUR 520

Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ17J1

The final of the three is the Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ17J1, which is also the more luxurious or formal one in terms of looks. By now I don’t need to go over the full specs of the case and such as it is the same 39,5mm wide stainless steel one from the SRPJ13J1. The relatively compact size makes it a very universally suitable watch for both men and women.

The dial of the SRPJ17J1 is again finished in a charcoal tone, with that slight gradient effect darkening it towards the outer edge. The same guilloché-like pattern is used to liven up the dial a little. The rose gold-coloured indices and hands provide a more elegant, sophisticated look. This is complemented by a matching frame around the date window and the gilt Seiko logo.

Turning the watch over shows you this too is equipped with the 4R35 movement by Seiko. The Seiko Presage ‘Cocktail Time’ Modern Style SRPJ17J1 is the only one of the three that comes on a leather strap. The dark brown leather strap makes perfect sense given the design of the dial and comes with a folding clasp. Retailing at EUR 450, there’s really very little if nothing to complain about. All three provide quite decent value-for-money and are a perfect gateway into the world of mechanical watchmaking.

Quick Facts – 39,5mm diameter – stainless steel case, polished and brushed – box-shaped hardlex crystal – see-through caseback – Push-down crown – 50m water-resistant – gradient charcoal dial with guilloché-like pattern – gilt applied hour indices with facetted indices for 3/6/9/12 – gilt facetted sword-shaped hour and minute hands – gilt needle-like central seconds hand – framed date window – Calibre 4R35, in-house – automatic winding – 23 jewels – 21,600vph – 41h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date – brown leather strap with folding clasp – EUR 450

For more information, please visit SeikoWatches.com