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Seiko’s New Cocktail Time Watches Bring the Fun Of Mixology to Your Wrist
We’ve seen some stunning new watches in 2022, with the big hitters releasing pieces that celebrate major landmarks. Audemars Piguet has dropped a series of watches that mark fifty years since the debut of its iconic Royal Oak. And what about Zenith’s collaboration with Extreme E racing and its work to raise awareness of climate change? These exciting luxury models have made quite a splash – but sometimes we’re after watches that are more affordable and a little lighthearted. Step up Japanese giant Seiko with its Cocktail Time collection – a series of watches that take inspiration from the world of mixology. The latest fun models reference cocktail genius Hisashi Kishi and his Tokyo-based STAR BAR.
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Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition models | Image: Seiko
If you’re familiar with Seiko’s quirky alcohol-inspired watches then the two new iterations will be reassuringly familiar. They utilize the same case as previous models but add a slight twist – as you’d expect from a good cocktail. Both watches – Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA455 and SSA457 – use the brand’s tried and tested formula, while featuring a new skeleton layout.
Since 2010 the Seiko Cocktail Time collection has been about designing individual models that each pay tribute to a particular drink. That continues, with the SSA455 and SSA457 referencing drinks created by Hisashi Kishi, the first bartender to receive the “Contemporary Master Craftsman” award.
Both watches have a mid-sized stainless steel case with a dressy aesthetic and a box-shaped Hardlex crystal that adds a vintage vibe. The relatively plain case does a great job of focusing attention on the stunning dials – the real stars of the show. The Seiko SSA457 takes its inspiration from a drink called ‘Red Brick’ and mimics the colouring with a rich crimson dial that also boasts a gradient effect. The SSA455 variant is styled after the ‘Illumine’ cocktail and has a textured finish and pale yellow colouring.
Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA455J1 | Image: Seiko
Of course, it’s the unique curved cut-away sections that grab your attention. Both watches feature an eye-catching pattern of cut-outs that expose the Seiko Automatic Calibre 4R72 below, a real treat for fans of mechanical movements. While the beating heart of the watch ticks, the utilitarian hands and markers do their work of telling the time without distracting from the skeleton design.
For Seiko collectors, two new Presage Cocktail Time models offer another take on a well-established and well-loved design. For casual watch fans, these are a great introduction to the brand’s playful range that celebrates the best of mixology and cocktail culture. Each model is limited to 5000 pieces.
Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA457 | Image: Seiko
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA455 and SSA457
Diameter: 40.5mm
Height: 11.6mm
Straps: Calfskin Leather
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Seiko Calibre 4R72 Automatic
Glass: Hardlex
Water Resistance: 50M
Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA455J1 | Image: Seiko
Presage Cocktail Time STAR BAR Limited Edition SSA455J1 | Image: Seiko
Lee Smith
Lee Smith lives in Tynemouth, England. Having graduated with a BA(Hons) from Sheffield University (1996) he spent several years at a FTSE 100 software company. He left to pursue his love of literature and opened a bookstore. As well as exhibiting books at events around the UK, he also became manager of the annual Alnwick Bookfair. In 2016 Lee switched to his other passion - watches. He began retailing niche brands and launched his own microbrand. He then used his extensive knowledge of watches to write a popular blog. Since 2020 he's written about watches full time.
