Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches

Introducing New “Cocktail” Seiko Presage Inspired by Tokyo’s Best Cocktails

| By Brice Goulard | 4 min read |
Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

At Baselworld 2017, Seiko introduced a new line in the Presage collection, the “Cocktail” watches – colourful, elegant timepieces inspired by the glamorous world of the cocktail bar. Comprising no less than 8 models, this series of Presage watches have been praised for its audacious look and for the perfect combination of mechanical pleasure with fair prices. Today, Seiko enriches the collection with four new models (two new dials, with two different movements) which have been inspired by the work of a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships. Here are the Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight and Sakura Hubuki with references SSA361, 363 and SRPC01, 03.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

Compared to the previous editions, we find the same base. A stainless steel case, entirely polished, measuring a reasonable 40.5mm diameter, some nice and colourful leather strap with alligator printing, automatic movements, overall great quality and details. There are however some strong evolutions on the dials, and not only in the colours chosen by Seiko. The Presage Cocktail collection, even if available in various tones, ranging from light blue to brown, cherry red or off-white, always featured the same pattern on the dial, with a deep sunray engraving, which created a nice depth effect and played a lot with the ambient light. This is where the new Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight and Sakura Hubuki changes the game.

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The Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight Blue

Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

The first version to be presented in this new Presage Cocktail collection is fitted with a striking blue dial, with a unique pattern. It is inspired by one of Hisashi Kishi’s award winning cocktails named the “Starlight”, which evokes the brilliance and mystery of the night sky. “The secret of a great Starlight is the bubbles. I shake the cocktail mixer in a special way that I call my ‘Infinity Shake’ to add tiny bubbles that sparkle in the glass” he says. We find this concept in the dial, with its gradient blue colour (lighter in the centre), with a non-linear pattern engraved. It’s available in two versions (automatic with date, automatic with pointer date and power reserve) under the references SSA361 and SRPC01.

The Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Sakura Hubuki

Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

The second version in this new Presage Cocktail collection is the Sakura Hubuki, which is inspired by a classical Japanese theme, the cherry blossom. To evoke this, Seiko has chosen a delicate pink dial, as does Kishi’s creation. As he says, “I love the flavours of this cocktail. The sharp taste of the gin mixes perfectly with the richness of the sweet Sake. The malted rice floats on the surface like cherry blossom in the spring breeze.” The dial also presents a specific concentric pattern which again uses classical Nippon themes. Available in two versions (automatic with date, automatic with pointer date and power reserve) under the references SSA363 and SRPC03.

2 movements available

Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

Not only 2 colours will be available, but also two different movements. The first versions – ref. SRPC01 and SRPC03 – are powered by a well-known automatic movement, found in various watches of the brand. This calibre 4R35 beats at 3Hz and boasts 41 hours of power reserve. It displays the time and the date in a very classical and elegant way – time on the central axis, with H.M.S and date at 3. the movement is visible through the caseback.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight - Sakura Hubuki SSA361-363 SRPC01-03

The second offer in this new Presage Cocktail collection is a more complex one. Indeed, based on the 4R57 movement, these watches display the time via central hands, as well as the date in a sub-dial at 6. The main attraction is the extra-large power reserve indication, which is given by a central hand that points a track going from 12 to 4. This automatic movement, visible from the back side, beats at 3Hz and provides 41 hours of energy. It will be available under the references SSA361 and SSA363.

These new Seiko Presage Cocktail watches are, as always, very decently priced. The automatic versions retail for EUR 420, while the power reserve editions retail for EUR 550. More details on seikowatches.com.


Technical Specifications – Seiko Presage Cocktail Starlight and Sakura Hubuki

  • Case: 40.5mm diameter – Thickness 14.4mm (SSA361, 363) 11.8mm (SRPC01, 03) – stainless steel, polished – Hardlex crystal – see-through caseback – 50m water resistance
  • Movement: Calibre 4R35 or 4R35 – in-house – automatic winding – 3Hz frequency – 41h power reserve – hours, minutes and seconds on the central axis – date at 3 (4R35) – power reserve and pointer date (4R57)
  • Strap: Calf strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
  • References:
  • Price:

https://monochrome.website-lab.nl/introducing-seiko-presage-cocktail-ssa361-ssa363-srpc01-srpc03-price/

10 responses

  1. IMHO, the minute hand is too short. Would make a huge positive difference if it was of the same length as the second hand.

  2. I really need one of these. Both are just beautiful and moderately sized at 40.5mm, although I would’ve prefer it at 39mm.

  3. The indexes regarding 12h, 3h,6h and 9h are not of the same size of the others and affect the harmony of the whole dial.

  4. Hands should reach the track, not vaguely point. The minute should touch the minute track.

  5. Other Presage have sapphire and are less expensive, SRPB63 is one

  6. Hate it, dial should be 12391293mm and the minute hands should touch the end of each minute. The hour hand should be bright pink and the strap should be made out of baby skin. Hamilton here I come.

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