HANDS-ON: Seiko shakes it up with the complicated Presage Cocktail Time power reserve (ref. SSA346)

Felix Scholz

Last year, Seiko’s mainstream, mid-tier mechanical line, Presage, went global, with a collection of dressy options (including a particularly outstanding chronograph). This year Seiko expanded Presage in a big way, turning one of the most popular Japanese domestic models (JDM), the SARB065 – AKA the Cocktail Time – into a fully fledged collection.

The Presage Cocktail Time consists of a range of three-handed options and a few more complicated offerings, all starring dials that pack a punch as potent as the drinks for which they’re named. We’re going to explore the broader family in a bit more depth soon, but we thought it was well past time to crack open the collection. So today we’re looking at the SSA346, a 40.5mm rose gold-toned number with well-integrated power reserve indicator that doesn’t break the flow of the dial in the slightest. There’s also a neat date subdial at six. But of course, the complications aren’t the point here — the focus is firmly on the dial, with its beautiful pressed, radial guilloché-esque pattern.

Honestly, the dial alone is enough to get this watch over the line, but the fun doesn’t stop there. There’s a pleasingly domed Hardlex crystal and the rose gold coated case is handsome, with the large slightly flared crown that is now a trademark of the Presage line. The case is a little on the thick side for such a suit-ready watch, coming in at 14.5mm.

The reason for this hefty case is the movement – the 4R57 – which, like all Presages, uses Seiko’s ‘Trimatic’ technology that incorporates Diashock, Magic Lever and the SPRON alloy. Interestingly, the choice of movement is one of the few bones of contention on this watch. The JDM Cocktail Time used the 6R15, which offered better finishing and slightly more power reserve. And while this might put some people off, the use of the 4R series is absolutely the right choice for the Cocktail Time, given its price point and brand positioning.

If you want to add some after-five glamour with a hint of complication to your life, why not give the smooth and rich Presage Cocktail Time a taste.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time (ref. SSA346) Australian pricing

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, ref. SSA346, $1100