INTRODUCING: The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition
Jason MarsdenSeiko (and Grand Seiko) lead the watch world in drawing inspiration from nature, especially for their dials. Seasons, textures, materials and surfaces, drawn together with colours, translucency and reflectivity. Many are not only visually clear in their story, but Seiko also wraps words around each creation taking us on a journey to a location, perhaps even to a certain time of year, or by creating a connection to the master artisan involved. This all delivers a strong emotional story, and generates a bond and even yearning for the location of such promised beauty and perfection. What is art if not the creation of emotion in the audience? As I take a breath from such high thought and contemplation, it makes me smile to think that Seiko also draws inspiration from alcohol.
The Seiko Presage line has delivered a steady serving of cocktail-inspired watches. Of course, cocktails are the most artistic of drinks and their components are literally the distillation of items from nature. The very best bartenders and bars can gain favourable reputations, cult followings and formal awards recognition. Such is the case with Hisashi Kishi, head bartender at Star Bar in Tokyo’s Ginza district, who has previously won the prestigious International Bar Association World Championships. Seiko has drawn inspiration from Star Bar and some of their signature cocktails.
The Star Bar itself is a visual feast of burgundy walls, dark wood bar with an ornate gold bronze pressed tin ceiling. The staff are impeccably dressed in black tie and waist coats with crisp white shirts.
Seiko Presage cocktail-inspired watches include the green tea, Raku, hojicha (roasted green tea), Hou, as well as the Negroni, Old Clock, Mojito, Tequila Sunset, and Frozen Margarita – the last now surely also about to be subject to the absolute madness around anything with a light blue dial.
The latest cocktail-inspired watch is a little different. Named after Star Bar’s sake-based Houjou cocktail, this watch is a step back in time. The gold-coloured case, crown and elongated tapered indices convey elegance reminiscent of the 1950s. This could well have been the watch of your businessman grandfather or well-to-do Great Uncle but in a more contemporary 40.5mm case. The formality is only tempered slightly by the wrap-around overstitching at the lug ends of the calfskin band. The strap is affixed with quick-release spring bars allowing the owner to easily personalise the overall look.
Presage dials are where the range really differentiate themselves, and here we see a soft, golden tone, face featuring a texture intimating the soft yellow sun on rice paddies as would be found around the likes of the picturesque Hoshitoge no Tanada village.
The Presage staple 4R35B automatic movement incorporates hand winding, hacking and is visible through the display case back which also features the limited-edition number of each timepiece.
I can’t help think that it would be interesting to see this watch eschew the centre seconds and go with a small seconds sub dial at 6 to really maximise the ’50s vibe. Although maybe that would be too much a nod to old convention, and akin to putting a paper umbrella on one of Star Bar’s elegant creations.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition pricing and availability
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition is available now from Seiko in a limited run of 5,500 pieces and is priced at GBP 450