The Seiko Cocktail Time Irori Moments SRPK50 combines Australian and Japanese inspiration
Borna BošnjakThe Seiko Cocktail Time has been around for more than a decade now, born from a collaboration with Ishigaki Shinobu, one of the world’s most renown mixologists. The SARB065 and its power reserve-equipped sibling were hugely popular among enthusiasts looking for a sweet dial and an even sweeter deal. Over the years, it has become part of the dressy Presage line, paying tribute to numerous famous cocktails throughout its time – the gold-toned Star Bar and Irish Coffee come to mind. In collaboration with Lark, an Australian whisky distillery, Seiko has created a new Cocktail Time, exclusive for the Australasian market. The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Irori Moments SRPK50 gets its name from a bespoke cocktail inspired by the irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth used for heating and cooking, and as a gathering spot for families. The warmth of the heart of the fire is represented in the highly textured dial, the same colour as the whisky-based drink.
The dial
The main appeal of any Cocktail Time is the dial, and the Irori Moments is just stunning. Not only is it a standout in the Presage line-up, but I wouldn’t be too surprised to see this in a Grand Seiko, either. Combining Tasmanian Peated Whisky, wasabi, and plum, the golden colour is the backdrop to a random pattern that instantly reminds me of shaved ice floating on top of a lovely gimlet – or an Irori Moments, if you will.
To match the tone of the dial, the indices, hands, and dial appliques are all rendered in rose gold, including the date window frame that surrounds a black-on-white date wheel. The only detractor from this colour scheme is the printing indicating the model name and type of movement. While minimal, I’d love to see it removed from the dial altogether.
The case
Even though the Presage has always had dressy intentions, its case dimensions were always on the larger size for this type of watch, coming in at 40.5mm in diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug. The SRPK50 Irori Moments hides its 11.8mm height well with a thin mid-case and bulging caseback, though it never seemed oversized on my 6.15in/15.5cm wrist.
Just like the dial elements, the case is rose gold-toned, plated over a stainless steel base. The construction is a Hardlex sandwich, with a domed crystal in the front, and a flat one featuring on the caseback. The oversized push-pull crown guarantees 5 bar of water resistance.
The strap
The SRPK50J is paired with a brown calf leather strap with a faux croc print, finished in a rose gold-coloured folding clasp. Though a little bulky where the double pushers are located, the rest of the clasp is nicely curved, and I see it not jutting out even on wrists smaller than mine. Should you wish to swap it out for a different one, the 20mm lug width will be very accomodating.
The movement
Finally, the Presage Irori Moments is powered by Seiko’s in-house 4R35. This three-hander with date is a staple in the Seiko catalogue, with very minimal decoration apart from the semi-skeletonised gold-tone rotor. It’s a low-beat movement, ticking away at 21,600vph, with a 41-hour power reserve.
Seiko Presage Australasian Cocktail Time Limited Edition SRPK50J Irori Moments pricing and availability
The Seiko Presage Australasian Cocktail Time Limited Edition SRPK50J Irori Moments is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. Price: A$950
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Presage Australasian Cocktail Time Limited Edition Irori Moments |
| Reference Number | SRPK50J |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm (D) x 11.8mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Rose gold plated steel case |
| Water Resistance | 5 bar |
| Crystal(s) | Hardlex front and back |
| Dial | Textured gold gradient |
| Strap | Brown calf leather with push-button folding clasp |
| Movement | Seiko 4R35, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Australasian limited edition of 1,000 pieces |
| Price | A$950 |