Presage Cocktail Time Modern Style Blackout Ref. SARY219

Seiko has grown into a well-respected brand whose watches have been enjoyed by many since its founding in 1881. The brand is an undisputed king of watchmaking from its first mechanical watch in 1913 to the 2014 prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genve (GPHG) for its hi-beat calibre. In recent years, Seiko has worked hard to streamline its offerings. The Prospex and Presage lines have become more defined and stand on their own capably. Todays new release is part of the latter. Let us take a closer look.

The Seiko Presage range was introduced in 2016 and is an all-mechanical series to showcase the refined and elegant side of Seiko – no matter the price point. Seikos prowess as a watchmaker can be observed and admired from the entry-level Presage Cocktail Time to higher-end enamel and porcelain dial Presages.

This new SARY219 is part of Seiko’s Cocktail Time collection, first released in 2010. However, it only became available on the international market in 2017 when the Japanese watchmaker released it as part of the Presage line. Since then, the series has been well-regarded as an excellent dress watch at a great price-to-value ratio. Each wristwatch in the lineup is inspired by a particular cocktail and visually reflects its characteristics.

The SARY219 has a case diameter of 39.5mm, a height of only 11.8mm, and a lug-to-lug of 46mm. Compared to previous renditions of the Cocktail Time series, the timepiece has been sized down by a full millimetre, allowing for a better fit on the wrist and addressing the primary concern of the watch being slightly too big for a dress piece by Seiko fans in the past. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel and is entirely coated with black PVD. Despite its all-black nature, the watch still features elegant high-polishing throughout, allowing it to have a terrific light play.

The charcoal dial has a subtle gradient effect, and the dial pattern has a beautiful guilloch-like design, which shifts tone under different lighting conditions. The pattern seems to disappear at certain angles, only to come into play when light hits it. The dial can look brownish when the light hits it at a certain angle. Facetted sword hands and baton-style indices are used here, while a framed date aperture can be found at three that, thanks to its colour-matched nature, does not mess up the dials proportions. A piece of boxed Hardlex crystal sits atop the dial. The signed crown and screw-down caseback combine to give the watch 50m of water resistance which is plenty for a dress watch.

Flipping the watch over will reveal an exhibition caseback showcasing the Seiko 4R35 movement. It is quite the workhorse and is used in several Seiko watches. The 4R35 movement has 23 jewels, beats at 21,600 BPH, and a power reserve of 41 hours. The calibre is decorated with a skeletonised gold-plated rotor, adding a touch of class to an already elegant timepiece.

Seiko decides to pair the Cocktail Time Modern Style Blackout on a black PVD 20mm H-Link bracelet that tapers gently to a signed butterfly clasp. The steel bracelet is comfortable and robust, which will allow it to suit a variety of occasions. Strap it on with a suit or a simple t-shirt and jeans combo, and it will not look out of place in the slightest.

This latest addition to the famed Cocktail Time collection is an excellent timepiece to consider. It can be suited for watch enthusiasts looking to add a no-frills dress watch for very little money or even for those looking to own a beautiful mechanical wristwatch and call it a day. Take a sip of cocktail and take this newest Seiko Presage Cocktail Time wristwatch with you – it is sure to catch people’s attention in the bar and become a fantastic conversation starter.