The New Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Watches Come with Gradient Dials

A gradient dial typically refers to a watch face where the colour transitions smoothly from one shade to another. This can create a visually appealing and dynamic effect on the watch, adding an element of uniqueness to its design. Gradient dials are often used in fashion watches or limited-edition timepieces to make them stand out. 

Many watch enthusiasts adore the Seiko Presage because of its reasonable pricing, high-quality build, and elegant appearance, complete with striking gradient dials. The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time in particular is known for its combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and a design inspired by cocktails (yes, we are referring to those delightful alcoholic mixed drinks). The name, Cocktail Time, comes from the idea that these watches are suitable for both formal occasions and casual settings, much like a cocktail party. The latest “his and her’” Cocktail Time models feature gradient dials inspired by cocktails created by Hisashi Kishi, award-winning bartender and owner of STAR BAR in Tokyo.

Crafting cocktails is indeed an art form. It involves a combination of creativity, flavour knowledge, presentation skills, and a good understanding of the science behind mixing various ingredients. Just like any other form of art, crafting cocktails allows for self-expression and experimentation. Just like a painter chooses colours, a mixologist selects and combines flavours. The ability to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and savoury elements requires a keen palate and a sense of harmony. The visual appeal of a cocktail is crucial as well. From the choice of glassware to garnishes, the presentation can elevate the cocktail drinking experience.

Purple Sunset ― Ref. SRPK75

The first watch in the collection is Ref. SRPK75, named Purple Sunset. The 9,000-piece limited-edition watch comes in a 40.5 mm stainless steel case, and has lugs and a crown at 3 o’clock; the timepiece is 11.8 mm thick and the lug-to-lug distance adds up to 47.5 mm. The dial is protected by a Hardlex crystal, evoking the colours of sunset.

The gradation from navy blue to purple on the dial expresses the sky at sunset as it dims while retaining the reddish hues of the setting sun. The applied and faceted hour markers are golden, matching the frame of the date window at 3 o’clock that gets a black background and white numeral with razor-sharp dauphine hour and minute hands.

Inside thecase is the classic Seiko in-house automatic calibre 4R35 that delivers a 41-hour power reserve. Turning the watch over showcases the sapphire caseback featuring a gold-coloured oscillating weight. This model is finished on a dark brown calfskin leather strap with a three-fold clasp and a push button release button.

Pinky Twilight ― Ref. SRE014

The Pinky Twilight model (Ref. SRE014) for women comes with a 30.3 mm diameter, a thickness of 10.9 mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 37 mm, and is limited to only 5,000 pieces. The watch, housed in a gold-plated stainless steel case with lugs and a crown, has a box-shaped Hardlex glass over the dial. Peachy pink sunset colours are used to create the gradient dial that transitions from light pink at the top to gently fading yellow.

Like the men’s model, the gold-coloured indices are faceted and applied to the dial, and the date window at 3 o’clock is framed with a white background and black numeral. The sharp contours of the dauphine spayed hour and minute hands are complemented by a central seconds hand with diamond-shaped hour markers. 

Hidden beneath the caseback is Seiko’s in-house automatic Calibre 2R05. Powering the three hands and a date function, the movement beats at 21,600 vph and delivers a 40-hour power reserve. Turning the watch over showcases the closed caseback with the engraving of the individual watch number out of 5,000. The Presage Cocktail Time Pinky Twilight comes on a brown calfskin strap with a triple-folding clasp and push-button release.