Inspired by the drinks from the iconic Star Bar in Tokyo, Japan, Seiko has released two new Presage Cocktail Time watches!
Last month, Seiko introduced two beautiful new timepieces dedicated to Japan’s Star Bar in Tokyo. The two timepieces are inspired by two cocktails from the bar’s menu, one for men and one for the ladies. Respectively, the timepieces are also created this way, with both genders being catered for.
Both timepieces feature gradation dials, representing the cocktails the watches are based on, as each cocktail has different layers. The drinks have been created by master cocktail maker Hisashi Kishi, who has named the men’s cocktail (and in this case, the two respective Seiko timepieces) “Purple Sunset” and the ladies’ cocktail “Pinky Twilight”. The beautiful sunsets of Tokyo have inspired the designs of each cocktail.
However, this isn’t the first time Seiko has collaborated with the iconic Star Bar of Tokyo, and for a good reason, too. Numerous timepieces by Seiko have already been dedicated to the famous Bar and its impeccable cocktails. The dimly lit Tokyo bar has seen some of the best bartenders in Japan come out from under the guidance of Hisashi Kishi.
Hisashi Kishi, the head of Star Bar Tokyo, is said to have won the world’s greatest cocktail competition (International Bartenders Association world title) at just the age of 31. His impressive cocktail-making skills have earned him the right to be recognised as a “Contemporary Master Craftsman”. For his skills and how he crafts his cocktails, Hisashi Kishi has also earned himself the Japanese Emperor’s Medal of Honor. He is also the current head of the Nippon Bartenders Association. It’s quite clear to see why Seiko has dedicated so many Presage Cocktail timepieces in honour of Hisashi Kishi and his famous Star Bar.
Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sunset”
The first of the latest Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar limited edition timepieces is the SRPK75 “Purple Sunset”. This timepiece, curated for men, comes with a stainless steel 40.5mm case, with a thickness of just 11.8mm. The layered Purple Sunset drink is replicated on the dial. The drink starts off with purple tones at the top of the glass and gets to a lighter purple, yellowish colour towards the bottom. On the dial, this is mimicked through the gradation of navy colour at the top to more light purple tones and burgundy colours at the bottom.
“The gradation from navy and to purple expresses the sky at sunset as it dims while retaining the reddish hues of the setting sun.”
Seiko on the creation of the purple sunset dial
To complement the dial whilst also showing the yellow/orange sunset, Seiko has used pink gold for the hour indices, hands, date window box, and dial inscriptions. This quite nicely contrasts with the darker tones of the sunsetting sky and makes reading the time a lot easier.
Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sunset” 
Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sunset”
The movement used inside the Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar “Purple Sunset” is Seiko’s 4R35 automatic movement. This movement is a steady workhorse and is widely used by the brand thanks to its reliability and craftsmanship. The movement operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 VpH) and offers a date function, hacking seconds and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
Star Bar SRE014 “Pinky Twilight”
The lady’s timepiece follows the design of the men’s, with a beautiful gradation dial created in reference to the “Pink Twilight” cocktail from Star Bar’s menu, with the drink starting off with a hint of blue at the top that gradually turns to a shade of pink at the bottom. Unlike the men’s model, however, this timepiece comes in a gold-coated stainless steel case, measuring 30.3mm in diameter and 10.9mm thick.
The delicate gradation from light pink to yellow expresses the pale, glowing sky at sunset.
Seiko on the creation of the Pinky Twilight dial
The dial of the SRE014 “Pinky Twilight” follows the concept behind the cocktail, and is created using colours to resemble the sunset, rather than directly mimic the colours of the cocktail. The dial starts off with a touch of pink at the 12 o’clock hour indices, with the colour then gradually shifting to a light yellow tone at 6 o’clock.
Like the men’s model, the hour indices, hands, date window and Seiko logo have been coated in pink gold. For this timepiece, however, these elements blend in with the dial and don’t have as much of a standout effect as the men’s “Purple Sunset”, and understandably so, as the men’s model had a darker background, resulting in a starker contrast.
Star Bar SRE014 “Pinky Twilight” 
Star Bar SRE014 “Pinky Twilight”
Seiko has used the 2R05 movement for this ladies SRE014 “Pinky Twilight”. The 2R05 calibre movement has very similar specs to the 4R35 calibre movement in that it performs at the same 3Hz (21, 600 VpH) frequency and delivers a similar power -reserve at approximately 40 hours. Unlike the men’s edition, however, the SRE014 “Pinky Twilight” comes with a closed case back that features a “Limited Edition” inscription alongside the model number/ 5000 units.
Final Thoughts
Seiko’s Presage Cocktail Time collection delivers time and time again with beautiful aesthetic dials that make for a great everyday timepiece whilst also being a great dress watch for more formal occasions. The watches practically sell themselves for the price you pay for these timepieces, and what you get in return in terms of beautiful visually aesthetic dials and Seiko’s workhorse reliable automatic movements.
The Star Bar has been the location for many of Seiko’s cocktail-inspired timepieces, and understandably so, with master cocktail maker Hisashi Kishi at the helm, creating unique drinks that transpire into stunning dials on timepieces. The latest “Purple Sunset” and “Pinky Twilight” is a testament to both Hisashi Kishi and Seiko, for creating a cocktail inspired by the sunset of Tokyo, and for creating two beautiful dials that reflect this scenery.
Both the “Purple Sunset” and “Pinky Twilight” are limited edition timepieces, with the men’s SRPK75 limited to 9000 models worldwide, while the lady’s SRE014 is limited to 5000 models worldwide. Both timepieces can be purchased through Seiko authorised dealers and boutiques or through the brand’s online website, Seikowatches.com.au.
Reference: Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sunset”
Specification
- Case: 40.5mm x 11.8mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Gradient dial that goes from navy to purple tones.
- Crystal: Box-shaped Hardlex anti-glare coating.
- Water resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: 4R35
- Movement Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx 41 hours
- Bracelet: Dark burgandy calfskin leather strap.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: $865.00 AUD
Availability: Limited to 9000 models. Available through Seiko authorised dealers and boutiques or the brand’s online website, Seikowatches.com.au.
Reference: Star Bar SRE014 “Pinky Twilight”
Specification
- Case: 30.3mm x 10.9mm thickness
- Case Material: Gold-coated stainless steel
- Dial: Gradient dial that goes from light pink to yellow tones.
- Crystal: Box-shaped Hardlex anti-glare coating.
- Water resistance: 50m (5 Bar)
- Movement: 2R05
- Movement Frequency: 3Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx 4 hours
- Bracelet: Brown calfskin leather strap.
