I don't mind a 40mm dress watch at all. Nice to see this one slimmed down to 12mm. And dang that dial looks great under macro, I've always liked it, but don't think I've really appreciated how cool it really is.
The 40mm size makes the watch wear more casually than a 38mm or smaller watch would. Since I'm not a dressy fellow in general, the size is fine with me.
The vast majority of people are not wearing the correct dress to be worried about calling something a dress watch. Most watches are every day watches and it does not matter what you actually wear them with. A dress watch is typically something in the 30 to 35mm range but it tends to be a luxury watch and not so much Seiko watches. The cocktail is an everyday casual watch.
I've always felt similarly, I usually buy most of my watches with objective measures and value in mind. My blue moon cocktail time didn't quite fulfill those measures, but who cares, it is stunningly beautiful. It is the exception.
Wow! Perfect timing for this video. I just bought this watch on Black Friday weekend. I had to buy a couple things from the Apple Store @ the mall & had to go through JC Pennys to get to my car. Walked by the watch counter so had to see the displays. Nothing really peaked my interest. Finished up @ the clearance counter & there I saw it. Holy 💩 they have a Seiko Blue Moon on clearance. Instant purchase. Walked out there paying $100 for it. Felt like I robbed the place. Apparently it was overstock from not carrying Seiko anymore & switching to Citizen.
I Love Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Range so much that it was very difficult for me to decide between the Blue and Green, so I decided to acquire both. Now I have got both, the Blue Moon on Steel Bracelet whereas Mockingbird on a Brown Ostrich Leather Strap and I Love both of them.
This was the first mechanical watch i bought for myself. I got into watches a few years ago and always liked Seiko, and at first i wanted to go for the cheaper SRPA25K1 but the moment i saw this i knew i had to have one. Since then (just under a year ago) i bought 4 more Seikos (two are hand-wound vintage dress models so i don't wear them that much, and some sport model), and although i now wear my 'grail' watch (a 1964 Seikomatic Weekdater 6206-8040 with a beautiful patina dial) almost every day since i got it, i still take this one out of the box and wear it (or just look at it) at least once a week. I almost feel guilty if i don't! That dial is just so pretty, it's hypnotizing!
Nice! How do you like it so far? Hoping to have it done beginning of next month, but so far very impressed. Love the brushed finish on it, with the polished edge that runs along the side.
@@RelativeTime oh, yeah! I also noticed that polished edge. It reminds me to the SARB033. In fact, in my opinion this watch is the perfect alternative to the discontinued Seiko. I also love the hands of this beauty, notice that they are both polished and brushed. The indices are also remarkable, they are prominent and catch all the light. You see… I love this watch. I got it at Chrono24 for about 425 euros. Looking forward for your review! And thank's for your answer 🙂
I've owned this watch for about a year and a half now, and in my opinion it perfectly represents the current state of Seiko's market plan. Hardlex crystal, poor quality bracelet, a 4R36 movement that I needed to send back in for a warranty repair...Seiko knows we hate all of those things, and they don't care. They know they've got us hypnotized with that gorgeous blue dial. Seiko will keep moving their watch lines down in spec and up in price as long as we keep handing over our money. I, for one, won't stand for it any longer! Well, after I buy that new "Negroni" red dial, anyway...
It's not for me anyway. Too dressy for an everyday watch. It wud never get worn. I prefer wearing something like my black dial, black bezel omega planet ocean for my daily. And if I'm going more dressy I'd reach for my gold cartier or longines conquest heritage. If I'm going smart casual I'd be more inclined to wear my Raymond weil maestro (beatles Abbey Road) which is similar in style to this cocktail time but a little toned compared to the seiko on the dressy front.
Nice review! I own the green one myself, very happy with it. I love the details of the dial, the way the light reflects on all the elements and the fact that the second hand is gold coloured while the hour and minute hand are silver. A great watch that I wear a lot and enjoy very much. Wishing you a lot of enjoyment with your blue one, it looks very nice!
Like yourself, I rarely dress up. I wear a uniform (as many security guards do), or am relaxing... but this is indeed a nice looking watch. Beautiful dial, great review!
To answer for the dauphine hands, Jaeger LeCoultre does the dual finish in the Master Control Ultra thin, so it is a great approach to legibility. Great video!
I do love the Cocktail Time range. I purchased the red Negroni in a sale last year and it’s absolutely superb. This is the other one I have my eye on. I saw it in the flesh a few months ago and was wowed. A superb design but it’s took a 25% off Black Friday offer to bring it down to price I was happy to checkout. It looks stunning on that Tweed strap.
In the morning if my face is a little puffy, I’ll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1,000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub. Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask, which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an aftershave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturiser, then an anti-ageing eye balm followed by a final moisturising protective lotion.
One of the two seikos i fell for of recent years ,the cocktail time & the other being the gen 2 monster,totally stand out watches from the brand imho. & a well presented review too my friend.
Also i think the choice for Hardlex came from the fact it's boxed (hard/expensive to make sapphire in this shape) and that it sticks out so much. Sapphire is indeed harder and less prone to scratches than Hardlex, but is also more brittle and will shatter or crack easier.
I lusted after one of these for a couple of years. Finally bought one when I bought my wife her SRP839 for her 40th. Don't regret it one bit and it gets a few days of wrist time every week.
I've owned "The Blue Lagoon" for a year now. It wasn't until your excellent macro shots that I learned the dauphine hands were half polished and half matte. As you noted its a brilliant design element. This watch is a keeper in my collection (I received it as a service gift and tied to some company pride) but I don't wear it as often as it deserves. I blame the times we're in and the lack of opportunities to dress up - or even go into the office. Maybe I'm afraid to damage it. I agree with you on another point: There is something off about the bracelet. It lets the watch down. I've placed this on a very nice black leather strap and it's better but not quite right, so it's back on the stock bracelet. Strap Code makes a bracelet for the Cocktail Time with the power reserve, that might fit on this and solve the 'something missing' from this watch. Regardless, when I do wear it, I don't look past the sunray dial - it's mesmerizing. Great review.
It’s a nice watch. I’ve been debating on going with the Seiko Presage or the Seiko 5 GMT. The last time I walked in to buy the Presage I walked out with a Seiko 5 Super Cub instead. In the meantime my “dress” watch is a $30 Carribean Joe that my sister bought for me for $30 at Kohl’s. I went wild and actually added a Genuine Alligator Hadley-Roma strap to it.😂
Well if it's a size issue check out the Mojito Cocktail time. It's a bit smaller. th-cam.com/video/wRswEHhCjzo/w-d-xo.html Or with the Seiko5s check out the DressKxs for something inbetween... I really like this one th-cam.com/video/j3KnhTnR5zU/w-d-xo.html
@@RelativeTimeI gave in and bought it. A little Thanksgiving gift to myself. Great watch. Gorgeous indeed. A second look at your video and my local watch dealer sold me on it. Thanks
I went with the SRPB46J1, but the blue looks very tasty too, especially on some of those straps. I agree with your points regarding the legibility - it does a great job of informing you of the time despite your attention being mostly focused on the play of light across that dial.
I own the green one, it's absolutely stunning and really caught my eye when I saw it in person, much more than I thought it would in advance. Love wearing it both in more casual and more dressy situations, can't go wrong with it! The darker ones all look great, I think.
Great review as usual, and great shots as usual (you really captured this spectacular dial). I've never noticed the half polished/half brushed hands on these before. I agree with you, that's pretty brilliant. And as much as I love to look at that dial (like you said), I have to figure if I'd pull that blue one off (or the silver one) wearing it. Maybe a grey dial would suit me best, not sure. But they do look bloody amazing, that's for sure.
Very nice review I was actually going to buy the blue ice cocktail time, but you sold me on the deep blue one it really is enchanting. Where did you find that nice blue NATO for it? thank you, keep up the good work!
The black cocktail time was the second automatic watch I've ever bought and I used all the time before the pandemic. I liked it so much because it could be easily dressed up or down (it's not your typical dress watch after all) and as long as you like the dial and don't live/work in strct formal environments you can pull it off in pretty much all occasions (as long as it stays away from water). I've seen bought the maroon dial one, the STAR BAR honeycomb-pattern one and the Fuyugeshiki. The last 2 have very interesting and different dials if you want to take a look at them. While 4 Cokctail Times are certainly overkill and a lot could be improved, it's still a watch I can't get enough of.
@@RelativeTime No I really don't. I have worn it in dressy situations, and it'll go under a shirt cuff without too much problem. I think it's only 1.2mm taller than the Presage variants and for me that's a very small price to pay. Personally I prefer it due to the smaller crown which just looks more harmonious to the overall design, as well as the upgraded movement and font on the dial. I love the various cocktail time colourways, but I'll never give up the SARB. :)
Great review, Shane. You are consistently the best source of information regarding affordable watches. I am not a dress watch guy....but if I was, the lack of Sapphire and low end bracelet would probably steer me elsewhere...even at a higher price.
That's one thing the Zelos Nova has one it. That, and I think the brown one I reviewed has a little bit more casual feel to it. Which I think makes it a better everyday watch. At least for me.
Long Island Watch does have (or at least advertises) the sapphire crystal, but they don't have an installation service, which sucks. They say it has to be glued in and you'll need your own watchmaker to do it.
I have this exact watch and I appreciate your review. I have owned the watch now for about 18 months and it has found a place in my rotation, even with COVID restrictions limiting somewhat occasions for me to where it. I put mine on a Strapcode Angus Jubilee bracelet, but your review makes me want to try a blue perlon strap next spring or summer. I agree with you the strength of this watch is the dial, which is nicer than watches I own costing a lot more money. Because this is a bit of a dressy watch, I don't really mind the lack of sapphire crystal. As to the movement, so far it is very accurate and reliable. Whether that remains true in 5 or 10 years IDK. So, who is this watch for? For a Seiko collector who wants something a bit dressy but in a contemporary size. For the watch guy who wants something on the dressy side of things, but still sporty enough to wear with casual attire, especially on the Strapcode bracelet. Or it could be a "nice watch" for a non watch guy. Maybe a watch a woman might buy for her non watch guy husband, boyfriend or fiance.
I saw the pink color way of this watch in a shop window and the dial was stunning. Not my color but still a beautiful looking watch none the less. As I only wear jeans and t-shirt, ( I don't even own a pair of shorts) I think I could wear one of these. I feel they lean more towards "smart casual dress" (dinner date) as apposed to actual dress (suit and tie). Just my thoughts. That said I can't stop looking at the new red (Negroni) or the green (Majito). Great review and awesome macros as usual. Thanks your all your hard work making these vids for us all. ps. Hope you and your family have a merry christmas.
Thanks! That's probably a good way to think about them. I've been checking out the new ones as well. Might try and get a Mojito early next year. If I can find a good price on one.
Very in-depth review and valid points about if it fits your style. I too was about to pull the trigger when it was on sale but didnt end buying; I would really only wear it in more formal events or business casual. thanks for the great review~!
I have way too many divers (it’s not a bad problem to have lol) when I bought the presage (my first dressy ish kinda watch) and I do love it! This same color and the stock bracelet is fantastic. This will be my new special occasion watch
Shane, you should really check out the Vostok Classica. I believe it is the almost perfect dress watch! You will need to get notified when they come in from Meranom though, because they only stay in stock for about 24 hours. I have the blue. The black is also stunning and the green one too
I keep looking at them, but they always seem to be out of stock. I just figured they were discontinued, but good to know they just sell that quick. I emailed meranom about them last year, but never heard back. I'll sign up to be notified now.
@@RelativeTime Yeah, sign up to get notified and check their site often. They are limited edition batches, and they don't stay in stock for more 24 hours. If you get your hands on one, you will absolutely love it! The only reason I was able to get my hands on the one in blue is I got notified, checked in on it, and bought one quick. I also really love the black and the green versions. The blue doesn't overpower the dial and looks mostly black unless you have a good light on it. I wanted the black the most, but the blue came up, so I bought it, and have no regrets about it. Other than maybe buying the black and the green versions in the future, I'm not in the market for anymore dress watches anymore! The Classica is all the dress watch I will ever need.
Great review as always! I've owned the sarb065 and the pressage cocktail time in the past and i regret selling both of them. I do like the version you have but the light blue sunburst dial is captivating and though i had little occasion to wear them out, I found myself wearing them at home zoning out on the gorgeous dials. Great value and style for the money imo.
You can get a similar style of dial with a better movement, sapphire crystal and a much nicer bracelet: the Rado Couple Classic. Totally different price point though: think of it as the "rich man's Cocktail Time."
Very nice review! Can anyone explain how matte/polished hands help to see under any lighting conditions? I didn't got it. Is it because in low light the one will reflect back the other not so that contrast help us "spot" the hands?
Always looked at these... The prices are pretty good here where I live, I’ve seen one for for around 350 USD equivalent. I love the dial but I’m put off by the size.
Is it really the size that bothers you, or that you think others will look at you weird for wearing a watch "too large for your wrist"? The only one that needs to be happy is you. With that in mind, I think with the rise and domination of G-Shocks on the market (almost a fashion brand at this point LOL) I feel big watches are mostly dismissed these days because of being so common. I recently bought a Seiko Macchina Sportiva and it's stunning. It as a lug to lug of around 44mm but metal ends on the leather band don't bend (like G-shocks) so the lug to lug is effectively 55mm. It looks way to big on my 6 1/2" inch wrist. But I simply don't care, it brings me too much joy to not wear it. Of course I don't make a habit of looking for the largest watch I can find, in fact I usually look for proportion sizes, but if it brings me joy, (the reason we buy these watches in the first place) then to hell with what others think. Just my thoughts anyway. 🤷♂️
@@rag_man673 If we're being honest, I think it's fine to give some consideration to what others think of your appearance. I wouldn't wear a suit that was too big for my body no matter how comfortable it is or how much I like its look. With so many watches to choose from, it makes sense to seek out a gorgeous one which fits properly.
Great video, Shane!I have the SRPB43J1 - the ice blue cocktail time. I love it! At 1:51, is it the Orient star contemporary standard black? Will you be reviewing that as well?
It's actually a different one. Not sure if this one has a proper name, or is readily available in the USA. Might be a JDM. The reference is RE-AU0004B00B. Plan to review it soon. Tus watches gave me a discount on it, just like with the Diver. So I was hoping to have it done before the end of the year, but might be the beginning of January. So far I'm very impressed with it. Tus said that a lot of people compare it to the SARB033, and they thought it had a little bit better finishing on it. The finishing is one thing I really love and wasn't initially expecting. It has a great brushed finish on the sides and top. Yet a nice and rather wide mirror-polished chamfered edge that goes along the side of the case and the front of the lugs. Which then meets the polished bezel. I think some Grand Seikos have a similar look, but I'm sure their finishing is even better.
I can't keep track of all the Cocktail Times and other fancy dialed Presages, one more beautiful than the next. I especially like the look of the power reserve models with the pointer date complication, but they are a little too thick for me to consider them truly great designs. The honeycomb dial and the scalloped dial are standouts, too...
I wanted one of these years ago too, till I discovered the SSA347J1, basically the same watch with a power reserve indicator. I finally got that watch last year, and while I do really enjoy it, I must say the dial is much less striking in the flesh than in photos or your review. It really needs to be in strong natural light to bring out its best. It would be strange if the J models had a less spectacular dial than the non J.
People often forget how difficult and expensive it is to create a domed sapphire crystal. It would add at least 100 over the current price. At least you get clarity benefits with Hardlex.
This is true. We have gotten spoiled with flat sapphire on a lot of watches and think everything can easily have it. I was recently talking to Kyle of Stratton Watch and Sigunm and he was saying the double-domed sapphire on his new Siege costs him more than the movement.
Hello good man. Love your reviews! Does your Minute Hand looks like it Slightly Bent Down / Curved Down a few millimeters towards the Tip ??? Or I got an imperfect one?
Minute hand or second hand. The second hand.. maybe. Min hand, I don't think so. Although it's pretty hard to tell with this one with the distortion from the crytal.
Are you going to review the orient star at minute 1:55 ? Or have you already done so? I've been looking into it and i hope you will make a video about it.
A very thorough review. Definitely remove the bracelet but I think that this piece still represents excellent value for money. It's worth the price for the dial alone. Alternative? Dufrane Waterloo perhaps. A left field but worthy possibility.
I love this watch, I actually ran across the "women's" 34mm fuyugeshiki cocktail time by chance and immediately picked it up. I've been itching for a dress watch and I was immediately satisfied with it. The details are great, the hands and indices look almost black polish and the facets together with the dial really make you get lost in it everytime you look to check the time. Unfortunately, I realized too late that it had a qc issue: The hour hand was misaligned. I ended up having to bring it to a local watch maker who did a sloppy job. I got it back with tiny scratches on the hands and a small scratch on the dial, both of which are only obvious when you try to look for them. Still sucks though, don't know when I can get over it lol. But I do like it enough that I'm considering to buy a second one for a different strap option.
The watch looks beautiful but it just cant get over the fact that it has the same movement as a invicta pro diver for example (which you can pick up for like 60-80 bucks) and uses mineral glass. At this price we should really expect more. I dont see how a cheap movement with cheap materials could cost so much.
A lot of times we tend to focus on what movement is in a watch... myself included. But often times the movement is just a small part of the total cost. Plus when your talking original designs like this, there was a cost to design and develop it. That said.. there is still going to be a premium when your talking Seiko. Just like when you go to the grocery store and look at say Coke vs a Generic cola. Although going forward I'm curious if the prices of the pro divers will stay the same. The cost of NH35A movements has almost doubled since last year. They used to be about $30-35, and now they are almost $60. I wonder if invicta has the buying power to keep them that low.
@@RelativeTime That is true, looks are more important than the movement for most, and this seiko is a work of art. I just wished that they would put sapphire on their damn watches, most people would pay a premium for that.
My wife and I are having a debate. I'm the watch fanatic and she always hears you in the background. Are you a teacher or an engineer? I'm betting it's one of the two. Please let me know. If neither I'd be excited to know what your profession is! Keep up the amazing and thorough reviews and I'll keep watching them!
@@RelativeTime So we were both wrong, LoL. Or we were both kinda right. I feel like a chemist is a reasonable amalgamation of a teacher and an engineer. Thank you so much for the response!
I think that one has a slightly different dial too. That said, the 39 mm cocktail times are great. A good alternative many people don't know about. I've reviewed the green mojito since this one.
if i were you i'd apply to be a reader for audiobooks
Yes, for meditation and relaxation. 🙂
I put his playlist on at bedtime and I sleep like a baby...wake up in the morning and it’s still going ! Calm and restful.
But then we wouldn’t see him hold a watch all cringe like next to his face...🤷🏼♂️
He has the voice for that job
Top voice dude
I have this watch with the blue dial. It's gorgeous. Sometimes I don't want to know the time but I still look at it because I need to. It's beautiful
Your strap collection is still second to none. Great video..
Thanks! This one pairs well with a lot of them.
@@RelativeTime could you please help me finding straps? Have the same watch and I want to put on something other than the bracelet.
@@rohanjangam511 what are you looking for?
@@RelativeTime the blue (pearlon?) and the gray one!
Also, is the brown leather strap an ostrich leather strap?
@@rohanjangam511 there should be links in the description on the straps I used. But if missed one let me know.
I don't mind a 40mm dress watch at all. Nice to see this one slimmed down to 12mm. And dang that dial looks great under macro, I've always liked it, but don't think I've really appreciated how cool it really is.
The 40mm size makes the watch wear more casually than a 38mm or smaller watch would. Since I'm not a dressy fellow in general, the size is fine with me.
The vast majority of people are not wearing the correct dress to be worried about calling something a dress watch.
Most watches are every day watches and it does not matter what you actually wear them with. A dress watch is typically something in the 30 to 35mm range but it tends to be a luxury watch and not so much Seiko watches.
The cocktail is an everyday casual watch.
I hope future versions will slim down to 11mm, within my preferred range of 8-11mm
@@bighands69 I don't dress up to begin with haha
I've always felt similarly, I usually buy most of my watches with objective measures and value in mind. My blue moon cocktail time didn't quite fulfill those measures, but who cares, it is stunningly beautiful. It is the exception.
That Seiko dial is nothing short of amazing.
Each "flute" on the dial appears to have a series of micro-flutes within. Very nice detail at this price.
Wow! Perfect timing for this video. I just bought this watch on Black Friday weekend. I had to buy a couple things from the Apple Store @ the mall & had to go through JC Pennys to get to my car. Walked by the watch counter so had to see the displays. Nothing really peaked my interest. Finished up @ the clearance counter & there I saw it. Holy 💩 they have a Seiko Blue Moon on clearance. Instant purchase. Walked out there paying $100 for it. Felt like I robbed the place. Apparently it was overstock from not carrying Seiko anymore & switching to Citizen.
I Love Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Range so much that it was very difficult for me to decide between the Blue and Green, so I decided to acquire both. Now I have got both, the Blue Moon on Steel Bracelet whereas Mockingbird on a Brown Ostrich Leather Strap and I Love both of them.
Yes they really are that good. I own the ice blue dial version and it's one of the few watches I never grow tired of wearing.
I have this. Simply the most beautiful watch I own. It dresses up or down. Wore it yesterday and I couldn’t stop stating at it
Gorgeous
It's one of those watches, where the more you look at it the more you appreciate it.
Oh , Finally I've purchased this watch and came back to see this review , it's amazing.
This was the first mechanical watch i bought for myself. I got into watches a few years ago and always liked Seiko, and at first i wanted to go for the cheaper SRPA25K1 but the moment i saw this i knew i had to have one. Since then (just under a year ago) i bought 4 more Seikos (two are hand-wound vintage dress models so i don't wear them that much, and some sport model), and although i now wear my 'grail' watch (a 1964 Seikomatic Weekdater 6206-8040 with a beautiful patina dial) almost every day since i got it, i still take this one out of the box and wear it (or just look at it) at least once a week. I almost feel guilty if i don't! That dial is just so pretty, it's hypnotizing!
This must be the best review for these Seiko Cocktails that I've ever come across in youtube !
found your channel because of this watch. subbed because im mesmerized by your narrative
Thanks, and welcome! These videos take time to put together, but I enjoy doing it. Always glad to hear when someone enjoyed it.
Great review, as usual. I love the idea of the "business casual of the watch world."
I recently bought the Orient Star shown in the video. What a great watch! Waiting for you to review it!
Nice! How do you like it so far?
Hoping to have it done beginning of next month, but so far very impressed. Love the brushed finish on it, with the polished edge that runs along the side.
@@RelativeTime oh, yeah! I also noticed that polished edge. It reminds me to the SARB033. In fact, in my opinion this watch is the perfect alternative to the discontinued Seiko. I also love the hands of this beauty, notice that they are both polished and brushed. The indices are also remarkable, they are prominent and catch all the light. You see… I love this watch. I got it at Chrono24 for about 425 euros. Looking forward for your review! And thank's for your answer 🙂
@@joanramirez4523 I agree with you. Mine is with the white dial, extremely happy with it. Best regards.
I've owned this watch for about a year and a half now, and in my opinion it perfectly represents the current state of Seiko's market plan. Hardlex crystal, poor quality bracelet, a 4R36 movement that I needed to send back in for a warranty repair...Seiko knows we hate all of those things, and they don't care. They know they've got us hypnotized with that gorgeous blue dial. Seiko will keep moving their watch lines down in spec and up in price as long as we keep handing over our money. I, for one, won't stand for it any longer! Well, after I buy that new "Negroni" red dial, anyway...
Oh man, I need that red one too.
It's not for me anyway. Too dressy for an everyday watch. It wud never get worn. I prefer wearing something like my black dial, black bezel omega planet ocean for my daily. And if I'm going more dressy I'd reach for my gold cartier or longines conquest heritage. If I'm going smart casual I'd be more inclined to wear my Raymond weil maestro (beatles Abbey Road) which is similar in style to this cocktail time but a little toned compared to the seiko on the dressy front.
Mine had someone's Eye Lash stuck to the Crystal...gave it to my younger son
Nice review! I own the green one myself, very happy with it. I love the details of the dial, the way the light reflects on all the elements and the fact that the second hand is gold coloured while the hour and minute hand are silver. A great watch that I wear a lot and enjoy very much. Wishing you a lot of enjoyment with your blue one, it looks very nice!
Love your photos here! You brought the best out of this watch. Good stuff!
2:00 where can I find this strap
That fibre textured grey stap gave the dial of the watch a steep competition. That is just a dope combo.
Great review, thanks. New dials now and wow: Sunburst (here), guilloche, hemp, basket weave, herringbone. All are amazing! Need sapphire glass tho!
Like yourself, I rarely dress up. I wear a uniform (as many security guards do), or am relaxing... but this is indeed a nice looking watch. Beautiful dial, great review!
To answer for the dauphine hands, Jaeger LeCoultre does the dual finish in the Master Control Ultra thin, so it is a great approach to legibility. Great video!
I do love the Cocktail Time range. I purchased the red Negroni in a sale last year and it’s absolutely superb. This is the other one I have my eye on. I saw it in the flesh a few months ago and was wowed. A superb design but it’s took a 25% off Black Friday offer to bring it down to price I was happy to checkout. It looks stunning on that Tweed strap.
In the morning if my face is a little puffy, I’ll put on an ice pack while doing stomach crunches. I can do 1,000 now. After I remove the ice pack I use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower I use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face an exfoliating gel scrub.
Then I apply an herb-mint facial mask, which I leave on for 10 minutes while I prepare the rest of my routine. I always use an aftershave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturiser, then an anti-ageing eye balm followed by a final moisturising protective lotion.
Great review Shane. Love this piece. I have the SRBP43J1 Ice Blue Skydiving reference. It’s a terrific dress option during the work week.
Great review. I love this watch so much that if it didn't fit my personal style, I'd change my style to make it work. :-)
One of the two seikos i fell for of recent years ,the cocktail time & the other being the gen 2 monster,totally stand out watches from the brand imho. & a well presented review too my friend.
Thanks! Love the monsters as well, I need to check out anohter.
Also i think the choice for Hardlex came from the fact it's boxed (hard/expensive to make sapphire in this shape) and that it sticks out so much. Sapphire is indeed harder and less prone to scratches than Hardlex, but is also more brittle and will shatter or crack easier.
I believe you are right. Marc's sapphire box cut replacement is $100 by itself.
I lusted after one of these for a couple of years. Finally bought one when I bought my wife her SRP839 for her 40th. Don't regret it one bit and it gets a few days of wrist time every week.
Great video, love my cocktail time. Don't wear it as much as I used to as I no longer wear a suit daily.
I bought this one last Sunday. It looks great and got many compliments on it.
I have almost bought this watch (and the green dial) many times. I never pulled the trigg though. Your review has me looking again lol
Do it.just got one today alough it is yet to arrive. Sure it wont be my last one.
Wow your voice is very soothing... great review...
I've owned "The Blue Lagoon" for a year now. It wasn't until your excellent macro shots that I learned the dauphine hands were half polished and half matte. As you noted its a brilliant design element. This watch is a keeper in my collection (I received it as a service gift and tied to some company pride) but I don't wear it as often as it deserves. I blame the times we're in and the lack of opportunities to dress up - or even go into the office. Maybe I'm afraid to damage it.
I agree with you on another point: There is something off about the bracelet. It lets the watch down. I've placed this on a very nice black leather strap and it's better but not quite right, so it's back on the stock bracelet. Strap Code makes a bracelet for the Cocktail Time with the power reserve, that might fit on this and solve the 'something missing' from this watch. Regardless, when I do wear it, I don't look past the sunray dial - it's mesmerizing. Great review.
Me too
It’s a nice watch. I’ve been debating on going with the Seiko Presage or the Seiko 5 GMT. The last time I walked in to buy the Presage I walked out with a Seiko 5 Super Cub instead. In the meantime my “dress” watch is a $30 Carribean Joe that my sister bought for me for $30 at Kohl’s. I went wild and actually added a Genuine Alligator Hadley-Roma strap to it.😂
Well if it's a size issue check out the Mojito Cocktail time. It's a bit smaller.
th-cam.com/video/wRswEHhCjzo/w-d-xo.html
Or with the Seiko5s check out the DressKxs for something inbetween... I really like this one
th-cam.com/video/j3KnhTnR5zU/w-d-xo.html
@@RelativeTimeI gave in and bought it. A little Thanksgiving gift to myself. Great watch. Gorgeous indeed. A second look at your video and my local watch dealer sold me on it. Thanks
@@americanpaisareturns9051 glad I could help. Hope you enjoy it.
I went with the SRPB46J1, but the blue looks very tasty too, especially on some of those straps. I agree with your points regarding the legibility - it does a great job of informing you of the time despite your attention being mostly focused on the play of light across that dial.
I've been torn between that one and the blue for the longest time ever now. Still don't know which one to get. That brown dial looks so unique.
Im hoping to get a brown or a green one eventually, im really drawn to those two
Yeah the brown! So awesome
I own the green one, it's absolutely stunning and really caught my eye when I saw it in person, much more than I thought it would in advance. Love wearing it both in more casual and more dressy situations, can't go wrong with it! The darker ones all look great, I think.
Just had to buy this watch today.great video pal
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review as usual, and great shots as usual (you really captured this spectacular dial). I've never noticed the half polished/half brushed hands on these before. I agree with you, that's pretty brilliant. And as much as I love to look at that dial (like you said), I have to figure if I'd pull that blue one off (or the silver one) wearing it. Maybe a grey dial would suit me best, not sure. But they do look bloody amazing, that's for sure.
Very nice review I was actually going to buy the blue ice cocktail time, but you sold me on the deep blue one it really is enchanting. Where did you find that nice blue NATO for it? thank you, keep up the good work!
The black cocktail time was the second automatic watch I've ever bought and I used all the time before the pandemic. I liked it so much because it could be easily dressed up or down (it's not your typical dress watch after all) and as long as you like the dial and don't live/work in strct formal environments you can pull it off in pretty much all occasions (as long as it stays away from water). I've seen bought the maroon dial one, the STAR BAR honeycomb-pattern one and the Fuyugeshiki. The last 2 have very interesting and different dials if you want to take a look at them. While 4 Cokctail Times are certainly overkill and a lot could be improved, it's still a watch I can't get enough of.
Man i bought it 3 months before the pandemic didnt get to wear it much haha
I'm wearing my SARB065 as I watch this. I love it - so special for the price.
Now that I've seen this one, I'd be curious to see some of the others. Do you ever think the 065 is too tall?
@@RelativeTime No I really don't. I have worn it in dressy situations, and it'll go under a shirt cuff without too much problem. I think it's only 1.2mm taller than the Presage variants and for me that's a very small price to pay.
Personally I prefer it due to the smaller crown which just looks more harmonious to the overall design, as well as the upgraded movement and font on the dial. I love the various cocktail time colourways, but I'll never give up the SARB. :)
Great review, Shane. You are consistently the best source of information regarding affordable watches. I am not a dress watch guy....but if I was, the lack of Sapphire and low end bracelet would probably steer me elsewhere...even at a higher price.
That's one thing the Zelos Nova has one it. That, and I think the brown one I reviewed has a little bit more casual feel to it. Which I think makes it a better everyday watch. At least for me.
@@RelativeTime Oh yes, the Expresso.....
I have the limited edition Presage Star Bar. It’s awesome. I had to just check the hands on it, they’re polished only.
Long Island Watch does have (or at least advertises) the sapphire crystal, but they don't have an installation service, which sucks. They say it has to be glued in and you'll need your own watchmaker to do it.
I have this exact watch and I appreciate your review. I have owned the watch now for about 18 months and it has found a place in my rotation, even with COVID restrictions limiting somewhat occasions for me to where it.
I put mine on a Strapcode Angus Jubilee bracelet, but your review makes me want to try a blue perlon strap next spring or summer.
I agree with you the strength of this watch is the dial, which is nicer than watches I own costing a lot more money. Because this is a bit of a dressy watch, I don't really mind the lack of sapphire crystal. As to the movement, so far it is very accurate and reliable. Whether that remains true in 5 or 10 years IDK.
So, who is this watch for? For a Seiko collector who wants something a bit dressy but in a contemporary size. For the watch guy who wants something on the dressy side of things, but still sporty enough to wear with casual attire, especially on the Strapcode bracelet. Or it could be a "nice watch" for a non watch guy. Maybe a watch a woman might buy for her non watch guy husband, boyfriend or fiance.
Your review was very helpful in my decision making thanks a lot really appreciated the who is this watch for section.
I saw the pink color way of this watch in a shop window and the dial was stunning. Not my color but still a beautiful looking watch none the less. As I only wear jeans and t-shirt, ( I don't even own a pair of shorts) I think I could wear one of these. I feel they lean more towards "smart casual dress" (dinner date) as apposed to actual dress (suit and tie). Just my thoughts. That said I can't stop looking at the new red (Negroni) or the green (Majito). Great review and awesome macros as usual. Thanks your all your hard work making these vids for us all.
ps. Hope you and your family have a merry christmas.
Thanks! That's probably a good way to think about them. I've been checking out the new ones as well. Might try and get a Mojito early next year. If I can find a good price on one.
The Orient Star Classic the same with the hands. Nice watch an good review 👍
Very in-depth review and valid points about if it fits your style. I too was about to pull the trigger when it was on sale but didnt end buying; I would really only wear it in more formal events or business casual.
thanks for the great review~!
If you wear it on a rubber strap it becamew an excelent everyday watch
I have several more expensive watches but this one might just be my favorite. it's in the everyday wear rotation.
Hallo friend super video, please tell me from where can i buy this textile wrap in 13:55 ?
Seiko is the king of dials.
Very soothing voice. Akin to Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.
That's a bit harsh, I like to think of Shane as a watch Bob Ross myself 😄
@@johnanth I meant it as a compliment!
@@johnanth I meant it as a compliment!
@@johnanth 😆😂
@@johnanth Bob Ross is my spirit animal. 😎
Great Presage in dark blue, I would buy it too if it wasn't for my ice blue version. But who knows.. ....😄
I have way too many divers (it’s not a bad problem to have lol) when I bought the presage (my first dressy ish kinda watch) and I do love it! This same color and the stock bracelet is fantastic. This will be my new special occasion watch
Shane, you should really check out the Vostok Classica. I believe it is the almost perfect dress watch! You will need to get notified when they come in from Meranom though, because they only stay in stock for about 24 hours. I have the blue. The black is also stunning and the green one too
I keep looking at them, but they always seem to be out of stock. I just figured they were discontinued, but good to know they just sell that quick. I emailed meranom about them last year, but never heard back. I'll sign up to be notified now.
@@RelativeTime
Yeah, sign up to get notified and check their site often. They are limited edition batches, and they don't stay in stock for more 24 hours. If you get your hands on one, you will absolutely love it!
The only reason I was able to get my hands on the one in blue is I got notified, checked in on it, and bought one quick.
I also really love the black and the green versions.
The blue doesn't overpower the dial and looks mostly black unless you have a good light on it. I wanted the black the most, but the blue came up, so I bought it, and have no regrets about it.
Other than maybe buying the black and the green versions in the future, I'm not in the market for anymore dress watches anymore! The Classica is all the dress watch I will ever need.
A watch is the sum of all of its parts. This is great dial, with a sub-par sloppily-regulated movement.
Regarding the brushed/polished dauphine hands Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle line has those too but their prices start at $20000...
Good to know, although probably won't be checking that one out anytime soon. 😀
I'll have to be on the lookout for more with it.
Great review as always! I've owned the sarb065 and the pressage cocktail time in the past and i regret selling both of them. I do like the version you have but the light blue sunburst dial is captivating and though i had little occasion to wear them out, I found myself wearing them at home zoning out on the gorgeous dials. Great value and style for the money imo.
That dial is stunning! My Phoibos Voyagers dial is awesome but this ones better! Cheers mate...
The Voyager is pretty cool, but there is some strange voodoo magic Seiko is doing with these.
Not in the same category of dress watch but check out the Armand Nicolet line
You can get a similar style of dial with a better movement, sapphire crystal and a much nicer bracelet: the Rado Couple Classic. Totally different price point though: think of it as the "rich man's Cocktail Time."
Very nice review! Can anyone explain how matte/polished hands help to see under any lighting conditions? I didn't got it. Is it because in low light the one will reflect back the other not so that contrast help us "spot" the hands?
Love the strap at 12:15, can you share which one it is please?
It's a Harris Tweed strap from Vario.
vario.sg/collections/harris-tweed-strap
Always looked at these... The prices are pretty good here where I live, I’ve seen one for for around 350 USD equivalent. I love the dial but I’m put off by the size.
Is it really the size that bothers you, or that you think others will look at you weird for wearing a watch "too large for your wrist"? The only one that needs to be happy is you. With that in mind, I think with the rise and domination of G-Shocks on the market (almost a fashion brand at this point LOL) I feel big watches are mostly dismissed these days because of being so common. I recently bought a Seiko Macchina Sportiva and it's stunning. It as a lug to lug of around 44mm but metal ends on the leather band don't bend (like G-shocks) so the lug to lug is effectively 55mm. It looks way to big on my 6 1/2" inch wrist. But I simply don't care, it brings me too much joy to not wear it. Of course I don't make a habit of looking for the largest watch I can find, in fact I usually look for proportion sizes, but if it brings me joy, (the reason we buy these watches in the first place) then to hell with what others think. Just my thoughts anyway. 🤷♂️
@@rag_man673 Good points. I think it’s the width of it that put me off when I watched the Just One More Watch review.
@@rag_man673 If we're being honest, I think it's fine to give some consideration to what others think of your appearance. I wouldn't wear a suit that was too big for my body no matter how comfortable it is or how much I like its look. With so many watches to choose from, it makes sense to seek out a gorgeous one which fits properly.
In case you missed it: @hello just called Shane "The Bob Ross of watches" 😆 Man, that is so true! And it's a big compliment!
😎 I must of missed it. When did he do that?
@@RelativeTime in a comment here, it's a bit hidden, hence me repeating it 😂👍
I love that heather strap, may I ask where you got it?
Great video, Shane!I have the SRPB43J1 - the ice blue cocktail time. I love it! At 1:51, is it the Orient star contemporary standard black? Will you be reviewing that as well?
It's actually a different one. Not sure if this one has a proper name, or is readily available in the USA. Might be a JDM. The reference is RE-AU0004B00B. Plan to review it soon. Tus watches gave me a discount on it, just like with the Diver. So I was hoping to have it done before the end of the year, but might be the beginning of January.
So far I'm very impressed with it. Tus said that a lot of people compare it to the SARB033, and they thought it had a little bit better finishing on it. The finishing is one thing I really love and wasn't initially expecting. It has a great brushed finish on the sides and top. Yet a nice and rather wide mirror-polished chamfered edge that goes along the side of the case and the front of the lugs. Which then meets the polished bezel.
I think some Grand Seikos have a similar look, but I'm sure their finishing is even better.
@@RelativeTimeWhat caught my attention was those faceted indices on the dial. Will be waiting for your review. Thanks, Shane.
Thanks for your genuine review 👍
Thanks and thanks for watching!
I can't keep track of all the Cocktail Times and other fancy dialed Presages, one more beautiful than the next. I especially like the look of the power reserve models with the pointer date complication, but they are a little too thick for me to consider them truly great designs. The honeycomb dial and the scalloped dial are standouts, too...
Which strap is that at 2:35? Black leather with orange stitching. Thanks.
It was from a brand called Armilla. Really great strap, but they went bust during the pandemic.
Very good reviews.. thanks
Great video... I'll need to take a second look at this piece, very stunning.
I wanted one of these years ago too, till I discovered the SSA347J1, basically the same watch with a power reserve indicator. I finally got that watch last year, and while I do really enjoy it, I must say the dial is much less striking in the flesh than in photos or your review. It really needs to be in strong natural light to bring out its best. It would be strange if the J models had a less spectacular dial than the non J.
Check out the SRPE43. It's 38ish mm and has a crazy nice dial. Just took delivery of mine and she's a beaut!
I actually have the green version, the "Mojito". Been meaning to get a video out on it. Hopefully soon. The dials are amazing.
Where'd you buy it
People often forget how difficult and expensive it is to create a domed sapphire crystal. It would add at least 100 over the current price. At least you get clarity benefits with Hardlex.
This is true. We have gotten spoiled with flat sapphire on a lot of watches and think everything can easily have it. I was recently talking to Kyle of Stratton Watch and Sigunm and he was saying the double-domed sapphire on his new Siege costs him more than the movement.
Hello good man.
Love your reviews!
Does your Minute Hand looks like it Slightly Bent Down / Curved Down a few millimeters towards the Tip ???
Or I got an imperfect one?
Minute hand or second hand. The second hand.. maybe. Min hand, I don't think so. Although it's pretty hard to tell with this one with the distortion from the crytal.
I have this and wish there was a bit of lume on the hands
Are you going to review the orient star at minute 1:55 ? Or have you already done so? I've been looking into it and i hope you will make a video about it.
He's going to review it in start of January
The crown is cupcake shaped haha beautiful watch and I plan on getting one soon!
The watch is lovely, but those Vario Harris Tweed straps steal the show every time!
That's why I keep showing them. As crazy as the are, they look great on almost everything.
A very thorough review. Definitely remove the bracelet but I think that this piece still represents excellent value for money. It's worth the price for the dial alone. Alternative? Dufrane Waterloo perhaps. A left field but worthy possibility.
It's a watch that I really want but the cost in Canada for one is just a bit silly. If I find it on sale for a good price I will however buy it.
How much are they going for in Canada?
@@RelativeTime $500 Canadian dollars. Minimum.
@@ColinLack talk to Abraham on the Canada Watch Club FB group he's got a good deal on these.
@@icalexander Thanks will do!
Hey Shane I will finally have one tomorrow or so. My friend bought me one. Just have to pay the duty.
I went for black and it’s beautiful
I’m good with everything on the watch I am surprised they didn’t do drilled lugs
I love this watch, I actually ran across the "women's" 34mm fuyugeshiki cocktail time by chance and immediately picked it up. I've been itching for a dress watch and I was immediately satisfied with it. The details are great, the hands and indices look almost black polish and the facets together with the dial really make you get lost in it everytime you look to check the time. Unfortunately, I realized too late that it had a qc issue: The hour hand was misaligned. I ended up having to bring it to a local watch maker who did a sloppy job. I got it back with tiny scratches on the hands and a small scratch on the dial, both of which are only obvious when you try to look for them. Still sucks though, don't know when I can get over it lol. But I do like it enough that I'm considering to buy a second one for a different strap option.
A perfect option of you want a great dress watch without spending too much.
Very good review of a very beautiful watch. Thank you. Somewhat like you I do not particularly adhere to a cocktail milieu.
The watch looks beautiful but it just cant get over the fact that it has the same movement as a invicta pro diver for example (which you can pick up for like 60-80 bucks) and uses mineral glass. At this price we should really expect more. I dont see how a cheap movement with cheap materials could cost so much.
A lot of times we tend to focus on what movement is in a watch... myself included. But often times the movement is just a small part of the total cost. Plus when your talking original designs like this, there was a cost to design and develop it.
That said.. there is still going to be a premium when your talking Seiko. Just like when you go to the grocery store and look at say Coke vs a Generic cola.
Although going forward I'm curious if the prices of the pro divers will stay the same. The cost of NH35A movements has almost doubled since last year. They used to be about $30-35, and now they are almost $60. I wonder if invicta has the buying power to keep them that low.
@@RelativeTime That is true, looks are more important than the movement for most, and this seiko is a work of art. I just wished that they would put sapphire on their damn watches, most people would pay a premium for that.
My wife and I are having a debate. I'm the watch fanatic and she always hears you in the background. Are you a teacher or an engineer? I'm betting it's one of the two. Please let me know. If neither I'd be excited to know what your profession is! Keep up the amazing and thorough reviews and I'll keep watching them!
Thanks and you are close, my dad was an Engineer. I'm a scientist, specifically a Chemist.
@@RelativeTime So we were both wrong, LoL. Or we were both kinda right. I feel like a chemist is a reasonable amalgamation of a teacher and an engineer. Thank you so much for the response!
Hello what is the brand and model of the watch at 3:41
I believe that's the Zelos Nova.
th-cam.com/video/kRkYSVQR2Bk/w-d-xo.html
I want this watch but I want the crown to be like 2/3 1/2 the size that it is. Bit obnoxious having a crown that large
It was a nice video. Thanks for it!
May I ask you which one do you choose? Tissot prx powermatic 80 or Seiko SRPB41?
Between those two I'd probably go with the Tissot. Although I also like the srpe45 mojito
Purchased the SSA385J1 a while back. Decent watch, limited 7000 item run.
I'd be interested in a review/ your opinion on it.
Many thanks
I very much like the ostrich strap.
Your voice sound really gooood 😂😂😂😂😂 and yes, this watch is my watch list to buy also
The SRPJ13J1 Presage model has 39mm and it's thinner than this model.
I think that one has a slightly different dial too. That said, the 39 mm cocktail times are great. A good alternative many people don't know about. I've reviewed the green mojito since this one.
I have the sieko prassage SRPE17J1 dark grey. Which leather strap works. I really like blue leather. Any brands in mind?