One of the great joys of the Seiko world (or great struggles, depending on your tolerance for jumping through hoops) are region-specific models. Some of the brand’s best current and recent models are Japanese-market only, so for us Americans the only option has been going through an intermediary like Seiya or Rakuten. However, one of the most popular of these Japanese-only designs, the SARB065 “Cocktail Time,” has just been reworked and released for the global Presage line. This new iteration comes in a wide array of variants, but how does it stack up against the original? Let’s get right into it.

This new line includes two separate models: the three-hand SRPB series, which consists of the deep blue dial SRPB41, silver/ice blue dial SRPB43, gold case/champagne dial SRPB44, and rose gold case/brown dial SRPB46; and the all-new SSA series, which adds a central power reserve along with an elegant pointer date at six. The SSA series also includes four color ways: the white-dial SSA341, the silver/ice blue dial SSA343, the black-dial SSA345 and the rose-gold cased/white dial SSA346.

The case design for both lines cleaves close to the original SARB065. The simple polished bezel, tapering polished lugs, and midsize 40mm dimensions are a solid formula that required no messing with, and they present here attractively. The biggest change to the case for these new models is the redesigned crown at three o’clock. In lieu of the original’s smallish pillbox, the Presages come with an easy-to-grip cupcake crown with far more presence. Around back, both the SRPB and SSA models offer a Hardlex see-through case back with a view of the line’s new movements (more on this later).

Save

Save