Presage Cocktail Time GMT Brown Ref. SARY243

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 Genève (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. Today's 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. Seiko's prowess as a watchmaker can be observed and admired from the entry-level Presage Cocktail Time to higher-end enamel and porcelain dial Presages.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time GMT Brown Ref. SARY243 / SSK039

This new SARY243 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. This is the first GMT cocktail addition to the cocktail series.
 
The SARY243 has a case diameter of 40.5mm, a height of only 12.8mm, and a lug-to-lug of 47.5mm. Keeping the sizing similar to previous renditions of the Cocktail Time series, allowing for a comfortable and familiar fit on the wrist and addressing. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel. The watch still features elegant high-polishing throughout, allowing it to have a terrific light play.

Unique brown sunburst dial

The brown chocolate like dial features a prominent striking sunburst texture effect, which shifts tone under different lighting conditions. The pattern seems to disappear at certain angles, only to come into play when light hits it. Being a GMT, the hourly between the hour indices is a 24 hour rehaut, displaying only the odd numbers to fill in the gaps. Facetted sword hands with a yellow GMT hand and classic sharp cocktail 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 dial's 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 movement. The heart of the watch houses the newly-crafted 4R34 movement, an evolution of the Caliber 4R platform, introducing a fourth hand—the GMT hand. This movement allows hacking and manual winding, featuring both a date and an independently adjustable 24-hour hand.

Caliber 4R34, operating at 21,600 BPH with hacking and hand winding

Seiko decides to pair the Cocktail Time with a dark calf leather strap. Topping up on an already elegant and stunning watch.
 
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 GMT Brown Ref. SARY243/SSK039 wristwatch with you - it is sure to catch people's attention in the bar and become a fantastic conversation starter.

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