Seiko Presage SRPE15J1 Cocktail Time "Mockingbird" Green (similar to SRPE17J1 and SRPE19J1) - A Beautiful Dress Watch, A Review (plus Video)

Since Malaysia instituted a lock-down strategy to stop the Covid-19 on 19 March 2020 (known officially as the 2020 Malaysia Movement Control Order or commonly referred to as the MCO), all shops were required to close. Watch shops suffered financially as they cannot sell products the traditional way. Even online watch merchants faced the heat as buyers prioritized spending habits to basic necessities only.

After many weeks under the MCO, the Malaysian authorities started to ease some restrictions. On 4 May 2020, shops were allowed to open subject to a set of crowd control measures that must be instituted by the businesses. To support my favorite AD, I decided to visit and buy at least one timepiece to help.

I was eyeing the SRPE15J1 when it was announced earlier this year. The dial is so mesmerizing. I bought this piece when I found out it was available.

I actually got something similar. The SRPB41J1 has a blue dial and is nicknamed the "Blue Moon" after the cocktail recipe (Blue Moon consist of ice, gin, Creme de Violette and lemon juice). It was bought in 2017. For more information, please click here.



The SRPE15J1 is part of the Cocktail Time range within the Presage line. The whole Cocktail Time range of watches is a series dedicated to the Japanese bar culture. The Japanese has over the years absorbed the techniques and traditions of Western bar-tending. Over time, a home grown cocktail culture emerged that is pure Japanese.

Seiko has dedicated some unique styling to honour the Japanese cocktail culture. The sharp green dial on the SRPE15J1 is inspired by the ‘Mockingbird’ cocktail which can be ordered at the Ginza Star Bar.

The ‘Mockingbird’ cocktail consists of lime juice, sugar syrup, mint and tequila.


The Watch

The SRPE15J1 is stainless steel watch with bracelet 40.5 mm wide with a lug-to-lug length of 47.5 mm. Lug width is 20 mm and with a height of 11.8 mm. The total package weights in at approximately 70 gm.

This watch has been made and produced in Japan, indicated by the suffix "J". Seiko watches that are made in Japan generally has some premium attached as it is not that common outside of Japan. Some would argue that the quality of the "J" series is better than Seiko watches made outside Japan. Personally, I don't see the difference as the manufacturing quality is standard across the board. I doubt it that Seiko would allow differing quality and manufacturing practices be used in its production facilities located all over the world. It is all about perception.



Coupled with the brilliant sunburst dark emerald green dial, is the silver indexes and hands alongside the applied Seiko logo. Located at the 3 o’clock position is metal framed date aperture where the date wheel has a black background with white numbering. At the peripheral of the dial is a sub-second scale in white. Meanwhile, The words, "PRESAGE", "AUTOMATIC" and "MADE IN JAPAN" can also be found painted in white on the lower half of the watch.

Seiko did not provide any luminous paint on the dial as it deemed it unnecessary for a dress watch. Nevertheless, I would love if it was added as it would help facilitate referencing in the dark.

The box-shaped Hardlex crystal protects the dial and adds class to the overall styling. Below, you can clearly see the crystal extend a couple of millimetres above the fixed bezel. Note also the signed diamond shaped crown. Seiko utilises the push-in/pull-out system for crown.



The short curve lugs helps make the watch as compact as possible. Overall length is just 47.5 mm which allows most people to wear this watch comfortably.

The watch is paired with a Engineer-styled bracelet with a Butterfly-type clasp with push button release. As such, due to the lack of micro-adjustment points on the clasp, the bracelet does come with a few half-links to aid in resizing.



The bracelet is very flexible and can lay flat on top of the case-back.

Through the display case-back, you will see the Caliber 4R35B with a golden-coloured rotor. This 23 jewel automatic movement operates at 21,600 BPH or 3 Hertz. It has 41 hours of power reserve with an accuracy rate of -35 seconds to +45 seconds per day. It also has magnetic resistance of up to 4,800 A/m. The movement has a stop seconds hand function as well as manual winding capability.



I was able to conduct a simple accuracy test on the watch using the Toolwatch program available on the internet. Based on the result, the watch has an accuracy of +3.8 seconds per day. This is well within the manufacturer's stated accuracy.

The particular model I have has the serial number 9N5092. This implies that it was manufactured in November 2019 although it was only listed on the website in early 2020.

Overall, the casing has been given a water rating of 5 bar or 5 ATM or 50 meters.


The Wearing Experience

As a dress watch, the Cocktail Time fulfills its role admirably. The size is perfect for a dress watch. The butterfly clasp on the bracelet is invisible when locked. More importantly, the pricing is appreciatively low for what it can deliver.

The last point is key to the continuing success of the Seiko brand. Consumers appreciates value and the SRPE15J1 is deemed a bargain. Yes, you don't get a sapphire crystal but the boxed Hardlex crystal is so much cheaper and yet gives similar visual impact.



To be honest, this is the second time that I bought a watch of a similar design to something already in the collection. The first was the SKX007KD and the SKX009K1. Although I already got the SRPB41J1, I decided to acquire the SRPE15J1 due primarily to the colour. Seiko has a red version available but it uses a smaller casing (with a diameter of 33.8 mm). I suppose if Seiko decide to add a red dial into the series, I will like to get that as well.

The Series

There are three members of this particular series of Cocktail Time. The green SRPE15J1 Mockingbird, the dark grey SRPE17J1 Espresso Martini and the light ice-blue SRPE19J1 Skydiving.

SRPE15J1 Mockingbird	SRPE17J1 Espresso Martini
SRPE19J1 Skydiving	All three are made in Japan and powered by the 4R35B movement.

Specifications

Case Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Box-shaped Hardlex
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Clasp: Butterfly clasp with push button release
Case Back: Screw-down with display window
Water Resistance: 5 bar/50 meters
Thickness: 11.8 mm
Diameter: 40.5 mm
Length: 47.5 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Weight: Approximately 70 gm
Caliber: 4R35B automatic with manual winding capacity
Jewels: 23
Complications: Date display and stop-second-hand function
Power Reserve: 41 hours
MSRP: RM1,835; USD450
Purchase: 13 May 2020
Price: RM1,280
Serial Number: 9N5092
Merchant: Style Watch, Mid Valley Megamall


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