Seiko is known for crafting some of the best affordable mechanical watches in the world, while its sister brand, Grand Seiko, crafts its watches for the high-priced luxury segment.
For the most part, these two brands are kept on separate paths. But every once in while, those paths cross, such as with Seiko’s recent “root beer” GMT that makes use of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive movement.
The watch I’m discussing today isn’t as much of an overt connection between the two brands, but it doesn’t cost $6,600 like that GMT, either. Instead, it’s a new iteration on Seiko’s tried-and-true Presage “Cocktail Time” format that bears some resemblance to one of the most beloved Grand Seiko models ever.
Cherry on top
Seiko’s latest Cocktail Time is the “Sakura Aviation,” reference SRPM06. Like all Cocktail Time models, its dial is inspired by a cocktail found at Tokyo’s Star Bar. Also, like other recent Cocktail Time models, it’s not based on a famous cocktail, but rather on one that seems to have been created specifically with a watch in mind.
The Sakura Aviation cocktail, as its name suggests, is a twist on the classic aviation cocktail: a violet-tinged blend of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette served up in a martini glass. The Sakura Aviation, created by Star Bar’s head bartender Hisashi Kishi, is pink instead of purple and uses a cherry blossom-infused gin.
