This Affordable Classic Seiko Just Got an Eye-Catching Update

For what seems like forever, the standard advice for budding watch enthusiasts who want a classy dress watch that looks a lot more expensive than its price tag has been to get a Seiko Cocktail Time.

That was true for the original SARB065 when it launched back in 2010, and it remains true for the current robust lineup of Cocktail Time variations under Seiko’s Presage line.

Now, Seiko has added yet another mixology-inspired reference to its fan-favorite affordable dress watch line, and it is full of warm tones that are just perfect for the cooler months ahead.

Seiko

Bittersweet symphony

Seiko’s latest Cocktail Time, reference SRPL96J, is dubbed “The Conte” and is inspired by the classic Negroni cocktail. The watch features a rich, red dial inspired by the Campari-tinted tipple, and it’s designed to change color with the light, just like the drink in a glass.

The dial also boasts a striking radial guilloché-like pattern that Seiko says is inspired by traditional Negroni glassware. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Negroni in such a glass — and I’ve drunk my fair share of them — but the texture looks fantastic here.

Seiko

Complementing the deep red dial are the typical sharp faceted hour markers, dauphine handset and framed date window of the Cocktail Time series, all in rose-gold tone. The dial text, applied Seiko logo and stainless steel case are in the same rose-gold color, adding considerable warmth to the overall design. Adding even more cozy vibes is the stitched chocolate leather strap, which is secured via a rose-gold tone folding clasp.

A box-shaped Hardlex crystal sits atop the case, while a display caseback showcases the in-house Cal. 4R35 automatic movement. The movement doesn’t have much decoration to speak of, but it does feature a yellow gold-tone rotor for a bit of flash, and its power reserve tops out at 41 hours.

Seiko

If you’re wondering why this watch is called “The Conte” and not “The Negroni,” it’s because this Cocktail Time is named after a bar, not a drink. The bar in question is Conte Sydney, which is Sydney, Australia’s first dedicated Negroni bar.

In honor of the watch’s launch, the bar even created a special “Seiko Negroni” that swaps out the traditional recipe’s Italian sweet vermouth for Mancino Sakura, a pale pink, bittersweet vermouth infused with Japanese cherry blossom and Italian violet. Sounds lovely, if I say so myself.

Seiko

Pricing and availability

If you’re a fan of Seiko’s new Negroni-inspired Cocktail Time, I have some good news and some bad news.

The good news is that the watch, like others in the series, is quite affordable. Seiko lists it for $950 AUD, which as of this writing converts to just $626 in USD.

Now, if you’re wondering why the price is in Australian dollars, that’s where the bad news comes into play. The Conte (SRPL96J) is a limited edition of 1,000 examples, all of which are reserved for the Australasian market, i.e. Australia, New Zealand and related islands of Oceania.

So, unless you’re reading this article from one of those areas, getting a hold of one of these beauties might prove a little difficult.

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