Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 38.5mm

When Seiko's "cocktail time" range first launched, it was an absolute game changer for the affordable dress watch market. Where previously your options were either something like the Orient Bambino (a very classicly styled dress watch) or a number of uninspired quartz based homages to more expensive pieces, here you could find reliable in house mechanical movements and some seriously cool colours and dial textures. But, in the eyes of many collectors, the original cocktail time watches had a flaw: they were all 40mm+ in diameter, rather large for the dress watch category.

Thats where the Negroni and its siblings the "Mojito" and "Old Clock" come in. At 38.5mm across, they bring the cocktail time aesthetic in a more compact size. Like their larger brethren, they rock 4r35 movements with 3oclock date complications, domed hardlex crystals, and some absolutely killer dials. The Negroni utilises a fumé red guilloche-esque pattern that shifts and glitters deoending on lighting, and makes for a great example of the hard to find colour. This is paired with a black leather deployant clasp that works well with the overall design and is one of the more comfortable Seiko deployants I have tried.

When paired with a colour matched canvas strap, the Negroni is suprisingly versatile. I'd hesitate to call it a strap monster, but it can work outside of the suit and tie realm if you're willing to experiment a little. 

The Negroni is a fun little watch to add to a rotation. If you're after something dressy but a little less stuffy than the usual fare, its worth a look!

The 'Mojito' has one of the best dials in my collection. The contrast and color combination of that somewhat dark green and gold will have you looking at it for months. It doesn't have a color-matched date wheel (black date wheel) but I didn't even notice until months later. 

the case is amazing for all wrist sizes. I originally thought it would look big on my 6.25 wrist but it actually fits perfectly and does it's job as a dress watch very well.

the strap it came with was 'ok' but once I put it on straps I really liked, it made a huge difference in the fit and feel. 

Amazing value for the price and one I would never get rid of. 

These dials are hard to beat. I have the green with gold colored markers and hands and it is a very luxurious-looking combo.

The watch is a mix of retro-modern vibes with a boxed crystal but modern textured dial that literally dances in the light. It's hard to put it into words or in photos but in the dial is magic.

The logo and markers are applied and the date window is nicely framed. The date wheel is not color-matched but is on a dark background blending in nicely.

The size is great for smaller hands and has a short lug to lug. It’s paired with a pretty good leather strap and deployant buckle making it a very comfortable ware.

The watch has an open case-back and while the movement is not the most spectacular it is still nice to see and it features a gold colored rotor for some visual candy.

If you like the look this is a very nice step up from the Orient Bambino line that is usually the go-to for affordable dress watches and I don’t think it has any competition in this price range if you want this kind of dial on a dressy watch.