Seiko Presage Cocktail "Rusty Nail" GMT automatic brown dial leather strap 40,5 mm

Heritage & Presage Cocktail Time Collection

Launched in 2010, the Presage Cocktail Time line quickly became a showcase of Seiko’s expertise in accessible, elegant, and festive mechanical watchmaking. Inspired by the refined atmosphere of the Star Bar in Ginza, Tokyo, this collection brings the colors, textures, and reflections of signature cocktails from the renowned establishment to the wrist. Each model is designed as a tribute to a specific drink, with a distinctive color palette and a dial crafted in depth to reflect light in a spectacular way.

In 2024, the collection reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the GMT complication, made possible by the 4R34 caliber. Already featured in Seiko 5 Sports, Style 60s, and Field GMT models, this movement now finds a new home: that of the refined city watch, created to accompany the modern traveler. The addition of an independently adjustable 24-hour hand opens new perspectives for the collection while staying true to its identity.

In the inaugural trilogy (SSK037 Skydiving, SSK039 Rusty Nail, SSK041 Acacia), each model celebrates a different cocktail. The SSK039J1 “Rusty Nail” pays tribute to the blend of whisky and Drambuie, enhanced with a twist of citrus. Like the drink that inspired it, it embraces warmth, depth, and timeless elegance, translating the spirit of a sophisticated cocktail with bold flavors into horology.

Design & Dial

The SSK039J1 “Rusty Nail” immediately captivates with its gradient brown dial, evoking the amber reflections of the cocktail it is named after, a refined mix of whisky and Drambuie. The tone shifts from a deep brown at the edges to lighter hues in the center, creating a warm and sophisticated contrast. This visual depth is enhanced by the embossed sunray motif, a signature of the Cocktail Time line, which captures and diffuses light with intensity.

The faceted dauphine hands ensure crisp time reading, while the golden GMT hand adds an extra touch of brilliance, reminiscent of the citrus twist traditionally served with the Rusty Nail cocktail. Around the periphery of the dial, a 24-hour scale alternates Breguet-style Arabic numerals with applied indexes, allowing for a clear and intuitive reading of the second time zone.

The polished stainless steel case (40.5 mm in diameter, 12.8 mm thick, 47.5 mm lug-to-lug) offers a balanced wrist presence. Neither too imposing nor too discreet, it embodies a casual chic aesthetic, perfectly suited for everyday city wear as well as more formal occasions. The conical crown signed Seiko, subtly detailed, combines ease of use with personality.

Finally, the watch is protected by a box-shaped Hardlex crystal, enhancing its vintage charm and adding depth to the dial. On the back, the exhibition caseback reveals the automatic movement, giving the wearer a direct connection with the mechanics.

Movement & GMT Complication

At the heart of this watch beats the in-house 4R34 caliber, derived from the highly regarded 4R35. This automatic movement has become a Seiko benchmark, as it finally makes the GMT complication accessible while preserving the robustness and reliability that built the brand’s reputation.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
• Jewels: 24
• Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
• Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, independently adjustable GMT hand

This proven architecture ensures simple, practical daily use. The GMT hand, adjustable in one-hour increments via the crown, points to a peripheral 24-hour scale. This is what is known as an “office GMT” (or “caller GMT”): ideal for displaying a second time zone during occasional travel, or for keeping track of the time of a loved one abroad.

Winding can be performed either automatically or manually, and the stop-seconds function ensures precise time setting.