- Seiko is once again partnering with Tasmania’s Lark Distillery on a follow-up to its 2023 limited edition.
- This new watch, nicknamed the ‘Ichigo Ichie’, is part of Seiko’s neo-classical Presage Cocktail Time collection.
- 1,000 pieces will be delivered globally, in specially made commemorative timber boxes.
Hot on the heels of last year’s collaboratively made ‘Irori Moments’ watch, Seiko has once again joined hands with Lark — the famed Tasmanian whisky distillery — for an Australia-themed edition in the Presage Cocktail Time collection.
Like its predecessor, this new ‘Ichigo Ichie’ pays tribute to an inimitably Japanese concept; as well as a Bellini-esque tipple that the good folks at Lark have gone so far as to write a recipe for. “Cocktail Time” indeed.
Featuring a warm, burnished hue (coloured by various inspirations ranging from the themed cocktail recipe to the colour of Lark Classic Cask) this new Presage model’s name, translated roughly into English, means “once in a lifetime”.
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This notion of ‘Ichigo Ichie’ has established origins in 16th century Japanese literature, but in today’s world, is most frequently expressed in a culinary setting.
A mixologist (or watchmaker, for that matter) who adheres to this philosophy knows that every object they craft should be an experience unto itself: something their patrons will slow down and savour, in opposition to the frenetic pace of daily life.
That’s all well and good, but if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast, what’s the technical deal? Satisfyingly straightforward, in our view.
Like every ‘Cocktail Time’ reference in the eponymous Presage sub-line, the ‘Ichigo Ichie’ (or SRPL20J to use its catalogue name) works best in dressier scenarios. Ideally: at 5pm, with a cocktail in hand, sat at the bar of some incredible Tokyo hotel.
In that spirit, this second Seiko x Lark team-up sports a classic time-and-date display; and is encased in 40.5mm of rose gold-plated steel. An engraved ‘sunray’ motif radiates from the dial’s centre and, in concert with the hue of the surrounding metal, gives the wearer an experience not dissimilar to that of a colour gradient.
Depending on how cool or warmly lit the surrounding environment is, expect hues of off-white and Champagne — both classic presences in the field of dress watch design.
Under the hood, the watch is powered by Seiko’s own Calibre 4R35: a mainstay of the Presage collection, that much like the rest of the assembled package, punches above its price-tag (with a 41-hour power reserve and partially skeletonised rotor).
If you’re keen, pre-ordering at the link below is essential. Deliveries will begin on September 16th.
