Watch Reviews 4U Seiko Presage SSA361J1 Bluemoon
Cocktail Time Blue Dial with Power Reserve 40.5mm Watch
In 1983 I bought my first Seiko a Seiko 5 7009-4040, I have always been a fan of the Seiko 5 since then, but now find them rather a small case size at 37mm. I found the Seiko Presage series about 5 years ago and decided to look into it further recently. I do like the Seiko Blue dials, they look so good and the colour really stands out nicely.
As found on Amazon at £584
I found mine on a deal with a UK Jewellers reduced to £260
I tend nowadays to favour a minimum 40mm case size watch, ideally 42-44mm, I came across a video of the 40.5mm Presage SSA361J on Youtube and was impressed with it. I find that the renowned Japanese quality with these watches is evident and after doing some more research, found a Presage at a great deal price that seemed too good to miss. In fact it was cheaper new than some used examples on Ebay and half the price virtually of one on Amazon.
The metal strap is heavier than the Leather one I have replaced it with
but I could have left the metal one on as it is stylish and well finished
The Presage Blue Moon Cocktail SSA361J I purchased has a textured dial with a sun ray effect that radiates out from the centre, the dark blue dial shows variations in the light as the light falls on the dial and really looks good. The dial is marked with larger drop shaped markers at the 3,6, 9 and 12 positions, with smaller drop markers in between the seconds indicated in white print around the periphery of the dial.
I have now put the Presage on a Blue leather Strap
This matches the watch dial very nicely
The Seiko logo is metal but the rest of the dial titles and the chapter ring seconds markers are printed on. The dial is also available in White, light Blue, Brown, Black and Green colour options all with their own Cocktail related names, although some colour options may now not be available. Going back to my old Seiko watches, the darker Blue seems to be the most popular dial colour.
The watch dial has a 'Bauhaus' design feel to it, the watch is a great exercise in simple shape and form of the Bauhaus ethic where the design is not over elaborate, it looks great even though it is a simple layout. It basically just works and looks more expensive than it really is.
Such a great looking watch for the money
Evokes design influence from the 1950's
There is a power reserve quadrant on the dial on this watch which is useful to see how much power in the main spring remains and also has a sub dial date which looks stylish. There is no 12/24 hour indicator which would be useful to have, however some other Seiko variants have a GMT hand.
which I might also add to the Blue Moon
The Dauphine main hands are nicely finished, the seconds hand has a 'Cocktail Stirrer' design with the end diamond shape adding to the design theme of the range. I have seen comments about the finish on these watches being not good but looking at what I have seen on my recent new example I find it looks really good and I have no complaints.
On the wrist the 40.5mm size fits nicely
even though I tend to favour a 42-44mm watch usually
The case is 316L Stainless and nicely finished and polished and is topped with a Hardlex Crystal and exhibition back. This watch was supplied on a Seiko deployment catch bracelet with metal links, which although is nice and has a 1970's look to it, I did put the watch onto a leather strap to match the dial colour as this will suit me better. It certainly is an improvement on the old metal straps from the 90's which were hair traps.
A side on view of the open heart model
Note the Gold Seconds Hand
The watch for information takes a 20mm wide strap and I found a couple of options in Blue leather on Amazon, one a strap and buckle and one a deployment type both in blue leather. I have now fitted the deployment type one as that saves the watch if the buckle comes undone.
The Seiko 4R movement is visible
through the exhibition case back
The movement on this watch is a 4R57 and whilst some have said this was too budget a movement for the watch and suggested a 6 series should have been used, the 4R does the job well and I have found it keeps very good time and is a Japan made movement at least.
The simpler and thinner cased 3 hand version
What you do get is a watch that at the price is comparable to other higher level Seiko watches in design and looks and works very well, looking more expensive than the ticket price. Seiko have been clever to 'stagger' their watch models pricing so the delineation between price levels is not always that obvious.
The verdict:
I like this watch a lot, it is not heavy despite the thicker case than the non-power reserve presage versions, the dial looks great and the colour is nice and strong like on my old 7009-4040 from 1983, the finish is very good and as a daily wearer I don't think you can go wrong.
I tend to find 40mm case watches a bit on the small size but the dial is easy to read thanks to the markers really standing out from the base colour. It sits well on the wrist and does look proportionately right to me.
The details and specifications are:
The Seiko Presage SSA361J (often SSA361J1)
"Cocktail Time" automatic watch known for its stunning blue
"Starlight" dial with a unique textured finish that shifts in the light,
Powered by the 4R57 movement,
Featuring a power reserve indicator (martini glass tip)
and date sub-dial at 6 o'clock, all housed in a 40.5mm polished case with a
Domed Hardlex crystal and dark blue leather strap.
Limited to 3,500 pieces globally, it's celebrated for its intricate
Japanese craftsmanship and beautiful design,
making it a sought-after piece for collectors.
Key Specifications & Features:
Reference: SSA361J1.
- Collection: Presage Cocktail Time "Starlight".
- Movement: Seiko 4R57 Automatic.
- Dial: Deep blue, layered "Starlight" dial with diamond-shaped markers and silver hands.
- Functions: Time, date sub-dial (6 o'clock), power reserve indicator (12-4 o'clock) with martini glass pointer.
- Case: Polished stainless steel, 40.5mm diameter, ~11mm thick.
- Crystal: Domed Hardlex.
- Strap: Dark blue calfskin leather with alligator pattern.
- Water Resistance: 50m.
- Limited Edition: 3,500 pieces worldwide, individually numbered.
Notable Aspects:
- Dial Depth: The multi-layered dial creates a beautiful effect, changing from deep blue to lighter tones.
- Cocktail Theme: The design draws inspiration from cocktail bars, with elements like the martini glass power reserve pointer.
- Craftsmanship: Features a display case back showing the movement and a signed crown.
No comments:
Post a Comment