Beautiful design? Yes! Excellent finishing? No - Seiko Cocktail Time SRPB41J1 Review - B&B

I have mixed feelings towards Seiko and their quality control practices. They make some of the best dials in the affordable watch market, and that is difficult to argue with. But their sports models often have quality control shortcomings that don't stop with their affordable watches, and can be seen on $1500 watches too. They often get a free pass because they are Seiko, and have built a great reputation for making good watches. This reputation has helped them create an incredible fan-base. So I decided to dip my toes in the world of Seiko by reviewing this gorgeous Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB41J1 watch. Does it live up to the hype? Mostly. But this watch isn't perfect. Let's take a closer look.
Don't forget to check out the full review here - www.beansandbezels.com/review...
And you can find more photographs of this watch and others on the Beans & Bezels Instagram page: / beans_and_bezels
#Seiko #Presage #SRPB41J1 #Watch #Review #BeansAndBezels #Delugs #Vario #StrapsCo
Strap #1: Delugs Denim Babele Leather Slim Strap - delugs.com/collections/ready-...
Strap #2: Delugs Pasture Green Russian Hatch Grain Slim Strap - delugs.com/collections/ready-...
Strap #3: Vario Vintage Italian Leather Mahogany Brown Watch Strap - vario.sg/collections/vintage-...
Strap #4: Vario Harris Tweed Herringbone Ocean Ripple Watch Strap - vario.sg/collections/harris-t...
Strap #5: StrapsCo Suede Quick Release Strap - strapsco.com/product/suede-wa...
Thanks for watching!
Keywords:
seiko, seiko presage, presage, seiko cocktail time, cocktail time, srpb41j1, seiko watches, seiko dress watch, dress watch, blue dial, affordable, beans and bezels, beansandbezels, beans, and, bezels, watch review, delugs, vario, strapsco, straps

[@the_benz]

One of the best reviews I've watched. Your incredible attention to detail and criticality are something I wished other reviewers would have as well.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewe.8321]

I agree with every criticism of this watch, that said I love it. The dial, the fit, the bracelet, and even the name all appeal to me greatly. I have this exact model, and it is easily one of my favorite watches. It has an identity all of its own. It isn’t imitating other watches and shows it’s a proper icon in its own right.

[@daddykool9507]

Top notch review! Love your style and macro shots catches all the imperfections!!👌

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and thank you for the very kind words!

[@thisisscotts]

I really liked your attention to detail in the review - something I haven't seen yet from other youtube reviews (although I'm still pretty new to the field!)

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and thank you for the kind words!

[@davegavriel1845]

This is a very insightful analysis. Thank you

[@screaminhell]

I loved this review and you echo some of the points I noted. Also the Premier Kinetic Perpetual Calendar was the first watch I fell in love with.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. Yeah the Kinetic Perpetual was the first watch that I owned that made me go "wow" every time I wore it. The finishing on that is excellent too.

[@the0whilest0man]

Very honest and useful review!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you appreciate it.

[@M123OCT]

Very good video without a wasted second. Thank you.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you very much!

[@perpetuality]

fantastic composition and i really enjoyed the macro shots!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks man! I appreciate the kind words.

[@adhirajsarker9105]

I just purchased a Seiko Presage cocktail green sunburst dial, and its dial is perfect, no scratch mark, no debris or dirt. The metallic bracelet however, wobbles a bit.

[@richardgriffith2432]

Fair and solid review 👍

[@ArcticSeraph]

I love Seiko but I agree with all you've said. If a Seiko fan is upset about the truth, then it just means they can handle the truth and would rather be fed lies and live in a fantasy I appreciate truth and honesty when it comes to expressing ones view point especially when it comes to reviews. It truly helps me weigh the pros and cons to watches I am interested in. Than you very much and I hope you continue to make great videos like this one. I really enjoyed the watch

[@theprince08853]

Mate this was an excellent review, looking forward to seeing your channel grow.

[@BeansAndBezels]

That's really kind of you to say, thank you!

[@steveb4012]

A REALLY good review of this watch, which reminds me of an Omega Aqua Terra. I really want to like Seiko but the Qc keeps letting me down. I also hate seeing their dials liiered withe the 5, Prospex or PADI logos. I recently put a new strap and battery on a 35 year old Seiko 7431-5050 dress watch. The finishing of this is really good. Great video.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[@itxofficial8281]

Still the best review of the SRPB41J1 out there!! It's not only the micro brands that are catching up though. Over the last 2 years, Citizen has managed to completely outperform its arch-enemy Seiko. Just look at the Tsuyosa, or their newest range of Super Titanium watches. Then there's also Orient, who are offering probably the best sub $300 dive watch with their legendary Kamasu. In my book, "Value for money" is no longer associated with Seiko but rather Citizen and Orient, when it comes to affordable japanese watches!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for watching!

[@daveha2109]

Please name some of the alternatives

[@lawrencetendler7747]

@@daveha2109 Alternatives with superior workmanship? Rolex ,Patek etc

[@wincrasher2007]

I have 6 of these cocktail time watches and none suffer from the dial defects or bracelet fitment issues you describe. I have noticed that some have scratches and scuffs on the movement, which is probably a function of how they are packaged and delivered to assembly. Why your example is so filthy inside needs an explanation - has yours been opened up?

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching. I don't believe this was opened/serviced at any point. My friend purchased it new and I borrowed it from him to review.

[@Ronaldalan114]

I fully agree. I have 5 cocktail times, only missing the yellow ....c99 I believe. None look as poor as this example. My bracelets have ZERO movement at the lugs.

[@ChromeMan04]

The 4r35 movement is a mass produced and mostly machined made so the scratches are self explanatory.

[@wesharris528]

Any recommendations on micro brand alternatives at the same price point ?

[@mike212916]

So what other micro brand watches do you recommend?

[@jake17522]

From what you said there are better micro brands for the price. Can you share which micro brands you recommend?

[@BeansAndBezels]

In terms of finishing and under $400, I think Vario make excellent dress watches. For microbrands in general around $400, I really liked the Nodus Sector Field, Vandaag Tiefsee, Mitch Mason Chronicle, Reise Resolute, Alkin Model Two and the Second Hour Gin Clear.

[@grandvianna8551]

Fantastic review. This was my first watch purchase and you pretty much nailed it. It's a shame there isn't really a bracelet replacement for this watch as I was forced to go the leather strap route. Still looks great but I'll always prefer a bracelet

[@fredhollis3749]

I am curious I just bought this watch, why do you say there is no bracelet replacement? What do you mean?

[@chillbillc4366]

I’m new to the watch world. Why does everyone hate seiko bracelets and always try to replace them. What’s wrong with their bracelets? Keep in mind I don’t own one yet but I am in the market of buying one.

[@alias5281]

What would be the micro brands mentioned in this context?

[@Ronaldalan114]

The problems of your reviewed example is awful, and not consistent with the 5 cocktail times I own. But I must say, your strap options for this model were stunning and really opened my eyes for options. I will be sure to buy a few options, which may have been your intention

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for watching! Yeah, I'm certain that this isn't a blanket statement about Seiko's QC, but given the scale of their production, more of these are bound to slip through the cracks! I'm glad you liked the strap options - I do it for those that love to swap straps, and to get strap companies to send me free straps ;)

[@Jamesnebula]

I agree my Presage is beyond perfect. Love it.

[@roverteam4914]

If you have to choose 1 between these 2 which would you choose and why? SRPB41J1 vs SRPE43J1 .... They are both cocktail and blue with similar price range....

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching. After the experience I had with this watch, I would avoid both to be honest.

[@roverteam4914]

@@BeansAndBezels Thanks for the comment. How many Seiko do you have in your collection by the way and which one you like best?

[@joshuazahabian5104]

I saw another reviewer post a warning about fake cocktail time watches sold on ebay, I don't recall all the points to look out for. Do you know if your friend purchased this watch on ebay?

[@BeansAndBezels]

He purchased this from an AD I believe.

[@damianosavraammisaelidis9727]

Excellent review. And YES. I appreciate when someone has the stand to say that "just because it's below the $400" it is expected. No. I had the impression that once you buy something you'd expect a higher level of detail and quality. And as a brand if they have any respect to their fan base they should respect them too. Perhaps a note worthy suggestion could be a Tissot Heritage Visodate which is the closest to the Seiko but certainly not the same dial. Keep it up mate and continue the excellent work you do. Cheers.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thank you for watching, and for the kind words. I don't think they truly feel that way about their fan base, because their quality control doesn't seem to be getting any better. Their latest run of 62MAS re-issues were also plagued with bezel misalignment, and even bezel pip misalignment issues. I would like to check out a few of the current Tissot watches in this category too!

[@hrithik4515]

Can i use the bracelet of this to sarb017? Will it look good n fit good?

[@BeansAndBezels]

I'm not sure about that, sorry!

[@christopherchris9439]

Looking at my identical model watch, I cannot see any of the same dirt or scratches on the dial / indices (as per commenter below). This watch seems to be an exception. Maybe someone dropped the dial at some point before assembly!

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching! I don't think all their watches are this way, just a fraction of them appear to fall through the cracks. And given the high volume of watches they manufacture, even a small fraction results in a huge number of these units making their way to customers.

[@alextomlinson1725]

I have the SRPB46J1 and the SRPB43J1 and neither have QC issues to anything like the same extent. A very honest assessment though. You can only report on what in front of you.

[@edcain3676]

Baby GS,In My Opinion,for the Price.Have a Blue Dial Solar,W/ Same Band,it's A Disapointment,Looses it's Brilliance after about 9-10 months.But Look @ Movement of the Second hand,Very Smooth ,Like A GS.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChromeMan04]

Not even close lol

[@neoroxx]

i checked mine under a magnifying glass, but I didn't see a poor finish like yours. mine have no scuffs or dirt on the dial

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Incredibly beautiful watch but those defects and hardlex is unacceptable.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching. I agree with you completely.

[@zorilaz]

This watch looks very good. You don't have to review a 400 dollars watch like you're reviewing a 10.000 dollars one. I own this watch and it looks absolutely amazing on my wrist. It's superb. I see no problems with it. Do reviews with other watches for the same price and compare them . I highly doubt you will find something that looks like 2 million bucks when sold for a price of 400 dollars. What you're talking about cannot be seen with the naked eyes.

[@BeansAndBezels]

I review all my watches in a similar manner, but with adjusted expectations based on price segment. I review a lot of $400 watches, but thanks for your advice.

[@edcain3676]

Have a Blue Dial Solar,W/;Same Dial & Bracelet.More Unhappy W/ the Bracelet than Hardlex Crystal,19 months Old & Not a Scratch on Crystal.Bracelet Has lost A Lot of Brilliance be W/ time

[@ChromeMan04]

This seems to be a problem with non-jdm Seikos. All my Seikos are made in japan and the dials are flawless.

[@CCV334]

What other watches would you recommend within this price range with stunning dials?

[@deshik]

I’d add on think that I believe you are missing is that you are fair to compare this watch with other similar priced outings and call out seiko for shoddy finishing. Though it has not been my experience. But these other micro brand outings often look like homage watches for omega or Rolex. On the other hand seiko watch dials are ridiculously original.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching. And that's a good point, but not all microbrands are homage designs and not all Seiko watches are original. Seiko actually has a long and very interesting history of taking existing watch designs and tweaking it into their own style. So much so that they made a conscious effort towards truly original designs with the introduction of the "Grammar of Design", which led to watches like the 44GS etc. Seiko is notorious for riding on the popularity of other watch designs and a lot of their designs today continue to be homages to other watches, using the true definition of the word "homage". That said, I respect original designs from both microbrands and Seiko, but almost every Seiko I've reviewed has had quality control that was disappointing.

[@deshik]

@@BeansAndBezels quality control will be the case since they are mass produced compared to original designed micro brands with waiting period. But seikos are beautifully readily available in most countries. You can be in any continent and walk into a store and try one on your wrist. Whereas for others one has to guess from press pictures and that in most cases is a disappointment waiting to happen.

[@doniherald7745]

macro shot and finishing complain on watch movement under $300? are you serious?

[@Martaine70]

You used a macro lens to highlight imperfections that otherwise wouldn't be seen....people don't have macro eyes, so they're not gonna pick it up. Still a very nice watch and more than worth the asking price for that dial. You can't compare Seiko to microbrands....their horological history and quality goes far beyond start up watches. I think you'll find most microbrands cut corners on quality and use worse movements like miyota and sellita.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Miyota 9 series movements and Sellita movements are superior to most Seiko movements used in this price range (NH35). Many microbrands do cut corners, just like many larger brands do. Since making this video, I've photographed many more Seikos and countless more microbrands. Seiko tends to cut corners on the finer details more often than microbrands do. I still like Seiko products, but their entry level products are too expensive for what they deliver these days. But I don't expect everyone to agree with that sentiment.

[@Martaine70]

@@BeansAndBezels NH35 is still a better movement than miyota and sellita. There are comparison videos discussing this. It has better build quality and is easier to service. Therefore long term it will be more reliable.

[@Nico-vr1kx]

Can you see the hour during the night?

[@Mutebasterd]

With the lights on you could

[@BeansAndBezels]

There is no lume on this watch.

[@joseoliver534]

Cheap price cheap quality......seiko fall under the level acceptable... now the micro marks do better...

[@TheSeptag]

The watch you are reviewing here, is either opened or a fake. Great straps nevertheless.

[@BeansAndBezels]

It was neither but thanks for watching!

[@Pink_Noizz]

It's not like someone's gonna inspect it with a microscope when you wear it.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Are you sure?

[@Pink_Noizz]

of course. how many people inspect it this close while you wear it outside ?

[@BeansAndBezels]

@@Pink_Noizz 42.

[@thegamingbegginers5777]

Seiko's persistent habit of sticking with hardlex. If only this watch had sapphire i definitely would've bought it. Hardlex gonna scratch in no time. Fuc£#ing 400 pounds for a watch nd u can't even put a sapphire. Shameless seiko

[@Jospapizunov]

What similar watch from seiko do you suggest with sapphire?

[@claudiuoroian3911]

Hardlex for a 400€ watch? No thank You.

[@BeansAndBezels]

Thanks for watching!

[@shahbros3753]

I got the cocktail green dial, extremely overrated watches, the finishing is subpar, there is no weight at all to the watch, polishing is bad, case design is boring, the movement seems very cheaply made as if the yellow rotor is made of plastic, and the dial is well not as dramatic as everyone says, I got it thinking that it will blow my mind as everyone else thinks but man was I disappointed, just a over hyped watch, definitely never buying a Seiko presage 🤣 again

[@BeansAndBezels]

Sucks to hear that, but I'm also not surprised for obvious reasons. Hope you can get your money back!

[@nikita.yazhechkin]

Have you changed your opinion? :)))