Forget Cocktail Time, It's All About The Mojito! Seiko SRPE45J1 Review

[@RelativeTime]

One correction. It's 50m of water resistance. I accidentally left an extra 0 on the spec sheet.

[@stavros_katsopr]

500m WR? Enough! You had too many mojitos! 😋

[@RelativeTime]

@@stavros_katsopr lol 😆

[@lulul]

the dial is also not textured, it's flat and the pattern is printed and it's some sort of optical magic that makes it look like it's textured.. i think i've seen a photo of one of these taken out of the case and it was very confusing since i also thought the dial has a textured pattern..

[@RelativeTime]

@@lulul Interesting, I'll have to break the macro lens out again and get a really close look. If you ever happen to find that photo again let me know.

[@lulul]

@@RelativeTime i can't remember where i've seen it (reddit maybe) but if you open it up you can clearly see it when you tilt it at an angle (the light will reflect just like on a flat glossy surface)

[@timedrightwatches7999]

"Best thing about the strap is the quick release..." omg that was great.

[@stephenschroeder6567]

Everything else I wear, ring, stick pin, cuff links, have emeralds so this is a perfect accompanying piece that will work in just about any situation. Just have to find the right band and I'll be all set. Thank you for your review!

[@NoNonsense_01]

The stock strap looks quite good with the watch and gets comfortable in a week. No needs to throw it off and buy a new one. Besides, the dial is gorgeous regardless of the price. Vario or Bambino are nothing like it. I think Seiko has gone upmarket because they have realised that no-one is producing original dials like they do.

[@alihoca1919]

It was awesome. Thank you, Man, for an elegant and simple, passionate and wise narrative.

[@hbchristmas5352]

I have the exact one. When I wear it I feel special. It is a very beautiful watch. I like more than my Longines heritage flagship is it 4 times the price.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I do love a vintage style piece. In fact I've just reviewed one myself... Albeit at a far more budget price point. This one is definitely all about that gorgeous dial though. Seiko really do now how to make stunning dials, that's for sure. It does look great on that Vario strap. Great review as always Shane.

[@osgoodbad]

Your videos do an excellent job of selling the cocktail time. When I eventually get a dress watch this will be on my short list.

[@megasoid]

Beautiful watch...going to buy this. Thanks for your review.

[@porkchopkufo]

Always love your honesty and dry humor.... Good stuff dude

[@chrishynes6091]

Really great review..it made me want every watch in it. Time to get more Power Ball tickets!

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

Dome crystal and beautiful dial, I'm in!

[@daveindevon5240]

Agree with everything you say about this watch. I have had mine for several months and regard it as more of a casual wear rather than a dress watch. The guilloche dial is stunning and wouldn't look out of place on a Grand Seiko. I can't stop looking at it when it's on wrist. Never even tried the stap on, just threw it straight in the trash. It's that bad. This watch is a keeper, as I will never tire of admiring that dial. Great review, as always Shane.

[@RelativeTime]

Glad to hear it wasn't just me with the strap. What did you replace it with?

[@daveindevon5240]

@@RelativeTime I alternate between a tan ostrich leather and a medium brown tooled leather. Both look good. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@Fred-rg5vw]

I can't imagine this looks anywhere near as impressive as a grand seiko dial. From a distance maybe but closet you get the more the quality of the g s would shine as vastly superior

[@butacosmin]

so this has always been my back-up if i never managed to snatch up a ``Matcha`` cocktail time, which i did. Amazing looking dial and reliable movement. Awesome video aswell!

[@MrZanzibar123]

Thanks for another nice video Shane! Seiko lulls me to sleep with endless variations on a theme, but then I end up missing the one amazing one they bring out, like their Ginza! Aargh. Lol

[@sophiahauser3300]

I love the dial and colour on this one Shane!

[@alextomlinson1725]

I have the Negroni, to which your general comments also apply. I completely agree with your views on the straps but, as you say, this can easily be remedied. I have several Seiko dress type watches, all of which I like, but for some reason very rarely seem to wear. A very enjoyable review as usual.

[@tobbexxxxx]

I just received the hojicha one and the dial is just mesmerising.

[@rag_man673]

I always saw these watches as not so much a dinner date (black tie affair) dress watch, not they can't hold their own. But I feel they would be more at home at a cafe brunch, BBQ/ pool party kind of dress (smart casual). Especially with all those fun colors. I love the Mojito and the Negroni. Both are on my list of wants but can't make up my mind which color I want more. Great video Shane, beautiful macro shots as always.

[@CUNDUNDO]

Buy them both ,problem sorted !

[@lamentate07]

Agree. I don't see them as formal dress watches. They are more fun casual everyday watches for the most part. If I'm going to a wedding or 'dinner date', I'll wear my classic Longines.

[@martinkavanagh9641]

A pretty-good Seiko watch plus excellent taste in leather Shane. Cheers & Thanks.

[@paulhiggins8774]

This is a little watch that wants to be seen, great design and a simple watch case takes nothing away from the dial Not too sure what strap suits this one best, I quite like the Ostrich strap, defo din the original Great review 👍

[@jjakiefte2165]

I started with the burgundy dial, then bought the blue one and the grey-brown one. The pink, yellow and light blue are not my cup of tea, but the green one will certainly be mine one of these days.

[@joaopedrodona3819]

Wich one do you prefer? I have the red and bought the blue now. Plan on getting the green someday

[@darrensmith6999]

Beautiful piece Shane.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Mojito is gorgeous. But thanks for showing that Vario Empire. Keep humming and hawing about getting a Vario.

[@Mattk3ng266]

Great review of this watch, I have been obsessing over it for a month or so now but it was great to see different strap options for it as as you said the supplied strap looks shocking! I have actually seen a picture with the srpe45 on a black leather strap and to me it looked the business as it made the dial look darker. I’ve also seen it on a leather nato which I liked. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it. 👍

[@bigwangmark]

I love this one and its on the list to get. I just got the one they call the Midnight Mockingbird and its a nice looking version of the cocktail with more dial extras like a power reserve which I get not everyone will like but for me it looks great. The strap on it is a tad better than the one on the Mojito at least. Also have the limited Australian Lark which I just love the dial texture.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I like it! I’ve sworn off adding any more NH/4R movements to my collection… However, the size and thickness That is usually driven up by those movements seems to have been crammed in a very nice package this time… Thumbs up for Seiko on this one… And I haven’t said that much over the last year and a half….Thanks for the great review!

[@Anakena3]

I was totally sold on the dial just pick one up yesterday!, great review and macro shots by the way! thanks. and ... hate the band indeed

[@timrosenthal46]

It is a gorgeous watch for sure as is the the other colours but I do prefer the SRPF 43J1 Roasted Green Tea Cocktail Time , it's dial is breathtaking ...nice review as usual.

[@Cowboy67801]

Call me weird but I like the strap. It feels good when wearing it and hardly can feel the watch being worn. I noticed in one of your shots this watch with a black band, hot! I might have to try that as it really made the watch look rich. Owned mine for 8 months now and the watch is very accurate at keeping time as it only loses 3 seconds per day. Very acceptable to me.

[@jlchavis0844]

I love my Seiko Matcha SRPF41J1. It's strap is genuinely great, wears great at 38.5 x 12mm, and has a stunning dial. My SSA405 also has a great band.

[@RelativeTime]

I might have to check the Matcha next.

[@isidrosevier1125]

Thay dial reminds me a Portuguese cut diamond. I would love this with a two tone oyster style bracelet.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I'm glad it came with quick release so you could get rid of that strap right away! 😸

[@denisdaly1708]

Love it. Am going to get one, as a daily to work. I love nide dials. Hood value.

[@gipgap4]

I have the Manhattan (blue dial) variant. It’s a lovely watch but watching this makes me think I chose the wrong variant!

[@timeandnourishment1961]

A beautiful dial, and that's about it. I have a dress watch with a naff strap, mineral crystal and NH35, but with 100m water resistance; assembled in Austria ( practically Swiss!). Fantastic review, Shane. Cheers 🍻!

[@robbbbery]

What is the Austrian watch? Sounds intriguing!

[@timeandnourishment1961]

@@robbbbery The brand is Jacques Lemans. The big watch shop here in Moscow carries almost their whole range.

[@robbbbery]

Oh wow, I didn't know that about them, that's really cool. Thank you!

[@timeandnourishment1961]

@@robbbbery You're very welcome!

[@daley1985]

Loves the Negroni and Mojito but bought an Orient Maestro,100m and Sapphire crystal on a nice bracelet.The green is stunning and $100 aud cheaper

[@yadd13]

I just bought it. I am constantly worried about scratching it. And the strap is mediocre. I am going to get a custom black leather. Rest the watch is absolutely beautiful 😍

[@אלכסס-ח5ג]

Beautiful watch! If i didn't already had the cocktail time i would buy one.

[@daley3]

I would also suggest you look at the SRPD97J1

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

I was in stitches (9:03), 'quickly take it off, and throw it in the trash' 😂

[@Amin_2k]

0:18 its large for a lot of people, but for big people like me with 8 inch wrists its ideal! This watch looks borderline small on your wrist (looks beautiful though on you), on guys with big wrists and or forearms it will look comically small.

[@bboooobbyy]

You'd have to have a VERY large wrist to make a 38 look 'comically small.' For the other 95% of the population it'll look just fine 😅

[@phil5611]

Shane I love mojitos but just not the Seiko kind. While the dial may produce some stunning renderings nothing else about the watch compels me to place one on my wrist. Thanks fore the video, I always enjoy your content.

[@danieldantas17]

Greetings from Brazil. Awesome video, very detailed and direct.

[@Coleburgess09]

This might be my wedding watch

[@DG69GOD]

I feel you on liking the “more complicated dress watches” Im wearing a bambino gen2 V2 with a creme dial and blued hands as I watch this. Great minds think alike 🔥

[@Zanarax]

nice! Im wearing the black dialed v3, got it a few weeks ago, love it.

[@brianmsahin]

It's a beautiful dial. Maybe the plain case is really showcasing the dial. A fancy case may have made it too blingy. I like it!

[@brianmccord7387]

@2:03 500M WR? It's a compression dress watch!

[@RelativeTime]

Oops! It's amazing, but not that amazing. 😎

[@brianmccord7387]

😄

[@donmiguel7312]

Look at the Citizen NH8390-03X A wonderful green dial!

[@markgrieves1307]

Hi Shane. The deployant clasp has the tongue of the strap pointing away from the wearer. You could ask Dave what he knows about this, but I think that it might have been Teddy Baldassarre who pointed out that actually having the tongue pointing towards you was considered rude in Japanese culture, so it has to point away. My Alpinist arrived like this and after hearing this interpretation as to why (which may be apocryphal) I've left it as it is and found it easier to use as a result. It's a beautiful watch and great review as always. 👍

[@RelativeTime]

That sounds more like Teddy, but I all ask Dave about it. Maybe he can ask someone at a traditional Japanese watch shop.

[@gadgetbeacon]

I already know I hate that included strap lol. You made good strap choices throughout the video!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. Yeah, with some watches you just have to immediately throw the stock strap away.

[@smyrnianlink]

This might be the most beautiful dial I have ever seen.

[@enmovimiento3766]

I had it for few weeks but besides the strap (awful) it didn’t click w me, so I let it go. Honestly Shane Seiko is not convincing me day after day… well it is just me. Great video amigo.

[@hectorcortez3888]

Love your show, anyway I have a seiko case at 4 o'clock, is there a difference in which movement to use.

[@CorbynsCombo]

Got a few run of the mill watches now, best watch I have being the Tissot PRX,( yes it’s quartz ) I’m really loving the look of this as my first automatic, anyone had it as a first? How are you finding it?

[@zevongrie1402]

What is the black strap? I did not hear you mention that. I like the look and texture.

[@tyleroestreich5130]

As an owner, the strap isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be in this video though personally I wish it was a darker brown. I do not like the domed crystal because it warps the view of the edges of the watch and looks and feels cheaper than sapphire. All accounted for, it’s a nice watch that I’ll wear happily, and have received compliments on, though agree with the video that in a few ways it just doesn’t have a certain “je ne sais quoi.”

[@Fred-rg5vw]

I think you described my thoughts on the domed crystal.. Makes it look cheaper. I havent worn 1 so can't comment on the feel.

[@cappy2282]

Definitely gotta change the strap but I got mojito last week and am really loving it

[@RelativeTime]

It's an amazing dial!

[@cappy2282]

@@RelativeTime It really is! I got into hobby couple yrs ago and your channel has only strengthened my admiration for horology. I appreciate you helping me decide on the mojito, you're a man of integrity and true watch enthusiast. I thank you good sir 👍 lol

[@jimmylaw2136]

I remember liking it a lot when it was launched, and even tried it on. But I have too many dress watches. Haha

[@RelativeTime]

There are some great ones out there, but I don't get dressed up enough these days.

[@dude28405]

I like that one better especially in green

[@gynechiatrist]

Bought a Black Cat version with a power reserve. Did not pop my cork. Selling it.

[@YlkevanSpankeren]

I just got the watch a couple of days ago and the stock strap deployant clasp cuts into my wrist while it's not even too tight.

[@billcore6295]

I have a tequila sunset 🌅....nice watch. Mine also is 38mm

[@RelativeTime]

That pink is really nice.

[@sergeylubentsov3543]

Witch metall strips suit to this watch? Thanks for answer 😊

[@woonfaseng8737]

maybe a more redeeming of this model is the turquoise version. might be a good alternative for people on the Tiffany blue craze fad but dont wish to spend 30K buying a rolex OP in aquamarine blue which retails are only about 6K USD

[@centurio34]

They really need to make one of these in a white, silver, or champagne dial that's more suitable to everyday wear.

[@WilliamKilbert]

Hi there, I recently bought one of these and was wondering if you could give me any advice on a new strap please in terms of size? I looked at your recomendations but I am in Spain so it might be a bit difficult to find those particular straps. Please could you tell me if there is a specific size I should buy for it? Thanks!

[@rustykc]

Does anyone have a link for a saphire crystal for this watch?

[@martinkavanagh9641]

- Perhaps you might try "Distress" that Seiko strap on a wire wheel?

[@lynx8587]

I just found this watch last night, and then this review came out today. XD

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Beautiful dial and great size. Good candidate for a giveaway.

[@RelativeTime]

I was thinking about using it with the 30k giveaway, but didn't have the review out in time.

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

@@RelativeTime Have a 35k giveaway.

[@RelativeTime]

@@RobinsWatchJourney maybe, probably won't be another big one until 40k. Unless I get a 3rd party to sponsor. The channel really doesn't make enough to do more than a couple a year. The 30k giveaway was about 2 months worth of KZbin revenue as it is.

[@johnsuzuki3572]

A great review as always and particularly two points no one talks about: oversized Seiko logo and boring case design. Unlike not using high quality materials such as a sapphire crystal, these issues ruin the overall design. Until you mentioned, it looked beautiful but also off for some reasons I couldn’t express. Thank you for your great observations!

[@tortirion]

I was gonna pass up this watch, because the images provided by Seiko are criminally bad. I was looking at the other Cocktail watches (the green especially) as my next dress watch, but dang i really like this. Seriously tho, whoever at Seiko is in charge of choosing images for their websites needs to be fired

[@yoinkhaha]

to my surprise I actually found the blue moon's dial rather underwhelming in person; it looked better on film. I wonder if these with this particular pattern are a bit more impressive. The hardlex dome makes it a no-go for me anyway... it will scratch and then you won't notice the dial but instead the scratch that's ruining it. Hardlex has a fine look to it but for such an exposed bubble it's just not suited.

[@The_Ludd1te]

Short answer, nope. Owned one and it was just not the same in person. The best way I can describe it is that the dial felt gimmicky in the flesh. Others may love it but it wasn't for me. I ultimately ended up returning it and bought a matcha instead. That dial does impress, both in pictures and in person.

[@yoinkhaha]

@@The_Ludd1te Good looking out for the feedback. Matcha looks cool... if I didn't have so many olive green dial watches already haha... I still can't deal with bubbled mineral or hard-lex anymore though, have one bubbled mineral and it scratched within a week's worth of wear, good thing it was an inexpensive quartz piece. It's one thing if a tool or field watch is scuffed up but when the point is that it looks pretty for dressiness... I kinda think watch geeks get screwed over by the fact that the average Joe will think hardened mineral is better than acrylic, when it totally isn't in the case of bubbles. In the case of these cocktail times, I wonder if acrylic would be as suited as sapphire, though, for clarity's sake with those dials...

[@jjakiefte2165]

You say "it will scratch". No, it won't. I have had an Omega Speedmaster classic since 1991 and a Junghans Max Bill chrono both with a hesalite domed crystal. I have worn them very regularly and still do. Not a scratch on either. So it's the wearer who gets the scratches on the crystal, not the hardlex....

[@yoinkhaha]

@@jjakiefte2165 If scratches occur on hardlex for a significant percentage of hardlex owners, as they do, then it's a general problem and it WILL happen. It's cool you don't scratch up watches but I assure you people do, with pretty normal use. Also, why bring up hesalite? I'm all for hesalite... more acrylic please

[@jjakiefte2165]

@@yoinkhaha Why bring up hessalite? Because if there's one material that's not scratch resistant it's hessalite, I would have thought that was obvious.

[@escargotiskuhol]

I agree, this is one of the most photogenic watches out there

[@rupeshsarkar]

Nice review.

[@TheIntendedOutcome]

These shots of the watch are killer, great review!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@evocati6523]

Id swap the hardlex for sapphire for sure

[@JS-ev4xc]

On the contrary, i like the stock strap with its colour and smooth shiny lacquar effect, very retro. But may be in real person the strap is not as interesting?

[@rupeshsarkar]

Nice review !!

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chry8608]

Can we turn up side down the strap? It's a bit funny for me to use a backwards strap like that😅

[@RelativeTime]

That's just how Seiko does it when it has a deployant clasp. I know it looks strange from a distance.

[@kam4046]

I love that vintage looking strap! What is it?

[@kam4046]

Ok Vario distressed leather 😍

[@ralphus555]

Great review. That dial is amazing. 50M of W/R makes it very usable.

[@billie3884]

Will there be any watch under 40mm with power reserve indicator by seiko or similar watches in the near future?

[@RelativeTime]

Orient Star would be your best bet for that. Here is one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmjMpqaJgJd3pqs

[@eyesoulyou2086]

Ir it’s possible to add a sapphire case ?

[@RelativeTime]

You mean add a sapphire crystal? Yah it should be.

[@stavros_katsopr]

I'll drink to that, cheers Shane.

[@JustWatches1]

I had the red dial version and absolutely loved it! I flipped it (I flip almost everything) but this review made me miss it HA!

[@jackiemoon_lms]

I have yet to add a seiko to my collection. Have seen so many issues with them from dozens of reviewers. What non dress seikos would you recommend?

[@pradyumnajanga]

Did you try looking into newest Seiko 5s? Especially the SRPE Models aka DressKX ones are amazing. They kind of have a Tudor Black Bay 36 vibe going on. If you're looking into divers then Seiko Samurai or Turtle are top notch.

[@riverfishing2051]

Like the dial for sure but for the price I know you can buy 3 watches on AliEx and they will all have better specs and strap. Lately I feel Seiko is losing its way. As collectors, perhaps our standards are too far above the average consumer. I find so many larger corps copy each other thinking they have the "real" market research... maybe they just copy their mistakes. Great review as always.

[@gmotionedc5412]

Yeah I love it. But I dont like to go below 40

[@watchalot919]

I own the Big Clock colour version (blue). It's absolutely gorgeous, but for what you get, very overpriced. I put mine on a Milanese, and it suits it perfectly. Great review as usual Shane

[@juvasaditya6384]

Any IDEA where I can find a sapphire crystal for this watch? (SRPE43 in particular)

[@RelativeTime]

Not sure. I'd say your best bet is to ask Marc at Long Island watch. If he doesn't have it, he'd at least know where to get one.

[@EOrtiz]

Did they ever make that style in white?

[@RelativeTime]

Not that I know of.

[@EOrtiz]

@@RelativeTime thanks!

[@BrianHartman]

That beautiful dial notwitshtanding, the fact that they cheaped out and put a hardlex crystal on this is really disappointing. For what they're charging for this, sapphire wouldn't just be nice. It's necessary.

[@MrBacchus18]

2 years later this watch is brand new on eBay for under $300. I'm not sure there is a more stylish automatic dress watch at that price.

[@ILoveBeingLoved1]

whats the difference with this one and the one that doesnt have J1?

[@RelativeTime]

Nothing that really matters. Some say J designates it's made in Japan while the k models aren't. While some say they are made in the same place it just designates what market the watch is meant for. J FOR Japan, K for North America. Either way J watches tend to be a little more as collectors see them as more desirable, but there really isn't any functional difference.

[@ILoveBeingLoved1]

Oh okay. By chance are you still using this watch? If so how is it handling? I want to buy this as my first watch so I want to make sure its a durable. @@RelativeTime

[@RelativeTime]

@@ILoveBeingLoved1 yeah I still have it and wear it occasionally. Holding up well for A dress watch. Although if I was wearing it more like an everyday watch it probably have a few more scratches on it. If you're looking for your first watch, unless you're specifically looking for a dress watch, maybe something like a dive watch or a field watch that has more brushed finish would be better for everyday wear.

[@CapaNoisyCapa]

I have the Mojito and the Negroni for about 6 months. Yup, the stock straps are rubbish. The Mojito really needs a lot of light to really shine, literally and figuratively. The Negroni less so, but it's far from a strap monster. I don't wear my watches to impress others, but I always get a comment or two when I wear then.

[@hrithik4515]

Which one is better this or srpb41j1 blue moon coctail bracelet edition ?

[@RelativeTime]

Well I've had both. Sold the blue moon shortly after. I did its review. But this one I just couldn't let go of. So I'm going to say this one's better. Once you change the strap I think it's more comfortable on the wrist, and I personally like the arabics on the dial

[@hrithik4515]

@@RelativeTimethanks i just have the og alpinist sarb017 So if i get mojito i would have two green dials.. dont you think? I was just thinking about having variations

[@RelativeTime]

@@hrithik4515 yah at that point you may not want two green dials. There are a few other smaller versions like this as well. In different colors, but I don't remember what they are right now. They might be worth looking into if you like the layout of this one

[@hrithik4515]

@@RelativeTime model no ?

[@Projkt1karus]

Hi whats the difference between j1 non j1 model of the watch?

[@RelativeTime]

There is a little bit of a debate among Seiko fans on that. Some think that J1 designated the watch was made in Japan, while k1 designated it was made in Malaysia. Which is why J1 models are often more sought after and will sometimes retain more value. Although I've also heard some people say that J1 doesn't necessarily designated that it was made in Japan... but more designated it was made for the Japanese / asian market. Where like k1 will be made more for the North Amercican / European market. Which is why if you get a Seiko with a Day complication the second language on it will be different depending on that designation. J1 models will have English / kanji day wheels. Where k1 has English / Spanish.

[@eleveneleven572]

You've summed up the cocktail time problem...the size. Too big even for me. 38mm is just right.