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

To Check Out the Mojito:
On Amazon: geni.us/z43Y
On eBay: ebay.us/H74m0I
On Seiko: www.seikowatches.com/global-e...
To Support The Channel Check out the Relative Time Amazon Store:
www.amazon.com/shop/relativetime
Some of the links are affiliate links that will earn me a small commission.
----Straps Used
Black Sailcloth (On Amazon): geni.us/4N3iMK7
Brown Ostrich (On Amazon): geni.us/pNmU
Brown Leather (on Amazon): geni.us/LKmzs
Grey Vario Leather: vario.sg/collections/vintage-...
Today we are taking a long-overdue look at the Seiko SRPE45J1. Also known as the Mojito. The Mojito, along with its colorway cousins, are outliers in the Seiko Cocktail Time Lineup. As they not only have a completely different dial texture but are also smaller at 38mm.
Although smaller, they are just as memorizing as the original cocktail time watches. With the mojito, in particular, being one of the most photogenic watches I've ever photographed. Everything on this dial comes through brilliantly.
-Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.
In Addition, I'm also an affiliate with AVI-8, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay, Jomashop, Meranom, and Phoibos.
00:00 Intro
01:25 Not Backwards
01:49 Specs
02:49 Case
04:19 Dial
07:25 Design
08:01 Movement
08:19 Strap
09:39 Value
11:12 Final Thoughts

[@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!

[@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.

[@alihoca1919]

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

[@porkchopkufo]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@megasoid]

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

[@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

[@rishavkumar8341]

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.

[@matthewcolling266]

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. 👍

[@sophiahauser3300]

I love the dial and colour on this one Shane!

[@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!

[@chrishynes6091]

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

[@darrensmith6999]

Beautiful piece Shane.

[@TimeForAnotherWatch]

This one is all about the dial ... and what a dial ... Seiko sure know how to make 'em. Great video as always, cheers!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@tobbexxxxx]

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

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

Dome crystal and beautiful dial, I'm in!

[@martinkavanagh9641]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@danieldantas17]

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

[@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.

[@TheIntendedOutcome]

These shots of the watch are killer, great review!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@kristiangustafson4130]

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

[@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 👍

[@escargotiskuhol]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

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

[@smyrnianlink]

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

[@Coleburgess09]

This might be my wedding watch

[@isidrosevier1125]

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

[@lynx8587]

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

[@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

[@daley3]

I would also suggest you look at the SRPD97J1

[@hectorcortez3888]

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

[@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!

[@rupeshsarkar]

Nice review.

[@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!

[@rupeshsarkar]

Nice review !!

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stavros_katsopr]

I'll drink to that, cheers Shane.

[@dude28405]

I like that one better especially in green

[@zevongrie1402]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@centurio34]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😍

[@ralphus555]

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

[@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!

[@martinkavanagh9641]

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

[@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

[@donmiguel7312]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@bdhaliwal24]

Beautifully show video

[@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 😊

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.”

[@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

[@gynechiatrist]

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

[@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

[@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

[@evocati6523]

Id swap the hardlex for sapphire for sure

[@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

[@Amin2k]

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 😅

[@gmotionedc5412]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnm9285]

Stunning watch. Can’t believe they spec’d that awful strap! Looks like what would come on a $10 watch.

[@kam4046]

I love that vintage looking strap! What is it?

[@kam4046]

Ok Vario distressed leather 😍

[@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.

[@eleveneleven572]

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

[@evansmoak7182]

"The best thing about the strap is that it's quick release...so you can quickly take it off and throw it in the trash." 😂 Question: I don't understand why there is a set standard case size for dress watches (or cocktail watches)...why wouldn't the case size be determined by the size of the wrist?

[@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.

[@henrygalindo4479]

I think this watch would look great with cathedral gold hands but Seiko would probably think it would look too much like the Alpinist.

[@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.

[@jan77usz]

What a lovely watch! I think that You can send me that model ;) Best regards J

[@HVG67]

Regarding the strap being on "backwards": I've read somewhere that this is one of those typical Japanese cultural things where you do not put the pointy part of a strap outwards toward other people... Dave of Just the Watch might be able to confirm to be true or BS 😃

[@RelativeTime]

Someone else mentioned that as well. I think it might of originated with a video Teddy put out. Although I'll ask Dave if he can figure out anything. The only that doesn't make sense to me, is that if you buy a Seiko with a non-deployant clasp, it's still the other way. So wouldn't that also be considered rude?

[@markymark3071]

Where can I buy the strap in 9:51? Thank you in advance!

[@RelativeTime]

It's a riche strap on Amazon. Should be a link to it in the description.

[@scatterbrain9490]

I think it looks great, minus the strap lol

[@Frip36]

you're that one guy who talks that one way. i remember you from like 5 years ago.

[@RelativeTime]

Maybe... What video was 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.

[@LousyNoisyCarcass]

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.

[@eyesoulyou2086]

Ir it’s possible to add a sapphire case ?

[@RelativeTime]

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

[@RED_ORIGINAL]

Родной ремешок гораздо лучше подходит, все продумано, приятный цвет и фактура. Никакой не мусор, одумайтесь. Хотя, вкусовщина, кому как..