That’s a hell of a long name, I hear you say. But this is still not the name in its entirety. The full name of this beauty is the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SSA385J1 Fuyugeshiki. Now that’s a hell of a mouthful. From the first time I set eyes on the Seiko Fuyugeshiki, I knew I had to get one. Knowing that this watch is a limited edition (albeit to 7000 pieces worldwide), I was even more drawn to it. Some call it the “poor man’s Snowflake”. I don’t really agree with that. I think it’s more of a thing of its own.

When you focus in on the dial, you will notice that, instead of random snow-like patterns, there is a repeated criss-cross pattern of diamond shapes. In fact, this dial design was inspired by cocktails created by Hisashi Kishi, the head bartender at the STAR BAR in Tokyo’s Ginza area and a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships. I guess one of the worst things about the Seiko Presage SSA385J1 Fuyugeshiki has to be the bracelet. It’s a pretty solid bracelet with solid links and mid-links all-round. However, the bracelet has hollow endlinks! Why can’t Seiko make the end link a solid one! There’s more too. The clasp is a butterfly clasp. I don’t mind these as long as they are well made. But of course, in typical Seiko fashion, the clasp is pressed instead of milled. Being a butterfly clasp means there is limited adjustment available. Seiko did provide two half links to help with the fit. For me, right now, I find it pretty comfortable. By far the worst thing about this watch is its height. It’s 14.4mm thick! That’s thicker than my SKX!

I have to say, I love this watch. This is one of, if not the most beautiful watch I currently own. The Seiko Presage SSA385J1 Fuyugeshiki is truly a thing of itself. As always with all Cocktail Time models, Seiko has yet again managed to deliver a fantastic piece at a competitive price point. If you like it, buy it. You won’t regret it.