Seiko Presage Cocktail “Hojicha” SRPF43J1 Review – A Warm, Underrated Limited Edition
When people think of the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series, they picture dazzling blues, icy silvers, or bright, flashy sunburst dials. But the Hojicha SRPF43J1 stands in a world of its own — warm, understated, and inspired by a roasted-tea cocktail crafted in Tokyo’s legendary STAR BAR.
I recently picked up this model pre-owned, complete with its original Presage box (though missing the warranty card). The plan? Wear it for a few weeks, enjoy it, and eventually flip it as part of my ongoing journey toward my grail watch: the Omega Speedmaster.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Seiko Presage Cocktail “Hojicha” — release details, specs, wearing experience, and real owner impressions.
Release & Hype: A STAR BAR Limited Edition
The SRPF43J1 was released in November 2020 as one half of a two-piece limited edition collection:
- SRPF41J1 “Matcha” (green dial)
- SRPF43J1 “Hojicha” (roasted brown tea dial)
Both were created in collaboration with Hisashi Kishi, an award-winning bartender from STAR BAR in Ginza, Tokyo. The Hojicha variant was limited to 7,000 pieces worldwide, making it limited but still accessible.
While it didn’t explode into mainstream hype, watch communities—especially Seiko enthusiasts—took notice. Many felt it was a refreshing departure from the flashy Cocktail Time style. The warm brown gradient dial quickly developed a quiet cult following.
Full Specifications – Seiko Presage SRPF43J1
Case & Crystal
- Diameter: 38.5mm
- Thickness: 11.8mm
- Lug-to-Lug: ~45.4mm
- Crystal: Box-shaped Hardlex
- Case Material: Stainless steel
The box-shaped crystal gives it a vintage charm, with curved reflections that complement the warm dial.
Dial
- Brown gradient inspired by Hojicha tea
- Subtle tea-leaf texture
- Applied indices
- Polished dauphine hands
- Framed date window at 3 o’clock
This dial is the star of the show — subtle, warm, elegant, and extremely photogenic.
Movement
- Caliber: Seiko 4R35 Automatic
- Hacking + hand-winding
- Power reserve: ~41 hours
- Beat rate: 21,600 bph
- Jewels: 23
Mine runs roughly +12 seconds per day, well within real-world expectations for a 4R movement.
Strap
- Brown calf leather
- Quick-release spring bars
- Three-fold clasp with push-button release
- Lug width: 20mm
Caseback
- Exhibition display back
- “Limited Edition” engraving + serial number
Water Resistance
- 50m (5 bar) — splash proof, not swim-ready.
How It Wears on the Wrist
At 38.5mm, this is one of the most wearable Presage Cocktail models. The dial color makes it visually appear slightly smaller, giving it an elegant presence without being dressy to the point of formality.
The box Hardlex adds height but doesn’t make the watch feel bulky. Under a cuff, it slides comfortably while still catching light beautifully.
If you’ve found some Cocktail Time models too flashy, the Hojicha is the toned-down, warm alternative you might love.
My Collecting Journey: From Seiko to Speedmaster/Cartier Santos
Here’s the personal part.
I’ve set myself a strict watch budget, and I’m close to maxed out. So my collecting style has become simple and fun:
Buy a piece ? enjoy it ? flip or trade ? step closer to my grail watch.
That grail is the Omega Speedmaster or a Cartier Santos
The Hojicha fits right into this journey. I picked it up with the intention of wearing it for a short period, appreciating what makes it unique, and then passing it along to the next owner as I trade upward.
This style of collecting keeps things interesting — every watch becomes part of a bigger story.
Watch my full review