The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

Admittedly, the title of this review is mocking, but Formex, a Swiss micro brand with a generic name, is not here to joke around. Their "Essence Leggera" model, which is the latest addition to my collection, includes components that we generally only find on much more expensive models. For 1650 euros, Formex delivers a chronometer movement and therefore COSC certified, embedded in a carbon fiber case that brings a remarkable lightness to the wearer. Although the diameter of the watch is announced at 41mm in the SPEC, the latter seems less big on the wrist (which is not to displease me).
For this model, Formex offers a variety of colors for this model. I opted for the "electric blue" which I find particularly sublime. Finally, I took the NATO strap that equips the basic watch. It is possible to opt for a leather, nylon or rubber strap but these alternatives will cost you 140 euros more.


No, it's not a condom brand.

This watch is simply the jewel in my little collector's crown. I had been eyeing the Hanhart 417 ES model for over a year. The watch was at the top of my shopping list. But when Hanhart put this Red x Blue limited edition on sale, I immediately got it into my head to acquire it as soon as possible. Which became a reality last April. 
This edition, limited to 140 pieces, has all the signatures of the Hanhart brand (some of which are not present in the base model): 39mm in diameter, red index at noon, blue dial and especially the iconic red pusher at four o'clock. In addition, mine is numbered with the "021", a number that recalls a legendary French playmaker from Juventus Turin. 
On the technical side, the watch has a Sellita hand-wound movement with 58 hours of power reserve. With this Red x edition, Hanhart does not do things by halves by delivering a second mechanical chrono, sporting the same blue color of the watch dial.
The only small flaw I can find in the watch is... one of the reasons that pushed me to buy it: its blue Alcantara-style strap which is certainly beautiful but easily collects dust. To keep it, I bought a second black leather strap with white stitching, accompanied by the iconic "Bunde" which gives you the look of a seasoned aviator.


Wear it like Steve McQueen

I wanted to buy an affordable Japanese automatic watch. Who better than Seiko to satisfy my desires. So, I visited their site and there, it was love at first sight, the second my eyes crossed the photo of the Seiko Presage Cocktail and its green dial, its case with a sober but elegant design, its brown leather strap and its golden second hand which adds an interesting contrast to the whole.
I've been wearing it for more than two years and I'm still as captivated by the beauty of the dial that makes you look down at your wrist all the time. Besides, among the watches I own, the Presage is the one that has been complimented the most, both by my entourage and by complete strangers.

Japanese quality at a reasonable price

For my first automatic watch, I wanted to go for a Swiss and affordable watch. The Tissot brand immediately came to mind and the Tissot Le Locle finally ticked all my boxes at the time: black dial, a perfect diameter (39mm) and a reasonable price (€470 at the time). The watch does not raise the crowds or attract attention, but that is exactly what I was looking for with this watch. Its major flaw in my opinion: its Roman numerals, of which I am not the biggest fan.

My first automatic watch

The Seiko brand, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, has become one of the most influential and respected watch companies in the world. Since the opening of its first store, Seiko has continued a path of constant growth and innovation.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Seiko brand</h2>
The year 1924 marked the first watch produced under the Seiko brand. The company continued to develop new technologies, and in 1956 it released the first self-winding wristwatch made in Japan. The real game-changer came in 1969 with the introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch. This innovation not only changed the direction of Seiko but also revolutionized the entire watch industry.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko solidified its reputation as a technological leader with the development of solar-powered watches and the introduction of professional divers' watches. In 2005, Seiko presented the Spring Drive, a unique movement combining the strength of mechanical watchmaking and the precision of quartz.
In recent years, Seiko has continued to innovate by creating eco-friendly watches and supporting various environmental initiatives. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, precision and sophisticated design.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Seiko&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/prospex">Seiko Prospex</a></h3>
This collection is dedicated to those who seek adventure, whether underwater, on land or in the air. The Prospex offers solid cases, water resistance up to 200 meters, steel or silicone bracelets, and automatic or solar movement. These watches are often associated with professional divers and adventurers.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/presage">Seiko Presage</a></h3>
Bringing together the best of traditional Japanese watchmaking and modern design, the Presage offers stainless steel cases, leather straps, automatic movement, and exquisite dials. The collection is appreciated for its elegance and style.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/astron">Seiko Astron</a></h3>
This iconic collection represents Seiko innovation. With titanium or stainless steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, metal bracelets, solar quartz movement with GPS, the Astron continues to be at the cutting edge of technology.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/5_sports">Seiko 5 Sports</a></h3>
The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a symbol of youth and dynamism. With steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, steel or fabric straps, and automatic movement, it is designed for the active lifestyle.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Seiko watch cost?</h2>
The prices of new Seiko watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between &euro;500 and &euro;1,000 depending on the finishes. Price differences can be significant between the brand's different collections. For example, the price of a Seiko 5 fluctuates between &euro;200 and &euro;400 and the Seiko Prospex between &euro;300 and &euro;2,500. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Seiko.
<h2 dir="ltr">Seiko: An essential brand for starting out in watchmaking</h2>
Seiko is a brand that has charted its path through over a century of innovation and excellence. Its main models reflect a diverse range that meets the needs of sportsmen, divers, luxury enthusiasts and fashionable young people. Seiko's positioning in the watch landscape is unique, offering high quality watches at different price points, and remaining at the forefront of technology and design.
To find out more about these models, the brand's website is a useful information resource. Furthermore, the Dialicious owners' reviews are essential to making the right choice from this historic brand. Choosing a Seiko watch is more than a purchase; it&rsquo;s an investment in a piece of Japanese watchmaking history that continues to shape the future. Some may prefer <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/grand_seiko">Grand Seiko</a> but this is another journey...
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Seiko.
(Updated November 2023)

I had been eyeing this Seiko for months, and I couldn't afford it, because I was a student and had a low income. Limited edition, it completely disappears from sales websites once you have the means in your pocket. It was only during a completely random detour in a shopping mall that I came across a model on display in a store, and I left with it without hesitation. The Presage Cocktail range needs no introduction, but this is the limited "Houjou" model. The dial is simply captivating: this champagne shade, decorated with gold elements on both sides, is simply sublime and I can't stop contemplating it. The leather strap is of excellent quality, very comfortable and very aesthetic. It is a dress-oriented watch, but its diameter of 40.5 on my 16.5 wrist gives it a certain versatility. Indeed, I wear it quite regularly in a "casual" way (with reserved elegance, it is not a sports watch). A change of strap allows it to have this more casual look. It is one of those that I really wanted, and so I would certainly never part with it.

Between elegance and versatility

I really like the model. Being able to see the mechanism is something I really appreciate. The watch is of good quality and it is a pleasure to have it in my collection. 
This is my second Seiko and this brand is truly a favorite. 
The shiny leather strap is unusual at first but you get used to it quickly.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition

I received this watch as a gift for my baptism. It is extremely symbolic for me because it encompasses a great deal of mystical symbolism. First of all, it features an open heart that you can see beating when you look at it. It reminds us of the heart we must put into every endeavor in our lives. Seeing the mechanism in motion is very satisfying. The hands are sword-like, like the instruments of knights who embody justice. Finally, the dial is finished in mother-of-pearl honeycomb, which gives it incredible depth depending on the light. The bees symbolize wisdom.
This Seiko Honeycomb is originally a women's model, limited to 3,000 pieces. It was designed to pay homage to the work of Tokyo bartenders. As soon as I wear it, I always receive compliments and questions about this model! I've been in love with it for four years!

A symbolic watch

The Seiko Presage Blue Moon (REF SRPB41J1) is an accessible and elegant watch that will suit many wrists thanks to its contained diameter of 40.5 mm and its case with a thickness of 11.8 mm. Its dial is just sublime thanks to its guilloche finish which gives it a touch of personality.

My opinion on the Seiko Presage Blue Moon

Already having a Seiko 5 in my collection, I had wanted for some time to upgrade to the Seiko range and the absolutely hypnotizing design of this Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Mojito convinced me immediately. Its green dial that changes color depending on the tilt of the watch and the lighting is absolutely magnificent and reminds me of the atmosphere of Japanese films from the 80s, these golden hands and indexes emphasize the vintage side of the watch, as do the format of the case and the crown. The very simple dial makes its readability extremely fluid. Its transparent background is quite appreciable, even if the movement it reveals could have better precision (+10sec/day on mine). We also appreciate the golden oscillating weight that recalls the hands and the very nice leather strap. However, I prefer to wear it on a Milanese mesh which reinforces the vintage side.

Vintage Japanese style at its best

La marque&nbsp;Serica a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2019 par J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget et 3 amis &agrave; Paris, en France. Le nom Serica vient d'une r&eacute;gion perdue au bout de l'Extr&ecirc;me-Orient que les Grecs et les Romains avaient baptis&eacute;e ainsi. Ce lieu fait &eacute;cho &agrave; la gen&egrave;se de la marque, qui vise &agrave; concevoir des montres m&eacute;caniques de qualit&eacute; au style n&eacute;or&eacute;tro, pr&ecirc;tes &agrave; vous suivre aux confins du monde.
La gamme comprend des montres telles que la <a title="Page Serica 4512" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, la <a title="Page Serica 5303" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> et la <a title="Page Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. L'une des particularit&eacute;s de cette marque est que son nom n'appara&icirc;t nulle part sur le cadran, afin de pousser le passionn&eacute; &agrave; acheter un design, des finitions et des proportions, et pas seulement un nom. En juillet 2023, Serica a lanc&eacute; la Serica 5303 COSC une version chronom&egrave;tre certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres.
Leur avant-dernier mod&egrave;le est la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfant sur les bases de la 1&egrave;re r&eacute;f&eacute;rence de la marque, la Serica 4512. Cette 6190 &eacute;pouse les codes stylistiques de la marque, des anses lyres, un choix de cadrans diff&eacute;rents et la possibilit&eacute; de choisir la position de la couronne &agrave; 3 heures ou en mode "Destro" &agrave; 9 heures. Cette Serica 6190 est &eacute;quip&eacute; du calibre Soprod M100 certifi&eacute; COSC (Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres) &agrave; l'intar des productions actuelles des autres mod&egrave;les 5303 et 8315.&nbsp;
Depuis le 21 novembre 2024, Serica propose une nouvelle collection tr&egrave;s audacieuse...&nbsp;Une montre habill&eacute;e sortant des sentiers battus nomm&eacute;e "Parade" sous la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence 1174. Ces 4 chiffres, comme toutes les autres r&eacute;f&eacute;rences Serica, propose une symbolique issue du nombre d'or ou divines proportions dont le ratio entre la longeur et la largeur sont de 1,174... Une nouveaut&eacute; propos&eacute;e en pr&eacute;-commande &agrave; 1,490 &euro; pour une livraison pr&eacute;vue en Mars 2025...
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Serica ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Serica &eacute;voluent et diff&eacute;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre 990 &euro; et 1,890 &euro; selon les mod&egrave;les et finitions. Le mod&egrave;le GMT de la marque, Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre co&ucirc;te 1,890 &euro; tandis que le dernier mod&egrave;le lanc&eacute; par Serica, la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">6190</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 990 &euro;.
Serica est ind&eacute;pendante et produit environ 5,000 montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Serica fait partie du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Top 10 des marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises les plus populaires</a>, ainsi que du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_micro_marques_de_montres">Classement des meilleures micro-marques de montres</a>. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Serica qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une ressource essentielle pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)

The brand Serica was created in 2019 by J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget and 3 friends in Paris, France. The name Serica comes from a lost region at the end of the Far East that the Greeks and Romans named it like this. This place echoes the genesis of the brand, which aims to design quality mechanical watches in a neo-retro style, ready to follow you to the ends of the world.
The range includes watches such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. One of the particularities of this brand is that its name does not appear anywhere on the dial, in order to encourage the enthusiast to buy a design, finishes and proportions, and not just a name. In July 2023, Serica launched the Serica 5303 COSC, a chronometer version certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfing on the bases of the brand's first reference, the Serica 4512. This 6190 follows the stylistic codes of the brand, lyre lugs, a choice of different dials and the possibility of choosing the position of the crown at 3 o'clock or at &ldquo;Destro&rdquo; mode at 9 o&rsquo;clock. This Serica 6190 is powered with the Soprod M100 caliber COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Certification) certified, like the current productions of the other 5303 and 8315 models.&nbsp;
Since November 21, 2024, Serica has been offering a very daring new collection... A dress watch off the beaten track called &ldquo;Parade&rdquo; under the reference 1174. These 4 figures, like all other Serica references, offer a symbolism derived from the golden number or divine proportions whose ratio between length and width is 1.174... A novelty offered for pre-order at &euro; 1,490 for one delivery planned for March 2025...
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Serica watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Serica watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between &euro; 990 and &euro; 1,890 depending on the models and finishes. The brand's GMT model, Serica 8315 GMT Chronometer costs &euro; 1,890 while the latest model launched by Serica, the reference&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">6190</a> is offered to &euro; 990.
Serica is independent and produces around 5,000 watches per year, all models combined. Serica is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Top 10 most popular French watch brands</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_micro_watch_brands">ranking the best micro watch brands</a>. To choose the Serica model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190 reviews</a> or <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315 reviews</a> are an #1 resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.
(Updated December 2025)

Seiko Presage Cocktail Owner Review : Sublime, elegant and versatile

Japanese quality at a reasonable price

Pros & Cons for this watch

Where to buy your Seiko?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by T-RAB

Formex
Essence Leggera

Hanhart
417 ES Red x Blue

Tissot
Le Locle Powermatic 80

Other Seiko Presage Cocktail owners' reviews