At Baselworld 2017, a new series inspired by the glamorous world of the cocktail bar was added to the all-mechanical Presage collection. The eight models, each inspired by a different cocktail, were very well received and are now firm fixtures in the collection. Now, two new designs, both 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, are added.
The fine finish of the dials is the key to the designs; on each the gloss finish is applied no fewer than seven separate times. This painstaking process gives the depth and rich tone to the textured and patterned dials that allows them to express fully the exact look of the cocktails in the Star Bar glass.
Starlight cocktail
The design evokes the brilliance and mystery of the night sky. The overall tone of the dial is deep blue, brought to life by the glow of starlight that radiates out from the center, just as the bubbles in the cocktail reflect the light in the glass. As Kishi puts it, “The secret of a great Starlight is the bubbles. I shake the cocktail mixer in a special way that I call my ‘Infinity Shake’ to add tiny bubbles that sparkle in the glass and create a sense of starlight in the night sky.”
Sakura Hubuki cocktail
The Japanese love of cherry blossom is well known and every stage of its life is enjoyed to the full, none more so than the last and most beautiful moment when it is in full bloom and just about to fall. The design captures this most evocative time for the cherry blossom in its delicate pink dial, as does Kishi’s creation. As he says, “I love the flavors of this cocktail. The sharp taste of the gin mixes perfectly with the richness of the sweet Sake. The malted rice floats on the surface like cherry blossom in the spring breeze.”
Each of the two designs is available in two versions. One uses the 4R35 three hand calendar caliber while the other offers, in addition, a center power reserve hand shaped like the stem of a cocktail glass. Both are automatic but can also be wound by hand using the specially sculpted crown which, when turned, allows the wearer to experience and enjoy the torque, strength and quality of the movements. All four versions offer exhibition case backs.
