For this project, I draw inspiration from my own Seiko Presage watch with a blue sunburst dial. This line of Seiko timepieces is inspired by cocktails, and what makes my watch particularly compelling is the balance between texture and refined, understated luxury. These qualities form the foundation of the visual direction for this single image.
Instead of creating literal cocktail imagery with glasses or traditional bar settings, I aim to translate the concept in a more subtle and conceptual way. The focus lies in textures and materials that complement the watch, supporting its presence without directly illustrating the cocktail theme.
The image is based on the Presage Cocktail Time collection. These watches are inspired by Japanese cocktails, which is reflected in the colour and design of the dials. The original cocktails were created in a single location by the same bartender: Hisashi Kishi, head bartender of the Star Bar in the Ginza district of Tokyo (Sonsino & Sonsino, 2024).
The specific watches in this collection are inspired by cocktails such as the Blue Moon, Skydiving, Margarita, Manhattan, Espresso Martini, Gimlet, and Mockingbird.Visually, I am inspired by Japanese cocktail bars, particularly their use of lighting and materials. Warm wood, darker stone surfaces, and carefully controlled indirect light create a refined and calm atmosphere. This sense of restraint and atmosphere informs the visual direction of the image.
The final image explores a slightly more glamorous and textured visual tone than I usually work with. Reflective surfaces and controlled contrasts play an important role, alongside subtle lighting with intentional highlights and soft shadow transitions. The aim is to create a balanced composition where the watch remains elegant, detailed, and central, while the surrounding elements enhance its atmosphere without overpowering it.