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The Seiko Monster dive watch is so called because, allegedly, the shape of the bezel was inspired by a shark’s teeth. The Monster has the most aggressive design making it instantly recognizable. First introduced in 2000 in Japan with the Seiko SKX779 (black dial) and Seiko SKX781 (orange dial). Join us as we take a deep dive into this iconic Seiko Dive Watch. A review of the Monster’s key functions & features and where to buy a pre-owned Seiko Monster dive watch.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Seiko Monster
The Seiko Monster Dive Watch is a legendary timepiece that has been a favorite of divers and watch enthusiasts for over two decades. First introduced in 2000, the Seiko Monster is known for its rugged design, impressive features, and unparalleled durability.
Why is it called the Monster?
The Monster gets its name from its distinctive appearance, which is characterized by a large, bold case and an oversized crown. The watch is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, making it a popular choice among professional divers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
A Real-world Scuba Divers Watch
One of the most impressive features of the Seiko Monster is its water resistance. The watch is capable of diving to a depth of 200 meters (660 feet), making it suitable for even the most extreme underwater adventures. The Monster also features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale, which allows divers to easily track their elapsed time underwater.
Perfect Watch for all Environments
The case of the Seiko Monster is made of high-quality stainless steel, which gives it a rugged, industrial look. The watch is also available in a range of colors, including black, orange, and blue, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your style. The case measures 42.6mm in diameter, making it a substantial watch that is perfect for daily wear or outdoor adventures.
Most Popular with it’s Orange Dial
The dial of the Seiko Monster is another standout feature. The watch features a black or orange dial with large, luminescent markers and hands that are easy to read in any lighting condition. The date window is located at the 3 o’clock position, and the dial also features a day-date display, which is a useful feature for those who need to keep track of both the date and day of the week.
Automatic Seiko movement for Accuracy and Reliability
The Seiko Monster is also powered by an in-house automatic movement, which is known for its accuracy and reliability. The movement has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and is capable of beating at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The watch also features a hacking function, which allows you to stop the second hand when setting the time, making it easier to set the watch accurately.
Overall, the Seiko Monster Dive Watch is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality, reliable watch that can withstand the toughest conditions. Its rugged design, impressive features, and unparalleled durability make it a standout timepiece that is sure to impress. Whether you are a professional diver, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-made watch, the Seiko Monster is a timepiece that should not be overlooked.
Seiko Monster Dive Watches available today
Discover a collection of Seiko Monster dive watches on eBay today. Click the banner below to browse the latest offerings. This is a direct link to eBay with filtered results to show only Seiko Monster diver’s watches on the eBay market today.
*ChronoDivers are affiliated to the EPN (eBay Partners Network). The website owner may earn commission on resulting sales
More Seiko Divers on Amazon
We’ve selected a few other Seiko dive watches currently available on Amazon. Amazon is a great place to start researching a product, especially if you are also looking at second hand models. Knowing the price of a new one from Amazon may help protect you from overpaying for a pre-owned model on eBay. Happy Shopping.
Seiko Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch with Leather Strap SRPG39K1
6% Off
Seiko Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Strap SRPD59…
30% Off
Seiko 5 Sports Style Automatic ‘Batman Blueberry’ SKX Re-Interpretatio…
£378.00 (as of 3 December 2023 19:52 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)What to look out for when buying a Monster
It’s a proven design that never fails to sell for a good price. It’s worth doing some homework on the different Generations of Seiko Monster before getting to caught up in a bidding war. Expect to pay more for the original Generation 1 models with the seconds on the dial (first watch below). There are some highly desirable limited edition models of this 1st Generation like the second watch here – the SKZ331 Snow Monster.
First generation models, like the first one below, sell for the highest prices. Be careful when buying a pre-owned Monster not to pat over the odds for a “Seiko 5” model. The TRUE MONSTERS are generation 1 to 4 and do NOT feature the “Seiko 5” logo on the dial.
If you can live without hacking / manual wind option – go for the original Gen 1. If you want hacking and manual wind option – search for a Gen 2 or Gen 3. More details on differences between generations below.
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Seiko 5 “Monster”
The more modern “Seiko 5” models sell for less being only 100m water resistant – compared to the 200m of the the original models. Notice on the “Seiko 5” models they have used very similar hand and indexes styles – however – the bezel has lost the trademarked bezel shape – favoring a more subtle, smoothed down version. In our opinion – this loses some of the appeal – the aggressive bezel shape is what makes the Seiko Monster appealing. In the opinion of the ChronoDivers team – these Seiko 5 models aren’t real Monsters.
Comparing the OLD Monster to the NEW Monster
Here’s a few notable differences between the different generations of Seiko Monster
- Generation 1 only has the “seconds” written on the dial eg. 5, 10, 20, 25, 35, 40, 50 and 55. This was dropped in generation 2
- Generation 1 was powered by the Seiko 7S26 automatic self-winding movement (same as that found in the original Seiko SKX009 and SKX007). This movement is non-hacking and non-manual wind.
- Generation 2 was updated to the 4R36 – we now have the ability to stop/start (hacking) and also to manually wind the watch. This is great if it’s been off the wrist for a few days and you want to give it a quick pre-charge
- Generation 3 moves to the superior Seiko 6R15 automatic movement – also hacking and manual wind option. This movement offers 50 hours power reserve
- The 4th Generation sees a backwards shift with regard to the movement. The 4th Generation Seiko Monster’s get the 4R36 – same as the Gen 2 watches
- Prospex “X” – a quick glance at a Monster can help focus whether Gen 1 -2 or Gen 3 – 4. The Generation 3 and 4 watches include the Prospex trademark “X” above the word “Automatic” on the dial
The Night Monsters
Still within the Generation 1 models, in 2007 Seiko released a handful of versions encased in a BLACK PVD coated steel case. These black models are known as the Seiko NIGHT Monsters. Still utilizing the reliable Seiko 7S26 automatic movement and still featuring the seconds printed on the various different coloured displays (orange, black, white, red, navy blue)
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Video – Seiko Monster – new versus old by Bruce Williams
This well produced video showing the differences between the Generation 1 and Generation 4 watches. Bruce gives the clear differences professionally and in a clearly unbiased manner.
The best value for money Seiko Homage – just £99
ChronoDivers have commissioned a good quality, affordable tribute to the classic Seiko SKX range. A stylish yet robust daily wearer that’s the ChronoDivers CD200SKX. There is no doubting the DNA of our design – it’s a true Seiko SKX Pepsi homage – right down to the movement inside – STI (Seiko) NH35A. With quality features throughout including a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and super bright C3 lume on hands & dial indexes – excellent value at just £99
More popular Seiko Diver’s watches
The Seiko Monster featured above is just one of several popular Seiko Diving watches with their own quirky nicknames. Others to consider include:
Seiko Samurai
The Seiko Samurai is a diver’s watch with sharp beveled lugs that look as if they’ve been cut with a warrior’s sword. From the ever popular range of Seiko diver’s watches the Samurai is viewed by many as the best all rounder – equally at home on a diver’s wrist as in the boardroom.
The Samurai is one of the most eye catching and dramatic designs of all the Seiko divers watches. The distinctive bevelled lugs give the “Seiko Samurai” it’s nickname. Samurai covers several models incorporating the iconic angular design. The now famous hard edged case shape was first introduced in 2004. More about the Seiko Samurai dive watch
Seiko SKX009 / SKX007
Of all the Seiko dive watches that have ever graced our wrists & oceans – the Seiko SKX007 and Seiko SKX009 are two of the most popular. This short history of the Seiko SKX009 Pepsi and SKX007 tells us they were first introduced in 1996. At the time no one could have predicted their success and longevity. All models incorporated the Seiko 7S26 automatic (self winding) movement. Older models can be identified by their 150m water resistancy, newer ones were certified to a depth of 200m.
The Seiko SKX range on Amazon
Seiko Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch with Rubber Strap SKX009K1
£559.99 (as of 4 December 2023 12:24 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) Seiko Men’s Analogue Automatic Watch with Rubber Strap SKX009K1
£559.99 (as of 4 December 2023 12:24 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Seiko Turtle
The Seiko Turtle is an iconic diver’s watch made famous by the Apocalypse Now movie. From the ever popular range of Seiko dive watches this is the one with the smooth, cushion like case. Initially released in 1976, the original Turtle (Seiko 6306 & 6309) was in production from 1976 until 1988. More about the Seiko Turtle dive watch
Seiko Tuna
Of all the Seiko Diving watches the Tuna is the first choice for many professional divers. It’s ongoing popularity lies in the depth this watch can withstand. The Seiko Tuna range (that’s a nickname – not an official Seiko nomenclature) is a PROFESSIONAL diver’s watch capable of withstanding the pressure from depths of 1000 metres. More about the Seiko Tuna dive watch.
Further Reading
- TheSeikoGuy – history of the Seiko Monster
- TheWatchGuy – buying guide