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24 December 2005, 03:22 AM

Black Monster Review

The Seiko Black Monster SKX779K has been available for about five years and is a tough dive watch that is waterproof to 200m, has the 7S26, automatic movement and comes on a solid stainless steel bracelet and/or a rubber dive strap. It’s 42mm across and 13mm thick and for a mere US$190 give or take, it’s the best value watch available today.

It comes with a solid stainless steel unidirectional bezel with engraved numbers. The watch comes with a black or orange dial (with limited editions available in yellow or blue dials).

The 7S26 movement is a 21 jewel, non-hacking movement that cannot be manually wound. By non-hacking, I mean the second hand cannot be stopped to set the time to the absolute second. This could be problematic for some who are particular about precise accuracy. It beats at 21,600 beats per hour, so a tad slower than a standard auto, which usually beats around 28,000 bph.

The fact that it cannot be manually wound is a drawback as it means if you’re not wearing the watch for more than it’s 42 hour reserve, you’ll have to rotate it to keep it going, or keep it on a winder, or reset the date/time. It’s a minor drawback given how good this watch is. The movement also has a day and date function. Personally I can do without the day function as in my opinion it clutters the dial. I would rather have a manual wind function than a date function, but this is splitting hairs.

Down to the actually use. I really like this watch. As most divers are modelled after the Blancpain 50 Fathom (yes, including the ubiquitous Rolex Submariner) the Monster goes against the tide with a unique design that really lives up to it’s name. It’s a love it or hate it design, as it is pure function and very much a tool watch. I would not wear this watch with a suit at all.

That said, despite it’s size it is very comfortable on the wrist, with the heavy case nicely balanced by the heavy bracelet. The clasp on the Monster is a double deployment with a fliplock. The deployment is released by two spring driven buttons on each side of the clasp. It is very robust and feels solid. That baby won’t leave your wrist. I don’t know how it feels on a strap, but other Monster owners swear by the OEM Seiko rubber strap. The bracelet also has a diver suit expansion, which is pretty cool and easy to use. The only drawback I have read about this watch is the sizing. It uses pins with sleeves, and it can be a pain to get the sleeves over the pins. Best to have a dealer size it for you.

The watch is mostly brushed stainless, with some polished surfaces making for an interesting combination. The small part of each link (that the pin goes through) is polished, giving a nice contrast, but unlike the Yachtmaster, it is not over bearing and more tool like than the bling of the YM.

Accuracy-wise, it’s pretty good. I haven’t done a precise test, but generally over a period of five day of keeping it running, it was within +7 seconds a day. Not COSC standards, but for a watch costing less than $200 that’s damned impressive.

The lume is outstanding on this dial. The markers are large and easily readable as are the hands. The lume requires some charging but once lit up, it’s almost like holding up a candle in a dark room. It’s that bright!

The bezel rotates smoothly and solidly as well, with solid clicks all the way around. The case has two bezel protectors on the top and bottom so if you’re diving and knock your watch on a rock or a rusty hull, the bezel shouldn’t move.

The crown is a screw-in type and is easy to use, however, it may be the weakest point of the watch as it doesn’t have the same solid feel that a Rolex crown does. But then again, it doesn’t cost $7,000 either. This is only a concern for me since I don’t have a winder and will likely be resetting the time frequently over the life of the watch. Time will tell but it does screw in nicely... it just feels a tad wobbly when it's fully unscrewed.

Overall impressions of this watch are very positive. I think it’s the best watch you can buy for even less than US$1,000. I would highly recommend a Monster to anyone interested in a tough, no nonsense dive watch.

Photo courtesy of Dman

JJ Irani · 24 December 2005, 04:06 AM

Thanks, Johnny....I can believe that the luminosity on that watch must be simply awesome.

Any possibility for one of you to post such a shot? Thanks!

24 December 2005, 08:42 AM

Great review John! I agree +7 per day is pretty good considering the cost of the watch!

padi56 · 26 December 2005, 11:18 PM

Great review John. Seiko = best value for your money watch on this planet.

BruceS · 29 December 2005, 01:37 AM

Well done John! Although the movement is non hacking, you can stop it with a bit of back pressure on the crown. Not quite as accurate as a hacking movement as there's always a bit of delay, but it works. It's the same way you hack a Speedmaster, or the Breguet Type XX for that matter!

29 December 2005, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceS

Well done John! Although the movement is non hacking, you can stop it with a bit of back pressure on the crown. Not quite as accurate as a hacking movement as there's always a bit of delay, but it works. It's the same way you hack a Speedmaster, or the Breguet Type XX for that matter!

Thanks Brucio! Yeah I figured out the back pressure pretty quickly. I have the monsta on as I type this. I really like the way it wears and the unique look. My wife, however thinks its an ugly tank.

Which I suppose it is, but its so ugly its good looking, methinks.

BTW, have I mentioned how much I am loving my ExpII these days. I just love it on a strap.

AJC · 29 December 2005, 09:33 PM

Hey John,

Nice read,well done.Certainly a value for money watch that is destined to go in the watches hall of fame.

Aaron

29 December 2005, 11:39 PM

Thanks Aaron. I know you have a Seiko diver too. I may Yao-ize it a bit in the future, as I said, but for now I am just loving it. Last night it was in the pool when I took my daughter swimming and it did just fine!

Alan From New York · 3 January 2006, 05:00 AM

Good for you, John!

RobDad · 9 February 2006, 01:00 AM

Great review, pointing out the same problem I noticed - the weak crown. I set the watch a couple of times, and the crown felt like the threads were stripping (this happened to me with a Zeno Explorer) - so I sent it back. It actually bothered me so much it has really put me off 'cheap' divers - I've never had a similiar problem with Rolex (have owned almost every model of sports rollie at some time or another - currently a 16610) - or was I just unlucky?

9 February 2006, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobDad

Great review, pointing out the same problem I noticed - the weak crown. I set the watch a couple of times, and the crown felt like the threads were stripping (this happened to me with a Zeno Explorer) - so I sent it back. It actually bothered me so much it has really put me off 'cheap' divers - I've never had a similiar problem with Rolex (have owned almost every model of sports rollie at some time or another - currently a 16610) - or was I just unlucky?

I think you may have been unlucky. I've had mine over two months now and not a problem with the threading. I know a few other BM owners who say they have no issues with the crown. My issue with it is that once it's out, it feels a little flimsy, but it threads in nicely.

Prince · 8 June 2006, 11:25 PM

So far so good on mine. My impression, after a week of wearing it during weekdays, is that the Black Monster is all that its cracked up to be. And that lume... Out-friggin'-standing!!!

8 June 2006, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

So far so good on mine. My impression, after a week of wearing it during weekdays, is that the Black Monster is all that its cracked up to be. And that lume... Out-friggin'-standing!!!

I agree... It's been about seven months since I wrote that review and I have to say my respect for the monster has grown. It's tough and very comfortable and that lume is just blinding! Best bang for buck for a dive watch ever, IMHO.

Prince · 9 June 2006, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

I agree... It's been about seven months since I wrote that review and I have to say my respect for the monster has grown. It's tough and very comfortable and that lume is just blinding! Best bang for buck for a dive watch ever, IMHO.

Absolutely agree.

padi56 · 9 June 2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

I agree... It's been about seven months since I wrote that review and I have to say my respect for the monster has grown. It's tough and very comfortable and that lume is just blinding! Best bang for buck for a dive watch ever, IMHO.

Could no agree more John myself been blowing Seiko's trumpet for years.And even blasphemed the word Seiko,at the unmentionable place a few times.

Biblebanger · 9 June 2006, 01:41 AM

Nice review and Cool Watch!

mailman · 9 June 2006, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Absolutely agree.

I second that.

Biblebanger · 9 June 2006, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

Thanks Brucio! Yeah I figured out the back pressure pretty quickly. I have the monsta on as I type this. I really like the way it wears and the unique look. My wife, however thinks its an ugly tank.

Which I suppose it is, but its so ugly its good looking, methinks.

BTW, have I mentioned how much I am loving my ExpII these days. I just love it on a strap.

It's funny that sometimes the watches that our wives think are hideous or ugly are the ones that we love the most.

13 June 2006, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biblebanger

It's funny that sometimes the watches that our wives think are hideous or ugly are the ones that we love the most.

Agreed, although my wife does like the look of the Panerai. The only negative thing (if you want to view it that way) is she said, 'wow, it's big'.

Prince · 13 June 2006, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

...The only negative thing (if you want to view it that way) is she said, 'wow, it's big'.

How can that be negative???

13 June 2006, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

How can that be negative???

She doens't like big watches. But then again, she doesn't have to wear it so who cares?

Prince · 13 June 2006, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

She doens't like big watches. But then again, she doesn't have to wear it so who cares?

Oh. I thought perhaps she was speaking about something else...

13 June 2006, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Oh. I thought perhaps she was speaking about something else...

She said that about that too

.... but this is a family forum.

Prince · 13 June 2006, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

She said that about that too

.... but this is a family forum.

Family forum or not, good for you!!!

mailman · 13 June 2006, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atomic

She said that about that too

.... but this is a family forum.

You can talk about your feet here.

indra · 22 June 2006, 03:17 AM

as somebody requested...

mailman · 22 June 2006, 07:09 AM

[QUOTE=indra;88580]as somebody requested...

Ahh, another monster in the mix.

Prince · 22 June 2006, 07:27 AM

Monsters Rule!!!

23 June 2006, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Monsters Rule!!!

Yes they do!

Andad · 23 March 2007, 06:53 PM

Bit shaky, pass me the bottle.

24 December 2005, 03:22 AM	#1
Atomic Guest Posts: n/a	Seiko SKX779K Black Monster Review Black Monster Review The Seiko Black Monster SKX779K has been available for about five years and is a tough dive watch that is waterproof to 200m, has the 7S26, automatic movement and comes on a solid stainless steel bracelet and/or a rubber dive strap. It’s 42mm across and 13mm thick and for a mere US$190 give or take, it’s the best value watch available today. It comes with a solid stainless steel unidirectional bezel with engraved numbers. The watch comes with a black or orange dial (with limited editions available in yellow or blue dials). The 7S26 movement is a 21 jewel, non-hacking movement that cannot be manually wound. By non-hacking, I mean the second hand cannot be stopped to set the time to the absolute second. This could be problematic for some who are particular about precise accuracy. It beats at 21,600 beats per hour, so a tad slower than a standard auto, which usually beats around 28,000 bph. The fact that it cannot be manually wound is a drawback as it means if you’re not wearing the watch for more than it’s 42 hour reserve, you’ll have to rotate it to keep it going, or keep it on a winder, or reset the date/time. It’s a minor drawback given how good this watch is. The movement also has a day and date function. Personally I can do without the day function as in my opinion it clutters the dial. I would rather have a manual wind function than a date function, but this is splitting hairs. Down to the actually use. I really like this watch. As most divers are modelled after the Blancpain 50 Fathom (yes, including the ubiquitous Rolex Submariner) the Monster goes against the tide with a unique design that really lives up to it’s name. It’s a love it or hate it design, as it is pure function and very much a tool watch. I would not wear this watch with a suit at all. That said, despite it’s size it is very comfortable on the wrist, with the heavy case nicely balanced by the heavy bracelet. The clasp on the Monster is a double deployment with a fliplock. The deployment is released by two spring driven buttons on each side of the clasp. It is very robust and feels solid. That baby won’t leave your wrist. I don’t know how it feels on a strap, but other Monster owners swear by the OEM Seiko rubber strap. The bracelet also has a diver suit expansion, which is pretty cool and easy to use. The only drawback I have read about this watch is the sizing. It uses pins with sleeves, and it can be a pain to get the sleeves over the pins. Best to have a dealer size it for you. The watch is mostly brushed stainless, with some polished surfaces making for an interesting combination. The small part of each link (that the pin goes through) is polished, giving a nice contrast, but unlike the Yachtmaster, it is not over bearing and more tool like than the bling of the YM. Accuracy-wise, it’s pretty good. I haven’t done a precise test, but generally over a period of five day of keeping it running, it was within +7 seconds a day. Not COSC standards, but for a watch costing less than $200 that’s damned impressive. The lume is outstanding on this dial. The markers are large and easily readable as are the hands. The lume requires some charging but once lit up, it’s almost like holding up a candle in a dark room. It’s that bright! The bezel rotates smoothly and solidly as well, with solid clicks all the way around. The case has two bezel protectors on the top and bottom so if you’re diving and knock your watch on a rock or a rusty hull, the bezel shouldn’t move. The crown is a screw-in type and is easy to use, however, it may be the weakest point of the watch as it doesn’t have the same solid feel that a Rolex crown does. But then again, it doesn’t cost $7,000 either. This is only a concern for me since I don’t have a winder and will likely be resetting the time frequently over the life of the watch. Time will tell but it does screw in nicely... it just feels a tad wobbly when it's fully unscrewed. Overall impressions of this watch are very positive. I think it’s the best watch you can buy for even less than US$1,000. I would highly recommend a Monster to anyone interested in a tough, no nonsense dive watch. Photo courtesy of Dman Last edited by Atomic; 29 December 2005 at 11:38 PM..

24 December 2005, 04:06 AM	#2
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Thanks, Johnny....I can believe that the luminosity on that watch must be simply awesome. Any possibility for one of you to post such a shot? Thanks! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!! Last edited by JJ Irani; 24 December 2005 at 04:07 AM..

26 December 2005, 11:18 PM	#4
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,269	Great review John. Seiko = best value for your money watch on this planet. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

8 June 2006, 11:25 PM	#12
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	So far so good on mine. My impression, after a week of wearing it during weekdays, is that the Black Monster is all that its cracked up to be. And that lume... Out-friggin'-standing!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

22 June 2006, 07:27 AM	#28
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	Monsters Rule!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

24 December 2005, 08:42 AM	#3
---- Guest Posts: n/a	Great review John! I agree +7 per day is pretty good considering the cost of the watch!

29 December 2005, 01:37 AM	#5
BruceS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Sir Daft Location: Cornwall, UK Watch: Too many Posts: 2,464	Well done John! Although the movement is non hacking, you can stop it with a bit of back pressure on the crown. Not quite as accurate as a hacking movement as there's always a bit of delay, but it works. It's the same way you hack a Speedmaster, or the Breguet Type XX for that matter!

29 December 2005, 09:33 PM	#7
AJC "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 1,878	Hey John, Nice read,well done.Certainly a value for money watch that is destined to go in the watches hall of fame. Aaron

29 December 2005, 11:39 PM	#8
Atomic Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks Aaron. I know you have a Seiko diver too. I may Yao-ize it a bit in the future, as I said, but for now I am just loving it. Last night it was in the pool when I took my daughter swimming and it did just fine!

3 January 2006, 05:00 AM	#9
Alan From New York Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Alan Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: And Learn Posts: 335	Good for you, John!

9 February 2006, 01:00 AM	#10
RobDad Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Rob Dadd Location: London Posts: 134	Great review, pointing out the same problem I noticed - the weak crown. I set the watch a couple of times, and the crown felt like the threads were stripping (this happened to me with a Zeno Explorer) - so I sent it back. It actually bothered me so much it has really put me off 'cheap' divers - I've never had a similiar problem with Rolex (have owned almost every model of sports rollie at some time or another - currently a 16610) - or was I just unlucky?

9 June 2006, 01:41 AM	#16
Biblebanger Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fargo Posts: 116	Nice review and Cool Watch!

22 June 2006, 03:17 AM	#26
indra "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 82	as somebody requested...

22 June 2006, 07:09 AM	#27
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,363	[QUOTE=indra;88580]as somebody requested... Ahh, another monster in the mix.

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