Seiko Monsters

[JBat]

Okay, well I've had my appetite for this watch thoroughly whetted by my fellow enablers here at TRF. I just don't know that much about them. I did some preliminary poking around at Amazon yesterday, and it seems there are several case sizes for the Monsters, anywhere from 42mm to 47mm.

It also looks like there's no hack function and no manaul wind. For those of you who own it, is this true for all of the models? I assume to start the watch you just start wearing around until it fires up.

It was also mentioned in some reviews at Amazon that it's a better value to get the watch with the steel bracelet, then buy the resin one as an aftermarket add-on. Opinions on this? I rather prefer the resin band for this watch.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated, how it wears, accuracy, etc.

Thanks!

[mfer]

Everyone needs at least one Seiko. While I don't have a monster, I do have a skx007j which shares the same movement - 7S26. I'm pretty lucky as mine is pretty accurate, about 10sec a day. I've heard upwards of 30sec to a min a day on some others. It is possible for them to be regulated as well, but I never wear it for more than 2 days in a row, so it isn't an issue for me.

To get it going, I hold it face up and move my hand in a counter clockwise circle like I'm stirring a pot. Do that for 20 secs and it is charged up!

I'd definately go the bracelet route on the monster!!!!

[JBat]

Thanks Mik.

[Mike B]

See my post here about getting another Monster:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=109539

I gave my father the Orange Monster, and I liked the Monster so well (especially as a work watch, while I leave my Omegas at home) that I am going to order a Black Monster for my everyday watch.
I originally wanted a Casio G Shock as my everyday watch, but truth be told, I truly miss that stainless steal classic dive watch feeling. I also miss a watch without a bezzle that rotates, and the lume of a classic diver. So, I'm probably just going to use my G-Shock as my gym watch, and occasional wearer, and use my new Black Monster as my permanent everyday beater.
I haven't ordered the BM yet, but when I do, I will post pictures when it comes in. It seems that Amazon has not too many of them left though.

[Prince]

I'm going to send you a subliminal message, John. Here ya go... ready?...


GET ONE!!!!!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

[mfer]

Originally Posted by Prince

I'm going to send you a subliminal message, John. Here ya go... ready?...


GET ONE!!!!!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

So, should I get one?

[ESKO]

I have been looking at those too since someone (I think Gaby [Datejust1]) mentioned one the other day. It seems like an awesome everyday watch and I saw a black and orange one on an orange mesh bracelet.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by mfer

So, should I get one?

[sunburst]

John, some refer to Seiko 5 series divers as Monster but the true Seiko Monster
is Ref.# SKX799Kx and SKX781Kx.

The diameter of Monster is 42.47mm across 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock using Mitutoyo
vernier caliper. It will be 46.74mm if you measure across 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
The thickness is 13.08mm.


Monster does not have manual winding capability so you just need to give few good
arm motions to wind the watch. I’ve never truly measured the power reserve capacity
but it's good 40+ hours.

Monster do not have hack function either - although there is a way to hack them by applying
a slight back pressure on the crown but no gurantee as to what will be the consequences
of this method in the long run.

The Monster bracelet is actually a very nice looking solid bracelet and my recommendation
is to get the bracelet then rubber strap or NATO as needed since buying the original bracelet
later can be little costly ($50 ~ $75).

Btw - Monster does go well with NATO strap.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Prince

I'm going to send you a subliminal message, John. Here ya go... ready?...


GET ONE!!!!!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

I tell ya, Allan, at less than $200 it's mighty tempting! I just wanted to sort out the different variations first.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Mike B

See my post here about getting another Monster:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=109539

I gave my father the Orange Monster, and I liked the Monster so well (especially as a work watch, while I leave my Omegas at home) that I am going to order a Black Monster for my everyday watch.
I originally wanted a Casio G Shock as my everyday watch, but truth be told, I truly miss that stainless steal classic dive watch feeling. I also miss a watch without a bezzle that rotates, and the lume of a classic diver. So, I'm probably just going to use my G-Shock as my gym watch, and occasional wearer, and use my new Black Monster as my permanent everyday beater.
I haven't ordered the BM yet, but when I do, I will post pictures when it comes in. It seems that Amazon has not too many of them left though.

Thanks, Mike! I guess I should have searched for other threads first!

[JBat]

Originally Posted by sunburst

John, some refer to Seiko 5 series divers as Monster but the true Seiko Monster
is Ref.# SKX799Kx and SKX781Kx.

The diameter of Monster is 42.47mm across 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock using Mitutoyo
vernier caliper. It will be 46.74mm if you measure across 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
The thickness is 13.08mm.


Monster does not have manual winding capability so you just need to give few good
arm motions to wind the watch. I’ve never truly measured the power reserve capacity
but it's good 40+ hours.

Monster do not have hack function either - although there is a way to hack them by applying
a slight back pressure on the crown but no gurantee as to what will be the consequences
of this method in the long run.

The Monster bracelet is actually a very nice looking solid bracelet and my recommendation
is to get the bracelet then rubber strap or NATO as needed since buying the original bracelet
later can be little costly ($50 ~ $75).

Btw - Monster does go well with NATO strap.

That's awesome, Joji. Very helpful. Thank you!

[everose]

JOHN ...YOU MUST GET ONE!!!!!!!!

Yes get ss bracelet and add rubber later.....i screwed up and did it the other way about!!......but actually, i now find i tend to leave the rubber on all the time now.

I love my BM as a beater..but it is a significant watch in its own right.

I have put people to sleep with all my Monster posts on TRF....but "$ for $" i think it is THE best watch in the World!!!!!


No manual wind=No problem......just shake 6 times and put it on.

Don't forget to check out non Rolex Galleries for some amazing pics!


No Hacking......so it also has something in common with a Patek Nautilus

But seriously ..it has not been an issue for me.

PS I have also become interested in a G-Shock after your post about beaters!!!!!

[WatchTimes]

Had a Monster and gave it away.
Spent a bit more and got a Marathon instead and I think it is a better watch.
I especially like the Tritium lume on certain Marathon models.

I do not like how the Monster is non hacking and you can't manual wind it.
I was even more let down with the baby monster my friend bought as it does
not even have a screw down crown.

The Monster is a nice looking watch that many people are VERY happy with.
Just sharing what I found to be the shortcomings.

[ESKO]

Originally Posted by sunburst

John, some refer to Seiko 5 series divers as Monster but the true Seiko Monster
is Ref.# SKX799Kx and SKX781Kx.

The diameter of Monster is 42.47mm across 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock using Mitutoyo
vernier caliper. It will be 46.74mm if you measure across 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
The thickness is 13.08mm.


Monster does not have manual winding capability so you just need to give few good
arm motions to wind the watch. I’ve never truly measured the power reserve capacity
but it's good 40+ hours.

Monster do not have hack function either - although there is a way to hack them by applying
a slight back pressure on the crown but no gurantee as to what will be the consequences
of this method in the long run.

The Monster bracelet is actually a very nice looking solid bracelet and my recommendation
is to get the bracelet then rubber strap or NATO as needed since buying the original bracelet
later can be little costly ($50 ~ $75).

Btw - Monster does go well with NATO strap.

This is the one I want! Is this strap what has been called a NATO? I have seen that in various places in the forum, now I know!

[JBat]

Everose, thanks for the comments. I've pretty much decided to get one, it's just a matter of choosing between the orange and black. I've always liked Doxa divers, and they have that cool-looking vivid orange dial, but the black Monster looks awesome in the photos I've seen. Maybe I should just get both!

Jeremy, thank you also for your input . I've thought about the lack of hacking and manual wind, but every review I've read mentions it, and it doesn't seem to be a huge issue for most. For ~$225 I'm willing to take the risk. Thanks!

[JBat]

Originally Posted by ESKO

This is the one I want! Is this strap what has been called a NATO? I have seen that in various places in the forum, now I know!

Yep, the NATO's are the nylon straps. They're available in various colors.

[erasuretim]

I had a black monster and flipped it for a 1930's art Deco watch. Whilst the loom is mega and it is as tough as old boots, the lack of hacking and manual winding was too much of a nuisance. I also found the case design meant that crud got into the bezel area. I have lots of watches and found that i could not just pick it up and go. Even after a few "brandy swirls" to get it going it would stop again on my wrist.

I will now stand by for the flames!

Regards

Tim

[JBat]

Hey, I want to hear all opinions. Thanks!

[spuds]

Originally Posted by Prince

I'm going to send you a subliminal message, John. Here ya go... ready?...


GET ONE!!!!!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...

soooooooooo funny!!

& excuse the 'newbie' question but what's "hacking"????

.....& while I'm at it chaps what does "OEM" stand for??

Thanks Guys....

[JBat]

A hacking movement is what allows you to stop the second hand so you can more accurately set the time.

OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by JBat

A hacking movement is what allows you to stop the second hand so you can more accurately set the time.

OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

Excellent.

Thanks John......

[WatchTimes]

John
You know I do not own a Monster anymore and why
BUT
If I did not have my silly hang ups I would surely have the
orange and black, that was my plan before I got the black
and discovered my issues with it.

They are GREAT watches just not what I want in a watch.

Id say get a Marathon BUT I would never say don't get a Monster
especially since you know the silly minor shortcomings

[mfer]

hacking means the second hand stops when setting the time.
OEM mean Original Equipment Manufacturer

[mfer]

Opps, didn't see second page.

[spuds]

Originally Posted by mfer

Opps, didn't see second page.

No worries & Thankyou anyway....

[Perdu]

Nice watach; a classic in it's own right. It's almost always better (financially) to buy a watch on a bracelet and then get a rubber strap.

[Speed]

Mine Orange Monster should be here by next Tuesday...

Question to owners.

Would this heavy duty NATO fit properly on the Monster?

http://www.gnomonwatches.com/NATOStrap.htm

???

[spuds]

I'm suddenly quite enamored with these myself.

My latest plan is now to sell my SeaMasters when I (eventually ) get my Rolex's & get a Monster for a 'beater'.

I was going to keep the Omega's for daily use but we've just taken over a recycling centre, & emptying/sorting through & rubbish-skips (when necessary... I don't do it too often!!) is gonna be almost sacrilegious.

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by Speed

Mine Orange Monster should be here by next Tuesday...

Question to owners.

Would this heavy duty NATO fit properly on the Monster?

http://www.gnomonwatches.com/NATOStrap.htm

???

Mach Go, Monster comes with heavy duty spring bars (I believe 2.5mm) therefore depending on the thickness of the strap you
may feel some resistance feeding the strap through the spring bars.
If it's too tight you will need to acquire different set of spring bars to accommodate thicker strap.

You can try here for spring bars :

http://www.internationalwatchman.com/home

I have been using Maratac NATO strap (relatively thin) which has a slight resistance with the original set of Monster spring bars.

Btw - Mosnter's lug width is 20mm.