Incoming and Short Review - Seiko Black Monster SRPD29K1

[benlee]

So I have been talking about it on the other thread and so I just picked this up and couldn't be happier. It's the Seiko Monster SRPD29K1. As it's in all black PVD, it's also nicknamed the "Black Monster".





The Monster series is a popular Dive watch series and the original monster with the jagged teeth is a classic. This one is less intimidating in appearance, with the more traditional stick indices, but with a vintagy patina shade. The black dial has some subdue sunburst effect and is very legible. Some has criticized the hour hands being too short, but it looks fine to me.




The black tone is strictly speaking not exactly dark black, but more like greyish black, almost gun metal like in appearance. The bezel operation is smooth, much smoother than my Seiko turtles, with 120 clicks, and thankfully, the bezel align correctly at 12 o'clock, a frequent complaint about Seiko watches. In fact, it's the first thing I checked before I made the purchase.



The bracelet is also made of PVD coated Steel, with the exception of the clasp but since it's folded inside when closed, it's not obvious. The bracelet is well made with the price with slightly polished centre links, and is very comfortable. In fact, the whole watch feels light like titanium, a credit to the design. By comparison, my Omega Seamaster Diver weighs a ton but that watch is magnetic shielded and has a 300m depth rating while this Seiko Monster only has 200m.



The lume is blue lume, is strong but I don't think it last as long as my Seiko Turtles, however, I haven't independently verify it.



Overall, it's a good Seiko, and as I understand it's listed for USD550. I got it locally and after discount, pay about equivalent to USD420/= which I think is a good value. I didn't bother to bargain hunt at this price point. Compare to my other Seiko dive watches such as my Seiko Turtles and Seiko prospex divers, it's a different design, arguably more wearable.




Any nitpicks / drawbacks? Yes of course. No watch is perfect. The crown design is kind of funny, as there is kind of pops out from the case instead of being integrated, it's screw-down but not protected by crown guards. Also, while the bezel thankfully aligned, the 30min marker on the bezel is not, perhaps a printing flaw. Seiko should really get these small details right as they are not difficult. Also, I think I can do without the cyclops, which I find distracting, although I may find it necessary in my latter years.

This is by now my 14th Seiko, and I have more Seikos than any other brands in my collection. Partly because they are so affordable and of good value and best of all, readily available and easy to buy.

Which brings me to the question. Is it worth paying those 10ths of thousands we are paying for luxury Swiss watches? While certainly more refined and sophisticated, and yes better quality ( no arguments ), what we are really paying, besides better quality and workmanship is a lot more for the brand, the associated image and prestige ( if one needs such stuff ), perhaps the bragging rights, and the significantly higher cost for incremental improvement in quality, due to diminishing laws of return for high end watch making, ( or rather high-priced timepieces due to greed ). And add to that, the games that some ADs / Brands / Boutiques played, in order to access the "hot" models, the empty shelves with nothing to try on, the mandatory BS talk ( and lies ) from the salespeople which makes me literally cringed, I think I can do without them from now on. Been there, done that. And am not interested in playing more games to buy more of their overpriced/over-rated merchandise. Thank you. Sorry for the min-rant.

Have a nice day.

[1William]

Congratulations. Great looking watch.

[mailman]

Congratulations Ben. I've always had a Monster around since they came out. Hard to beat them

[JR16]

Congrats, Ben! Was thinking of picking this one up. I do wish seiko had added the 6r movement to the prospect line though , as the variable and overall signif lower accuracy compared to the seamaster and other high end watches does limit their appeal (though admittedly I do own several prospex and skx).


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[Kohola]

Nice review Ben. Thanks. I certainly came to the same conclusion as you as far as watch buying goes. I might get a monster someday.

[111forza]

Nice review Ben And I have to agree with all you say in your mini rant

[myrealicon]

Congratulations

[benlee]

Originally Posted by 1William

Congratulations. Great looking watch.

Thanks

Originally Posted by mailman

Congratulations Ben. I've always had a Monster around since they came out. Hard to beat them

Monster feels different from Turtle but just as nice.

Originally Posted by JR16

Congrats, Ben! Was thinking of picking this one up. I do wish seiko had added the 6r movement to the prospect line though , as the variable and overall signif lower accuracy compared to the seamaster and other high end watches does limit their appeal (though admittedly I do own several prospex and skx).

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Yeah, unfortunately Seiko basic / low-end watches aren't that great in accuracy. +30/-45 sec per day if I recall correctly. But for me, doesn't matter much since I seldom wear the same watch more than a day.

Originally Posted by Kohola

Nice review Ben. Thanks. I certainly came to the same conclusion as you as far as watch buying goes. I might get a monster someday.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by 111forza

Nice review Ben And I have to agree with all you say in your mini rant

Haha.. you know better.

[Gharddog03]

Very Cool!!! Congrats!

[FTX I]

Love the pics. Enjoy!

[Urosfan]

Congrats

[AJM914]

Congrats nice!

[oldman2005]

Nice! Congrats!

[scarlet knight]

I just bought mine in the Prospex Boutique in the Ginza area of Tokyo. Got treated very nicely. May have overpaid a tad, but it’s a souvenir from Japan. I like the day wheel in Kanji.

[scarlet knight]

Here is a pic. Bought it for the Kanji day wheel. The saleswoman wrote down the days of the week in Kanji for me. At least Saturday and Sunday are in blue and red to help me!


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