There is a widespread love for the Seiko Black Monster, first generation, considered a great value for a diver watch with great lume and a robust automatic movement. I knew, as a fan of the Monster, that comparing it to the new SRP307 would be difficult. How could I not be sentimental about the legendary first edition? How could I be objective?
Side by side, I find the watches have subtle differences. The shark teeth indices on the new version are stark white on the new version while the original has off white or yellowish indices. I find the first version to look more expensive the way the off white markers contrast with the dial.
While I haven't done a lume test, I've heard widespread reports that the old lume is a bit better. That wouldn't surprise me.
Everything else seems the same, the bracelet, the cheap flimsy clasp, the case, the bezel. In spite of reports that the new bracelet feels lighter and cheaper, I find that this is not the case. This appears to be the very same bracelet.
The big difference is the automatic movement. The second generation offers a crown-winding option. That's a huge advantage and for people who never experienced the first generation, they may actually prefer the new one based on the automatic movement alone.
I have mixed feelings about acquiring the new Monster. It's nice and has some of its first edition's splendor, but not quite. It's hard to put my finger on it. Or I may just be in love with the idea of the original and its surrounding legend.
My advice: There are still first generations around for about $200. Get one.
Looks good, but isn't quite different enough for me to be too tempted. Now if it was all black (without the orange, like the one available) or a blue dial, then I'd jump on it.
Speaking of orange, have you seen the Orange Land Monster?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seiko-Scuba-Divers-200m-7S35-Land-Monster-Orange-Dial-Automatic-LNIB-/271153814002?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3f2206d9f2
I'm not a huge fan of orange on watches, but if I was I would probably really like this one.
I'm wearing my Land Monster today and enjoying it - it has such a fun, chunky feel to it.
Posted by: jonnybardo | February 14, 2013 at 08:41 AM
I prefer the black dial and would buy a new one for about 220. I eventually want the Mile Marker and the Sumo. That's it for now.
Posted by: herculodge | February 14, 2013 at 09:20 AM
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Posted by: Paul | February 14, 2013 at 09:23 AM
Funny how we end up setting our eyes on some of the same watches (re: the Sumo). I'm not sure if I'm ready to go there, and if I'm willing to spend the $500-600 on a Sumo I'm also tempted to pay a bit more for an Orient Saturation Diver ($600-900 used) or a Tuna ($800+ used) or even a used Oris for a true entry-level luxury watch ($800+).
Or I might just scrap the whole idea of $500+ watches and stick to the $200-300 range and set my eyes on an Orient Beast or Citizen AT4007-54E.
I don't feel in a hurry to get anything for a bit. I've bought so many watches over the last year that it might be a good time to gradually whittle the collection down from the current 30 to 20 or so before buying anything new. Yeah right, like that will happen.
Posted by: jonnybardo | February 14, 2013 at 09:06 PM
There's also the poor man's Sumo here:
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-Black-Stainless-Automatic-SNZF17/dp/B001IBF15Y/
Posted by: jonnybardo | February 14, 2013 at 09:10 PM
One of the best watches I've owned. It is durable, lumiuos is fantastic and the movement is pretty good for that price. Some are offering me to try Orange monster. What would you think it?
Posted by: Seiko Black Monster | July 09, 2013 at 07:26 AM
It's okay, but I am a bigger fan of the orange dial Orient M Force.
Posted by: herculodge | July 09, 2013 at 07:35 AM