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).
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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 indices 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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Seiko Monster available now – UK & USA sellers
A selection of Seiko Monster dive watches listed for sale in the last 24 hours.
To assist in fast tracking your search we have recruited our clever 🐙 OCTOBOT 🐙 to filter a selection of the best pre-owned Seiko Monster on eBay today. The watches shown below are just a small sample. For ALL the latest new & used Monster dive watches please click the link below >>
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Flags ( 🇬🇧 & 🇺🇸 ) are used at the start of each listing to identify the country the seller is willing to SHIP TO. If the same watch appears several times – this indicates the seller is able to ship to multiple countries.
🇺🇸 delivery : A Seiko Monster SZSC003 3rd Generation Navy Blue 6R15 Made in Japan, JDM. This watch is available now for US$830.00. The seller is located in Jp, Japan. The condition of this watch has been listed as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A Seiko Orange First Generation Monster Watch , Super Condition. This watch is available now for £275.00. The seller is located in Bolton, United Kingdom. The condition of this watch has been listed as Used. This watch is being sold by…
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🇺🇸 delivery : A SEIKO 7S26-0350 SKX781 Orange Monster Divers Watch Used. This watch is available now for US$524.40. The seller is located in Japan, Japan. The condition of this watch has been listed as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A Seiko Prospex Monster Automatic Diver Watch 42.4mm blue dial SRPD25K1. This watch is available now for £316.05. The seller is located in Forlì, Italy. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch is being …
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🇺🇸 delivery : A RARE SEIKO SRP483 Automatic Watch JDM 5 Sports Baby Mini Monster Orange SRP483J1. This watch is available now for US$375.00. The seller is located in Jakarta, Indonesia. The condition of this watch has been listed as Pre-owned. This …
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🇬🇧 delivery : A seiko monster dial 7S26 2084 XB13. This watch is available now for £99.00. The seller is located in Epsom, United Kingdom. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch is being sold by a seller with the us…
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🇺🇸 delivery : A Seiko 5 Sports Baby ‘Ice Monster’ ‘Snow Monster’ Silver Steel Blue Dial SRP481K1. This watch is available now for US$448.25. The seller is located in UK, United Kingdom. The condition of this watch has been li…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A SEIKO Prospex Automatic SRPD29 King Monster Black Stainless Steel Mens Watch. This watch is available now for £418.86. The seller is located in Gordon, NSW, Australia. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags. Thi…
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🇺🇸 delivery : A Seiko Monster Sbdy115 Diver Save The Ocean. This watch is available now for US$515.61. The seller is located in Japan, Japan. The condition of this watch has been listed as Pre-owned. This watch is being sold by a seller with the use…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A HEIMDALLR Sharkey Frost 42mm OCEAN MONSTER Dive Watch, 200m, Seiko NH36 Auto UK*. This watch is available now for £189.99. The seller is located in Redruth, United Kingdom. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags…
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🇺🇸 delivery : A SEIKO Selection Monster Hunter 15th Anniversary Zinogre Model solar Watch. This watch is available now for US$1,114.00. The seller is located in Japan, Japan. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch i…
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🇬🇧 delivery : A Seiko 5 Sports Diver Baby Orange Monster Silver Stainless Steel Orange Dial Mens. This watch is available now for £351.67. The seller is located in UK, United Kingdom. The condition of this watch has been listed as New with tags. Thi…
Read MoreVideo – 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.
Consider a quality Seiko SKX Homage
We’d all love to own the watch of our dreams – and it’s great to aspire to owning a Rolex Sea-Dweller or a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The trouble is – watch collecting is expensive. Even the humble Seiko SKX009 sells for as much as TWICE it’s original retail price. That’s why ChronoDivers are fans of homage watches. Good quality tributes to the watches we’d all love to own. If good quality tribute watches is of interest to you we have our own CD200SKX. There is no doubting the DNA of our design – it’s a true Seiko Pepsi homage – right down to the movement inside.
More popular Seiko Diver’s watches
The Seiko Monster featured above is just one of several popular Seiko Dive 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.
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