Since I’ve been starting this blog, I always wanted to review Seiko divers watch. And so the day has come! Today we are gonna take a look at Seiko Orange Monster SRP309K1 kindly provided by the www.dutyfreeislandshop.com ! They have the best prices for Seiko, Orient and Citizen watches! Go check them out!

The newest generation Monster can be had in a total of five versions spanning a standard black dial (SRP307K1), orange dial (SRP309K1), black case with an orange/brown sunburst dial (SRP311K1), black dial with red markers (SRP313K1), and lastly with a black bezel and chapter ring over an orange dial (SRP315K1). All models are water resistant to 200m, feature a unidirectional countdown bezel, screw-down crown and a Seiko-traditional day/date display.

The SRP09K1 featured in this review can only be had on the stainless steel bracelet. I chose to go with the SRP309K1 as I wanted to try something different than skx, as I don’t see many reviews of the Orange Monster 2nd gen around. I also like that it pops out from the usual plain stuff with that orange dial.

Seiko has massaged the dial design towards a more simple layout than the first editions of Monster by deleting the minute numbering and opting for triangular tooth-shaped indices that I rather like as they compliment the legacy hand design. The SRP309K1 is characterised by the orange dial. Seiko has also opted for a knurled crown on the new Monster that is similar in look and feel to the crown fitted on the Marathon TSAR/GSAR divers. While the crown allows an excellent grip, I do feel the old crown was a bit better looking.

One of the hallmarks of the original Monsters was the very bright and long-lasting luminous treatment on the hands and markers which use Seiko’s own LumiBrite compound. Longevity is excellent with the color being a bit lighter than the SKX models. The user experience is the same, very bright, quick to charge, excellent legibility and it will easily outlast a movie screening and will be faintly glowing many hours later.

The main reason for Seiko to update the SKX Monsters (which are still quite popular) was to include a new movement as the caliber 7S26 had grown a little old and many owners wanted hacking (where the second-hand stops when the crown is pulled out) and hand winding (rather than just automatic winding). The new SRP range is powered by the Seiko caliber 4R36 which is a step up from the 7S26, featuring both hacking and hand winding, while still retaining the day and date display of the 7S26. The 4R36 is a 24 jewel movement which runs at 21,600 bph with a power reserve of 41 hours.

My example appears to be running about +5 s/day. Note: I do not have any legitimate timing equipment, the 5 s/day measured is averaged out over a series of days with the watch on a winder. Your results may (and most likely will) vary. The winding is smooth and the crown is easily manipulated to change the time or date. The day is displayed in english and another language (I don’t know what it is)

The included stainless steel bracelet is quite nice, at least best I still have experienced from dive watches I reviewed. There’s almost no wiggle or sound to it. Regardless of the model, the Monster is good on a leather or NATO strap, but excellent on its distinctive bracelet. But the only thing I would like them to change is the lug wideness size, from 20mm to 22mm,  as it suits more the big rough style it has. On 20mm nato, it looks a bit silly.

*A quick note for those who have never owned a Monster: be very careful sizing the bracelet as it features pin-and-collar fittings and there is a tiny metal collar used to secure the pin within each link. You don’t want to lose that collar as a replacement will be a pain to source. I suggest sizing the bracelet over a large bowl or length of rolled tape to ensure none of the bits escape.

The SRP Monster range is well-priced. You can order the SRP309K1 seen here for US$213.95 at the dutyfreeislandshop.com. Check them out btw, they have great prices and fast delivery times all around the world 🙂

The Monster is a great watch that exhibits a recognisable style, tough dive-ready qualities and a very appealing price point. I know there’s the SKX and all those popular Seiko divers, but this to me is a better choice, as it stands out with its unique design. The first time when I opened the box and saw it, it looked like something from the Predator or Alien movies, especially in the night with that super bright lume. Overall it’s a great beater, weekend, sailing, diving, sports, activities etc. watch. And for this price you won’t find a better watch with these specs. From all divers this far, this stands in the same position with the Marc&Sons diver I reviewed a couple of months ago.

Price – US$213.95 @ dutyfreeislandshop.com