This summer season, Seiko launched the SRPE27 “Monster” PADI Particular Version, a dive watch in collaboration with the Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors. There have been numerous Seiko divers “double stamped” with the diving affiliation’s emblem through the years, however this marks the primary time a correct “Monster” has held that distinction.
For starters, Seiko would not title its watches – Seiko collectors do. Over time, followers have coined such nicknames because the “Tuna,” the “Samurai,” the “Sumo,” the “Turtle,” and naturally, the “Monster.” In actuality, Seiko (and Grand Seiko for that matter) names its watches by reference quantity alone. Sure nicknames have caught to the purpose the place you’ll be able to’t take a look at a watch with out the title instantly springing to thoughts. Such is the case for the Seiko Monster, a reputation devised by collectors for the mannequin’s distinctive case form and grooved edges, resembling enamel.
Over time, the Seiko Monster has garnered one thing of a cult-like standing – the indie rock band of the Seiko assortment that solely your older brother is aware of about. Launched in 2000, the unique Monster SKX779 was the world’s first take a look at Seiko’s penchant for polarizing design within the new millennium. The chunky bezel, the aggressively styled markers, and the day/date complication would turn out to be hallmarks of the watch (though there was a quick interval when the watch featured a date-only complication). The unique Monster’s design underscored Seiko’s capability to provide professional-grade timekeeping devices, whereas nonetheless having somewhat enjoyable alongside the way in which. It was a watch that took dangers, and lots of Seiko followers took to it for that very motive.
In complete, the Monster has now gone via 4 generations of design, with tweaks right here and there to the markers, the date window, the case, and the bracelet. In 2019, the brand new Monster SRPD27 was launched, and it represented one thing of a shift for the Monster line. Its black bezel and markers with slight faux-patina offered a watch that was extra conservative and, subsequently, extra mature. Launched in each a blue (SRPD25) and black dial variant, this wasn’t essentially the Monster that followers had been accustomed to, however reasonably one with a bit extra daily-wear versatility.
The brand new Seiko Monster PADI Particular Version diver is basically a brand new colorway of the present technology Monster, however with PADI branding, that includes the diving affiliation’s pink and blue signature colours. What’s extra, this particular version contains a blued metal bezel versus the standard bi-color Pepsi bezel configuration seen on different related Seiko/PADI SE’s. General, this can be a distinctive worth proposition for knowledgeable dive watch, with some added aptitude that separates it considerably from its common manufacturing Monster SRPD27/29 counterparts.
Aesthetically, this watch is surprisingly subdued regardless of its use of coloration. The blue for the bezel is one thing of a darkish, chilly aqua coloration which is muted in low gentle and develops a sunburst impact in direct daylight. The bezel’s understated impact is bolstered by the truth that it’s completed with a radial brushing sample. The entire markings and numbers are recessed into the bezel and stuffed with white paint. This gives a pleasant depth and dimensionality up shut. The lume pip at 12 o’clock is surrounded by a pink triangle that matches the minute and seconds hand on the dial. The numerals themselves are displayed in a hanging typeface which manages to exude each trendy and retro design cues. All mentioned, the styling of the bezel suits with the watch’s total design code – one thing I am going to label as “aggressively conservative.” However what concerning the clicks? Effectively, the motion of the bezel is sort of satisfying, though for my style, it could possibly be a bit tighter.
The dial itself is matte-textured but additionally produces a sunburst sheen in direct lighting. The chapter ring sits at an angle flush to the dial floor very similar to many Seiko divers, and the markers are recessed into the chapter ring in order to put flat on the dial. The markers themselves are white; nevertheless, they provide off the faintest trace of blue from the thick utility of Seiko’s proprietary luminescent compound, LumiBrite. You possibly can get away with calling this watch “triple stamped,” when you had been so inclined. Beneath the Seiko emblem is the insignia for Prospex. The “Monster” grew to become a part of the Prospex line someplace mid-cycle within the second technology. On common manufacturing fashions, the Prospex emblem is positioned above the phrase Automated, however right here, it’s moved to make means for the PADI wordmark.
The dial is totally legible. The general presentation of the dial format is aggressive, simply as a Monster needs to be. Every thing is sharp and exact, from the thick rectangular hour markers to the lengthy, skinny, minute markers on the sloped chapter ring. The broad arrow of the hour hand is – nicely – broad. The minute and seconds hand, completed in pink paint, are equally dynamic and serve their meant goal nicely.
On the subject of the minute and seconds arms, it bears circling again to the lume pip, and the whole bezel at massive. This can be a professional-grade dive watch showcasing the title of knowledgeable diving group. The watch is 200m water-proof and is ISO rated. All of that is to say that the watch is purpose-built to be taken underwater – deep underwater. As such, there are specific options that are particularly designed for that very goal. On the subject of dive watches, there are basically three issues that really matter: the dive-time bezel, the minute hand, and the seconds hand. This watch has highlighted every, fashioning the important components of the watch in pink. The pink minute hand, seconds hand, and lume pip enable for straightforward recognition of the timing features particular to diving. From a floor degree perspective, the pops of pink simply make the general look of the watch that a lot cooler.
The general case design is trendy, industrial, and somewhat bit left-of-center. When trying on the case head-on, it may possibly seem as if its lacking two massive chunks between one o’clock and three o’clock, after which once more between eight o’clock and 11 o’clock. This can be a design calling card for the Monster in some ways, and it’s the place the entire enamel motif derives from. Prior iterations of the watch had a brushed metal bezel, which hid this case function considerably, however with the blue coloration of the bezel, it has now been accentuated significantly. I’ve to say – I prefer it. It offers the watch an much more purpose-driven, toolish look. It is the equal of substance over type, however on this case, the watch stays fairly trendy. The “lacking chunks” make manipulating the bezel far simpler, which would appear just like the form of function knowledgeable diving affiliation would welcome on a watch bearing its title. As an added bonus, the circumstances function drilled lug-holes, that are all the time a welcome addition.
Let’s subsequent discuss concerning the magnifier date window. That is undoubtedly a degree of consternation for a lot of Seiko fanatics, and normal magnifier detractors alike. In concept, probably the most pragmatic features are the most effective. On this case, a magnifier over the date makes it simpler to see the date. So what is the problem? Effectively, it’s two-fold. First, there are lots of who discover that the magnification breaks up the symmetry and total design of the dial. Second, there’s a marked distinction between a magnifier date and a magnifier day/date. I’m within the camp of getting no qualms with regards to the magnifier date window and am one thing of an undecided voter with regards to the day/date. As I mentioned, virtually talking, the magnifier day/date window makes the watch ever the extra legible. It’s, nevertheless, greater than somewhat bit awkward seeing an extended magnified rectangle taking on a lot actual property on the Hardlex crystal floor. This problem will not be distinctive to the Monster. Actually, Seiko has carried out the magnifier day/date on a number of of its newer fashions.
Having skilled a great deal of Seiko bracelets firsthand, I actually got here to love this one. Typically, you see the backyard selection Jubilee, Oyster, or “President”-style bracelets from the model (or from third-party producers). With the Monster, we’ve got one thing of a standalone bracelet type, with its personal quirky nuances, which match the asymmetrical feel and look of the case. The bracelet protrudes on the lugs, and it has rounded, polished middle hyperlinks. There’s a slight taper because the bracelet makes its means all the way down to the Seiko-stamped clasp. The lug width is 20mm, however the bracelet hyperlinks widen after the end-links to create larger consistency with the width of the case. If you understand Seiko clasps, you understand this clasp. It positively serves its goal however, past that, there’s not rather more to say actually.
Dimensionally, the watch is 42.4mm in diameter, which is massive in lots of respects, however like most Seiko divers, this does not inform the entire story. I didn’t expertise any discomfort with this watch on wrist, though I’ve learn complaints that the configuration of the hyperlinks may result in a little bit of pinching. All I can say is that my expertise was pinch-free. As an proprietor of an SKX007, I discovered the match of this watch to be very related total.
Now, the final time I went hands-on with a sure “bigger” pink and blue dive watch, I made the error of echoing the outdated “for a big watch, it truly wears smaller on wrist” adage. In response, somebody famous that, for all they know, I may be 6’four 250 kilos, leaving no approach to contextualize my opinion of the sizing. With out making a gift of my true dimensions, I’ll say that I’m of fairly common dimension, construct, and wrist. With that, I want to say right here, but once more, that for a watch upwards of 42mm, it wears far smaller on the wrist than you’d count on. I truly think about it might put on even smaller on a NATO or rubber strap contemplating the protruding nature of the bracelet’s finish hyperlinks. However let’s transfer alongside.
The caseback options the Seiko wave motif engraving with the Particular Version writing reserved for all PADI SE’s. Discover that the watch is a particular and never a restricted version. This successfully implies that whereas there is not going to be a restricted variety of watches produced, there’ll probably be a smaller amount of manufacturing total.
It’s in lowlight environs the place this watch actually stands out. Seiko’s popularity for vivid lume actually precedes it, little doubt, however this one actually caught me off guard regardless of that truth. The hour markers and seconds arrow all glow in a vivid blue coloration, whereas the lume pip and minute hand shine in a inexperienced coloration. That is certainly in an effort to additional support the wearer in timing a dive, however it’s also one other small element which makes the watch shine – pun totally meant.
I can actually see this watch as one thing of a cool day by day wearer. I feel the exclusion of a bi-color bezel virtually bolsters the concept in some ways. The Monster is a Seiko unique design, with curves, bevels, edges, and enamel that are Seiko staples via and thru. This watch stands by itself deserves with or with out the PADI emblem, however it additionally sits it its personal class towards different PADI Seikos of the previous.
The Seiko “Monster” SRPE27 PADI Particular Version is a contemporary device watch in a contemporary age with a definite design which is simply enjoyable. Whether or not or not you’re a previous Monster devotee, this PADI Particular Version has somewhat bit for everybody.
The Seiko SRPE27 PADI Particular Version is a 200-meter water-proof dive watch. The SRPE27 is 42.4mm in diameter, 13mm in thickness with a lug width of 48mm. Screw-down crown and caseback. Metal bracelet with folding clasp. Seiko caliber 4R36 with a frequency of three Hz, 24 jewels, and an influence reserve of 41 hours. Guide and computerized winding capabilities. Black-colored dial with utilized markers and LumiBrite on arms and plots. Value: $525. For extra, go to Seiko.
Images, Kasia Milton
