Polarizing but an undeniable classic among Seiko’s celebrated dive watch lineup, the “Monster” has come and gone over the years, and evolved. Now, it’s back, and in a handsomer package. If the Seiko Monster was so nicknamed because of its prickly, function-first look, the latest generation is significantly more refined and approachable. Following an all-black online-exclusive model for Seiko USA, the two newest models are in steel with relatively traditional-looking black-coated bezels and straightforward, handsome dials.
It might be debatable among hardcore Seiko Monster devotees whether the new SRPD25 and SRPD27 watches can still be called Monsters, though the Monster DNA is clearly there. For some, these will represent an improvement. A lot of the funky design elements have been simplified, such as the jagged bezel and shark tooth-like indices. The new versions have blocky indices, hinting at some vintage influence, and the bezel looks a lot more like that of a traditional dive watch.
Other elements remain, like the unconventional outer case shroud, amounting to a diameter of 42.4mm, and the circa-4 o’clock crown placement. The new models are water-resistant to 200m, of course, and are powered by the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement with a power reserve of around 41 hours. They also feature day/date displays magnified by “cyclops” lenses on the (presumably Hardlex) crystals. The handset is carried over from the previous generation, and along with the indices, it will glow with abandon thanks to Seiko’s outstanding LumiBrite.
In two new versions, the reference SRPD27 has a black dial and comes on one of Seiko’s nice Prospex silicon straps for $495, and the SRPD25 features a blue dial and comes on a steel bracelet for a price of $525.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio Sport Black Dive Watch ($20)
Citizen Eco Drive BN0195-54E Black Dive Watch ($287)
Seiko Prospex “Samurai” SRPB55 Dive Watch ($394)
