Been a Seiko kick here for a few days, so I thought I’d keep the ball rolling with a review I’ve had kicking around for a few weeks now. Now, given that I’ve told you it’s a Seiko, and Orange is in the title, 99% of you have figured out we’re talking about the ultimate entry-level automatic dive-watch, the Seiko Orange Monster. (For the other 1%, just look over there at the picture.)
This watch, the SKX781K3, had always been on my short list in terms of adding to my collection, and I had never gotten around to picking one up. Thankfully, the bossman here saw fit to correct that oversight, and sent one winging my way (thanks, John!) And now that I’ve had some time to live with the watch, I have to say, I should’ve picked one up a long time ago.
Why is that? Simply put, this is a great little watch. The 7S26 is a solid movement with a proven track record, so you know you’re going to have a watch that will be with you for the long run – especially with that Hardlex crystal up front.
The first thing that struck me with this watch is how compact it actually is. With the pictures you see online (and what you generally think of for sizing with modern dive watches), I expected something much chunkier. Of course, 42mm isn’t a small diameter by any stretch, but it wears much smaller.
The next thing that struck me? Well, we’ll cover that in tomorrow’s post! Of course, while you’re waiting, you could read John’s take on the watch from back in August.
i have a seiko,bought second hand a couple of years ago,sapphire water resist 100m. is there any way i can find out how old it is?
v743-8b50, 676891. jas2
You may have some luck on the various forums with identifying it’s vintage, there are quite a few Seiko experts out there.
I will never get tired reading reviews of the Orange Monster! Being a late bloomer in terms of appreciating watches, I owe John Biggs bigtime on this. If I hadn’t heard him talking about it, I would search for one. Now Im a proud Orange Monster owner!
It’s amazing how much value is packed into this watch. I own one and thoroughly enjoy it. My one single nit pick, is that the crown does not screw-in as smoothly as it does any of my other watches (up and down the price spectrum). Other than that, I agree that it’s a must own for any new collector.