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Product Description
Seiko’s “Baby Monster” is derived from the company’s original “Monster” line, which featured the same chunky hands and dial layout. This version—much more affordable than its predecessor—scales the water resistance down to a still-commendable 100 meters, and swaps out the screw-down crown for a standard one Read More
I insist you buy this watch!
I say that, even though I can't recall what actually made me do it just a few months back. Might have been the color, although I'm not usually attracted to blue watches. Could have been the "Monster" tie-in, although it's nothing like the first gens I prefer. Maybe that's a good place to start though? I would be the first to admit these Baby Monsters are monsters in name only compared to the genuine item. That said, they are far, far above anything else in the Seiko 5 line; these wind and hack, and they're built like tanks. Size-wise, they're actually a little bigger (wider and thicker) than true monsters, and they wear that way too--but we don't buy these to be discrete, do we?
Speaking of discrete, my initial feeling upon unboxing, was that in the hand, this watch was actually a little "Plain-Jane." It seemed to me the blue accents against the steel and grey backdrop of the case and dial still needed something else. I decided a bracelet or strap swap would be the best solution. Of course there's nothing actually wrong with the supplied bracelet; it's Monster-grade--nothing bad to say about it--I just wanted to try something different. So I looked around, ordered a few options that seemed good online. Ultimately they all disappointed once installed--I actually quit wearing the watch at one point, out of frustration!
Eventually I decided to try one of Seiko's newer dive straps (I'd ordered a Turtle around the same time and was pleasantly surprised by the newer black silicone rubber strap it shipped with). Lucky for me, those straps come in blue, (although the one I bought was actually for those blue Tunas that came out a while back).
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Well buddy, that did the trick for me! The navy strap added just the right amount of punch to the presentation and gave the watch a much more authoritative diver appearance. Suddenly, I started wearing the hell out the watch, and that's when I began to appreciate what an excellent watch this thing really is. Normally people follow that kind of statement with a qualifier along the lines of: "for a watch at this price, or in this class"--but not me--I say this watch is a damn good deal at twice what their asking for it. And by that, I mean I would still be thrilled with it, if I actually did pay twice as much!
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Are there any negatives to this watch? For me, only one: while it looks like a dive watch (and mine even more so) it ain't! Yes the bezel works (very well in my opinion), and it's rated to 100 meters, but without a screw-down crown, it's best to limit one's snorkeling and free diving to the tub or shower--but isn't that what most of us do in practice anyway?
Buy this watch --put a cool orange or blue strap on it, and walk around looking like you just picked up an $800 diver from one of those she-she boutique shops!
I already have 5 of these Seiko "Baby Monsters" in varying dial/bezel colors & rubber strap/oyster bracelet combos and they're absolutely awesome looking & fitting timepieces. However, I've wanted the silver/blue for quite a while, as well as the orange/black, so I just ordered both models from MD. This is an absolutely outstanding drop--ESPECIALLY at the $139.99 delivered price point. Get 'em while you can, folks--they surely won' last long...
Had my eye on them before and believe me: they have been out of stock for over a year.. And no you won't find them for that price. Amazon has the J version for $270,- The SRPB37K2 is about $171. the K1 $195.
They are a hard find! Edit: they are from ca. 2015...
Watch people love this Seiko, but I can't seem to wrap my head around why. I'm not totally knocking it, but it seems a little overboard in all ways. I would have thought a watch person would want more subtle design language. What am I missing guys? What makes this desirable? I feel like a noob because I don't dig it. To me, this look like a GShock. And GShocks are not bad, but more utilitarian than this type of watch.
If you’ve got visions of Subs and Speedmasters dancing in your head when you consider this watch, it’s very definitely going to cloud your judgement. This guys DNA is strictly Seiko Monster—more Godzilla, than fancy Swiss Cheese ;- )
I think I speak for everyone in the MD watch community, when I say we are virulently opposed to any form of flatulence on this site—be it Self, or in conjunction with another member!!!
—one of my favorites!
Quick note on that Blue Seiko strap:
I purchased it from Long Island Watch, but can't tell you what part number it was just now (I'm away from home at the moment), but I will say this--it didn't fit, not even close! There may be a version that does (I'd grab one if I couldn't), but if you're willing to trim it to fit, you'll get at least the results I got.
Here's what the issue was--there's too much rubber at the end of the strap to allow the straps spring bar holes, to reach the watches lug holes. You can use a sharp X-acto to trim from the underside, at about a 45 degree angle, a little at a time, until you remove enough rubber to allow the spring bars to reach the holes in the lugs. And adding insult to injury, the SRP48X doesn't have drilled (through) lugs.
A little troublesome, but worth the effort in my opinion ;- )
UncSamYou’ll have to poke around for it on the home page; varies by drop. Bottom line, they stand behind what they sell. I’ve never had an issue with any of my returns. If you want an Iron-Clad policy, Amazon is your river.
The only thing you should feel guilty about is how many people hate your guts! Maybe swap your gin and steak for carrots and celery and spend some time away from the computer screen. Your sticky keyboard will thank you, WANKER!
This arrived much quicker than I had anticipated. Quality is great, on par with the Prospex edition when it comes to dial, lume, and bezel action. I also think that the proportions are better on the Baby Monster. Prospex wins in case, performance, and bracelet quality. For 1/3 the price of my frost monster, this is a no brainer.
PETER706682Well I'm still a big fan of eating and dealing with the rest of life's financial annoyances first, but I trust you to make the right decision ;- )