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My Favorite "Cult Classic"

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Interesting article in Fratellow this morning discussing the Seiko SKX779 first generation Monster. Evidently it's become a collectable classic since Seiko killed it after a nearly twelve-year run. Most of you know by now it's certainly my favorite diver--I own a couple:
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If memory serves, there's at least one guy around here with a really nice Orange first gen too, (the Orange dial is model SKX781). According to the article, the Orange version was the most popular of the two. There are a couple of good links in the article; one discussing Seiko's most recently axed popular watches, and other that covers the entire range of Seiko Monsters from beginning to present. Spoiler alert: the most recent Monster looks suspiciously like the first one--go figure! Here's the link to the Fratellow article: https://www.fratellowatches.com/tbt-seiko-monster-skx779/
(Edited)
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Leoanger
355
Mar 29, 2020
When I first knew of it's existence I was only impressed by the striking orange dial. Recently the watch has grown on me, and considering the small percentage of offerings I give more than a passing glance I'll probably end up looking for one. I'm a sucker for orange (as you'll see in an upcoming post,) but a yellow Monster may be even more desirable.
Leoanger
355
Mar 29, 2020
Thanks. For me it will likely be the first gen orange. The thick black tick marks on the yellow 'LE' variant look wrong. There's a sweet custom build on Youtube with more yellow, but it doesn't have any tick marks! A dial identical to the classic orange's but with yellow would be 'the one'.
RayF
22214
Mar 29, 2020
LeoangerI think the Orange is the OG Classic way to go!
jaxtrauma
2104
Mar 28, 2020
Thx for the link, and the photos
A community member
Mar 28, 2020
Thanks RayF for the pics and article reference. I'm the lucky original owner of this Gen 1 pair from the early 2000's: Black one (wearing an aftermarket "engineer") and Orange (on original Seiko bracelet). I found my records on the Orange one--picked it up for US $120 in 2002! They aren't getting much wrist time these days (need servicing for accuracy) but I still love them. They seemed like big watches to me back then, but today they're about average, aren't they?
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RayF
22214
Mar 28, 2020
You are lucky indeed--beautiful pair! I occasionally think about grabbing an Orange model so I can have a full set too. Your photo is making me think a lot harder about it!
LT.Mitch
74
Mar 28, 2020
I've always admired the monsters, i've come close to pulling the trigger on one more than a few times in the past. I wish that I had because they've definitely appreciated in value. But since your post last week, my interest in them has rekindled. In fact, I was able to source a well cared for 1st gen black monster at an okay price. Should be arriving in a couple weeks!
RayF
22214
Mar 28, 2020
LT.MitchCongrats--an excellent choice; of course I'm less than impartial when it comes to the black dial ;- ) Look forward to hearing how it turns out (I purchased my second on eBay with no problems) and to seeing some wrist checks!
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