Looking for a new Watch. Can you help?

Bigskymt

Bigskymt

Joined
Apr 9, 2010
Messages
96
I have been eyeing the Seiko Orange Monster for sometime.
I like the size, but I have yet to see one in person. If you own one do you like it? is there another watch in its class that I should look at?
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What is your max price range?
 
You are looking at prolly the best self winding dive watch for the price range right there! You won't find much better until you double that price.
 
I have a lot of watches and I've owned a lot more. I bought a Seiko orange monster many years ago. I really liked it and later bought a black monster to go with it. I agree that they are great values for the price, and you should be able to buy one with bracelet for around $150. The bracelet is a good bracelet too, and IMO it is easy to adjust. The adjustment uses pins and collars, people that don't know what they are doing are the ones that say they are hard to adjust. Don't let those people touch your watch. I ended up buying a couple of Seiko Sumos that took the place of my Monsters.

You might consider the Seiko SKX007 and SKX009, equally as good as the monsters but slightly more traditional dive watch styling. Seiko has some newer designs out, one of which is called the "stargate". It will cost a little more but should still be available for less than your budget.

There are few good alternatives to Seiko in your price range. Citizen and Orient are the ones that come to mind. I don't know of any reason to buy one over the Seiko unless you just prefer the styling.
 
If you have been eyeing it you should get it. It is a great watch for the money, and a great looking watch.
 
I have the black Monster and have been wearing it for the last few years.

Solid auto watch. I really can't say anything negative about it. I bought mine here.

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/SKX781.asp

Can't say anything but good things about that site. They will size it for you too, IIRC. Like the other poster mentioned, there are collars with the pins in the band that you have to keep up with and they are dinky. If you are good with that kind of stuff, it won't be hard to adjust yourself. If you are half blind and inept with tools, opt for them to size it for you.

Mine loses a minute a month leading me to believe that Princeton watches regulated it prior to shipping it or I got an exceptionally accurate one by chance. I wear it 17 hours a day so that helps.

The bracelet is phenomenal at this price point.

The watch is non hacking, the day and date feature is nice, the screw down crown at the four o'clock is comfortable, the lume is bright and long lasting, and the bezel rotates smooth and nice. Mine has been worn daily at my LE job and looks great save for the scratches to the band.

The crystal is not sapphire but mine has not suffered any noticeable scratches. It is a domed crystal so the bezel helps protect that somewhat.

The Monster ruined me from buying watches. The only one that has come close to raising my interest is the Marathon auto.

Regards.
 
Do you dive? If not, why bother with a watch like that? It's large, heavy, and looks kind of mall ninja-ish to me.

For about the same price range you can have a classier, more accurate, and scratch-proof crystal with the Swiss Army Officer's watch. I've had mine for about 12 years and it's still in great shape and keeps great time. Plus, the blue dial is awesome.
 
komondor said:
Do you dive? If not, why bother with a watch like that? It's large, heavy, and looks kind of mall ninja-ish to me.

For about the same price range you can have a classier, more accurate, and scratch-proof crystal with the Swiss Army Officer's watch. I've had mine for about 12 years and it's still in great shape and keeps great time. Plus, the blue dial is awesome.
Click to expand...

For me, it's all about the abuse it can take.

I have put mine through the paces with shocks, drenching rain, freezing temps, blistering summers, fights, hard knocks, etc. I figured it would have been much worse for wear than it is after a few years of tagging along with me.

Most of the guys I work with go through watches like candy. The only other brand that seems to hold up well is Casio G Shocks.

But if one wants a reliable, automatic watch that is in the 250 or less range, almost everyone in the horology world points them towards the Seiko Monster or the SKX007.

I would like to see which model Victorinox you are referring to if you could post one.
 
I've had several Seiko's over the years, The Monster is a cool looking watch, Luminox makes nice watches as well and you have no problem seeing the dial in the dark.
I sold my Luminox when I needed cash but will definitely buy another one, I do like the looks of the Monster though.
 
I have an orange monster. Its been through a lot. It was keeping really dast time the other day, like +1 minute an hour. But let it wind down and it was fine after. The Dial doesnt have the same depth as my Doxa, but thats nearly 10x the cost. It just can look a bit faded in certain light. And it doesnt 'dress up' like my other watches (of any brand.)

I prefer the look of the Citizen Pro master Dive watches. In that price range, I think those are the two best options available imo. I've always been a fan of Hamiltons too, but theyre not nearly as robust.

I've never known anyone whos had good luck with (victorinox) swiss army watches.
 
Thank you guys for all you input. In the end I went with Seiko "Orange Monster" with the rubber band. It fits my style, over built, priced right, eye catching, yet not overstated. So far I'm very happy with my choice(2nd day). The Lume is awesome and have already received complements while at my daughters basketball game.
I might have to add a Black Monster on OD nato band to the stable in the future. :thumbup:

 
Seiko Orange/Black Monster is an excellent buy and highly recommended for your price range.
There are full of great reviews on many watch forums (I have one too and love it!!)
Try Island Watch.
I would upgrade to Anvil bracelet from Yobokies later on.
Monster goes great with NATO straps too.

FYI : SKX007 and SKX009 with more traditional divers look is good choice too
 
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Great choice brother!

I've been rocking my Black Monster for almost 5 years, and I feel naked if it's not on my wrist :) You'll love it, and nice setup.
 
I have a black monster. Have had it for eight years or more. Runs great, very tough. Heavy and unwieldy and I sometimes get asked if I'm a diver. I mostly wear it on the steel bracelet, but have the rubber. It's a pain to set the time when I haven't worn it in a while, but that comes with an auto. I got condensation under the glass when skiing in freezing temps once, but no issues.

I have several other watches, but nome better for the money. For about that price, I have a Maratac Pilot that I like, but the monster is better -- tougher with a much better band.

Oh, and the lump on the Monster is the best I've ever seen on any watch at any price.
 
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Great watch choice. I don't own a Monster, but have some other Seiko's. They're great value.
 
I have owned my OM for many years. It is my go to travel watch and for the longest time~an edc/beater.Funny thing is, it took anything I dished out and still looks and runs perfectly.You will not go wrong and these are readily available on many forums and in many variations. I have seen some modified versions which are simply amazing! All at or below your price target.

Hey! Check oout the Gadgets FS by individual section.

Maverick888 has a modded beauty FS! Not a Monster but I think exactly what you are looking for sinceit is a bit more refined. I'd be on that like stink on a monkey if I were not risking life and limb by bring another watch home at the moment!
 
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Had my OM for about 7 years. On the plus side, it is incredibly tough and good-looking, with a bracelet that is probably
worth more than the watch. Negatively, it is heavy, has no hack or manual wind, and runs fast @ 2 mins a week. Would
I buy another? Hell yes! They were about $175 when I bought mine; even at the current $250 plus it is one hell of a
deal. You won't be disappointed.
 
Got my Orange Monster two weeks ago. It is an incredible watch. It is heavy compared to titanium or G-Shock watches, but is pretty normal for an all steel watch. The SS bracelet is by far the most comfortable I have ever worn. The orange face looks sharp, and the Lume is incredible. No more waking up in the middle of the night with no idea what time it is for me! I did a lot of research on it before I bought it (it was on clearance at the Base Exchange for $260), and I don't regret this purchase one bit. Really hit the spot on my watch itch. From what I have read, and my own experience, it really is one of the very best dollar for dollar watches you can get. It really doesn't have a weak point IMO.

IMG_0555.jpg
 
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