In Search of a Monster...
The last month or so I was bitten by the Seiko Monster bug. I finally decided that I had to have one and went down the rabbit hole of trying to decide whether the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation was for me.
Although "relatively" unchanged throughout its entire life, each of them does look, feel and wear slightly differently. And having small 6 inch wrists, I was really keen to get hands on experience with each of them. Of course, this proved difficult as I could only try on the latest model in a store.
So... I set out to buy them all, with the idea of getting a good deal on each of them so I didn't end up too much out of pocket - then sell them for what I paid for them.
I bought a 1st gen, 2nd gen, 4th gen and the popular homage version the Heimdallr Sharkey/Monster. I skipped the 3rd gen as it didn't seem different enough to the 2nd or 4th gen to warrant a deep dive.
Anyway, I've decided to keep the 2nd gen. It is absolutely stunning, and I got a fantastic example of it (box, papers, almost immaculate condition).
The dial of the first gen is a little rough around the edges (quite literally) and I'm not a big fan of the yellow-ish indices. I'm not a fan of the yellow indices on the Heimdallr either, although the overall quality of it is fantastic. The 4th gen on the other hand just feels like it's lost the rebellious feel of the Monster. The black bezel takes away from its looks, almost masking its sharp edges and aggressive style. And the black bezel makes it wear much bigger I feel.
The 2nd gen to me is just perfect - and to be honest, I kind of knew I'd end up with 2nd gen from the get go.
But it's been a great journey! Consider my Seiko Monster itch officially... bitten! 🦈
Budget watch fan with small wrists!
Nice! What caliber is in the 2nd gen? I’ve got a very old monster bought new in around 2002. My first foray into watch ‘collecting’ as I bought it mostly since I knew it was an iconic design
Nice! What caliber is in the 2nd gen? I’ve got a very old monster bought new in around 2002. My first foray into watch ‘collecting’ as I bought it mostly since I knew it was an iconic design
4r36, which has hacking, as opposed to the first gen's 7s26 which doesn't.
The 2nd Gen monsters are the most sought after. That lineup had specific variants which were really rare. Your example looks almost brand new. Nice find.
I have been trying to find a good orange example for under $500 but its tough.
The 2nd Gen monsters are the most sought after. That lineup had specific variants which were really rare. Your example looks almost brand new. Nice find.
I have been trying to find a good orange example for under $500 but its tough.
I got mine for £450, box and papers
I got mine for £450, box and papers
That's a very good price for your example 🔥
If Seiko offered one with an abalone dial, I would have gotten one of those instead of the Islander ISL-141 I just ordered a couple weeks ago. It's a fantastic watch, nonetheless.
Got myself a new one. Sadly it seems a lil fast forward :-/
Got myself a new one. Sadly it seems a lil fast forward :-/
Can you self regulate it?
Cool write up here and congrats on finding the best example of what you were after! I have always been tempted and intrigued with the monsters. While I have not owned one, I do have lot's of respect for them.
For me on the Seiko front, I will always be and SKX fan. However in the coming future I do plan on finally getting my hands on both and MM300 and Willard. Both cases seem like they would fit my larger wrists great! Just can't decide which I want more and first lol
I had the MM200 "Great Blue Hole" and I LOVED it! Kinda regret moving it on, but maybe will get another one some day. The fit and finish on my example was great, and the lume was some of the best on any watch I have ever owned. The only thing to rival it that I've had so far would be my Pelagos.
Sorry for the rant/ramble lol congrats again man!! Seiko makes great pieces!
Can you self regulate it?
Unfortunately i do not know how i can do this
4r36, which has hacking, as opposed to the first gen's 7s26 which doesn't.
Yes, mine is the 7S26 , just curious if the second gen was as well.
7S26 is kinda a pain, so I seldom wear it.
I’ve been thinking to update the movement to make more wearable 🤔
I have a bit of a monster problem myself
I too tried the Heimdallr
If I’m honest it was very very good but I went through a phase of getting rid of homage watches I had…… I’ll probably regret it by they are cheap to replace
I have a bit of a monster problem myself
I too tried the Heimdallr
If I’m honest it was very very good but I went through a phase of getting rid of homage watches I had…… I’ll probably regret it by they are cheap to replace
I recently went through a homage detox too... right after buying the Heimdallr I was like "ah, I said I wasn't going to do this again". They are amazing value, most of them, but I've actually found that with the right dedication you can find the official version at a nearly as affordable price... except for if it's a Rolex lol
The so called Homages are sometimes better spec than the brands, such value that if you just want a watch and are not a “watch person” they make far more sense.
I got this for £90 a modded watch from Etsy
Seiko nh35 movement, sapphire glass, ceramic bezel, solid end links, a working glide lock bracelet, great lume and it’s + 4 seconds a day
If it was a Seiko you would be paying £800 easily.
Wow! Amazing deal. Yeah it's definitely a balance lol.