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Elliot55's post revisits his earlier exploration of affordable Seiko dive watches, this time focusing on the 'Blue Monster' for around $300. His initial 'Orange Love' post highlighted the Seiko SKX011J1, and this follow-up continues to celebrate the exceptional value and appeal of Seiko's entry-level mechanical offerings. This article delves into the community's appreciation for these accessible yet robust timepieces.
Some of the things I love:
At the monster size of 46.5mmâs, the watch is very comfortable and feels great on the wrist â even after extended wear.
Legibility and
luminosity are excellent.
Rated to 200 meters (which is much deeper than where my head would explode).
Classic divers bezel is well-protected and less subject to unwanted shifts.
Rubber strap is quite comfortable and long enough to fit over a diver's web suit.
The blue dial has an almost luminescent/sunburst quality generally found on more expensive timepieces.
Automatically-wound, All-mechanical movement with hack seconds.
Day/date display with bi-directional crown adjustment for each.
Approximately 48 hours power reserve with an average rate of +/- 6.5 seconds per day.
Some of the things I donât love:
Unlike the crown of its orange sibling, the goldish crown on big blue is narrower and difficult to grasp, making adjustments slightly more tedious.
I know a certain purist who will likely bust my âcouillesâ on this, but I would really like to see Seiko use an exhibition caseback one of these days. Okay, so itâs a dive watch (and itâll probably be more expensive), but seeing the inside is always so much fun.
The crown protector shoulders are not as pronounced as those on the SKX011J1.
Slow changeover of day/date â starts around 11:30pm and finally finishes at 2:00am.
For just a few bucks more than the 'orange-is-the-new-black' SKX011J1, I have to say 'big blue' is a great watch that keeps great time and comes at a really great price. So... great... There really is no denying the value this (very large) independent brand offers. Dollar for dollar, these all-mechanical watches might be the best âbeatersâ around.
Thanks again to Ken and his invaluable insight.
Happy Holidays, Everyone.
- Scott
. . . strap. When you stop to think about it, it's hard to understand why our watches cost so much. Or, in Seiko's case, so little. Thanks, Scott. I'll bet this is the one you'll wear at 'work'. :-) Cordially, Art
... what's on the way. You will be so proud. Should arrive on Monday. I'd say "watch this space", but I know you already do. Happy New Year, my friend, - Scott
Scott, I believe we have met through Art. This one is your fault, had to have it. My "selfie" Christmas present to myself. Too much going on here for the price to be ignored.
... happy to take the blame. I think it is safe to say we both scored! Cheers! - Scott
NIce watch, great value - be it intrinsic or otherwise. Watches can be relatively cheaper if: the brands cut the unnecessary marketing cost, do not use the oversized stupid box and most importantly, be honest. Regards Ling
... these Seiko watches are relatively inexpensive because they choose not to market these particular watches? I see a lot of marketing for more expensive watches, like the Grand Seiko, but never for these lower line pieces. - Scott
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