Smiling Blue Skies: The Seiko Orange Monster

maandag 29 juni 2009

The Seiko Orange Monster - SKX781

Some time ago now, I purchased this Seiko SKX781 on eBay. It shipped from Italy.
This watch is also known as "The Orange Monster" .
(From the blue sky into the deep blue ocean.)

I'll talk a little about the watch. I'm not writing a complete review here, but let me just point out what strikes me most.
I actually wear the Orange Monster often and that shows in the more detailed pictures.

First of all it's a heavy watch. A little under 200 grams. Compared to a G-shock that weighs around 50 to 70 grams, the Seiko SKX781 puts a lot of weight on your wrist. It has a very solid feel to it and it is very readable. It's a mechanical, automatic watch.

There is a unidirectional rotating bezel that rotates really smooth. The markings on the bezel are BIG and black.

The glass is made out of "hardlex", a Seiko invention. The light giving marks - as well as the dials and the mark on the bezel have "lumibrite" paint. It lights up VERY bright in the dark after first having been exposed to light.

At first I didn't see what the engraving on the back depicted. It is a Tsunami. (Monster wave)

I think the design is derived from an ancient Japanese print.

This picture is what probably inspired the Seiko designers for the back of the Seiko orange monster.

The engraving on the back of the watch. This photo is a little enhanced in Photoshop.

The bracelet has a hidden divers extension to wear the watch over a wetsuit/diver's suit. I think it is well designed.

With the diver's extension opened.

A screw down crown at the 4 o'clock position. The watch has a non hacking system which means that the second hand keeps running when you set the time. Not a watch for fanatics who want the right time up to the second.