The Seiko SKX781 “Orange Monster” has a cult like following, do in part to the amount of watch you get for the money. Seiko uses an Asian 7S26 automatic movement in this dive watch, an automatic watch for less money (not comparable to a Swiss auto). The SK781 has a Day/Date function with a magnifying window, which some prefer. This Monster is water resistant to 200m and uses a 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel, with elapsed time. It is well constructed and has a good bracelet at this price, with a double locking clasp, diver’s extension, and solid end links (SEL). The indices are very large and the lume glows bright. The crown is located at the less traditional location for Seiko in the 4 o’clock position. Usually, black faced dials in general outsell all other dial colors. When it comes to the Orange monster, it might very well give the SKX779 “Black Monster” a run for the money. Do a quick search and you find rave reviews about the Monster in general.

Pros - Value, nice bracelet SEL, great lume.

Considerations - Hardlex Mineral Crystal is still much more prone to scratches vs sapphire

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 42mm

Bezel - Unidirectional

Crystal: Hardlex (Mineral)

Dial: Orange

Bracelet: Steel or Rubber

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 40 hours

Water Resistant: 200m

Lug Width: 20 mm

Seiko Watch Reviews: Ananta, Spring Drive, Sportura Alarm, Orange Monster

Seiko Spring Drive Power Reserve Review

  The Seiko Spring Drive Power Reserve mens watch is classic in design, with cutting edge technology under the hood. The watch is powered by one of Seiko’s new Spring Drive movements, the Caliber 5r65. What makes the Spring Drive movement so unique and special? It has combined the accuracy of quartz movement, with the benefits of an automatic movement. The conventional escapement is replaced with a device that Seiko calls a Tri-Synchro Regulator to regulate the unwinding of the mainspring. This results in one of the most accurate automatic movements that is affordable to the public, estimated at only a 1 second deviation per day!

  The watch sports a 72 hour power reserve, with a large power reserve indicator on the dial. This Seiko has very clean, classy lines, that are easy to read on the 42mm case. There is a nice date window at the 3 o’clock position and the watch comes on a very nice butterfly clasp bracelet. A modern classic design, with an inventive modern movement to match.

Pros - One of a kind movement, extremely accurate, nice power reserve.

Consideration - Mental hurtle, it is a Seiko pushing 4K.

  The Seiko Sportura Alarm Chronograph has a new look for 2011 and what a look it is! Seiko has really stepped up there designs and caliber of watches in recent years. The Ananta is a perfect example of this, one of Seiko’s “luxury” watches. With the new Sportura Alarm Chronograph, you get a new look and feel at very manageable price point comparatively to the Ananta line up. Pictured above is the SNAE69, with black case, and yellow seconds on yellow stitched black leather. Also available are the SNAE69, with red seconds on mesh, and the SNAE65 with red seconds on red stitched black leather.

  The case is extremely crisp and sharp, with each cut and curve. The lugs are pronounced and gracefully angled to better fit the wrist. The dial is easily read for a chronograph, including uniquely designed numerals. Three subdials are nicely set into the dial, giving good sense of depth, with the alarm subdial located at the 6 o’clock position. This version of the Sportura Alarm Chronograph is accented with yellow, from the yellow seconds hands to the yellow stitch in the sporty black leather strap. Sticking with the racing theme there is a fixed tachymeter bezel. Not sure anybody ever really uses this feature or knows how to for that matter, but it looks cool. The Sportura line comes in around the $500 mark.

  Few if any watches can be found at this price point with an alarm chronograph and AR coated sapphire crystal. Seiko has seemingly delivered another very well executed watch at an extremely attractive price point.

Pros - Reliable 7T62 movement, alarm, design, sapphire crystal, price

Consideration - The hour hand does not seem to fit the overall design of the this watch

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 42mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Bracelet: Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 72 hrs Water Resistant: 100m

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46mm

Bezel: Tachymeter Strap: Crocodile

Lug Width: 24mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 45 hrs Water Resistance: 100m

  The Seiko Ananta Chronograph has a lot of engineering behind the watch. Ananta is a Sanskrit word that means ‘the infinite’, this watch is part of a collection that expresses Seiko’s dedication to infinite perfection. Katana is the ancient art of sword making, this watch pays homage to this history. The side of the watch case has the distinctive Katana curve, with the case back and lugs being forged from a single piece of steel.

  The Ananta uses the now well known Spring Drive technology, arguably the most accurate automatic movement produced today. Seiko uses specifically Caliber 8R28, featuring 28,800 vibrations per hour, 34 jewels, 292 parts, with a power reserve of 45 hours. There is a see through case back to display the rotor and further pays homage to the hand guard on a Katana sword. The case is 46mm, supported by a crocodile strap, with a three fold clasp and push button release. This watch is very well crafted and thought out. Seiko has raised the bar.

Pros - Spring Drive, easy to read, well thought out

Consideration - There might be some sticker “shock” potential to the casual Seiko

owner, watch has a large wrist presence

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: N/A

Bezel: Tachymeter

Strap: Black Leather

Lug Width: N/A

Crystal: Sapphire

Movement: 7T62

Power Reserve: N/A

Water Resistance: 100m