Seiko Prospex PADI Monster SRPE27K1

Seiko Prospex PADI Monster SRPE27K1 is the latest addition to the popular ‘Monster’ line, now with an attractive metallic blue bezel.

Seiko Prospex PADI Monster SRPE27K1

The Case and Dial

The stainless steel case of the Padi Monster bears close resemblance to a baby tuna, without the shroud. Measuring 13.4 mm thick, and 42.4 mm wide, the watch is moderately sized for a diver’s watch and has the favorite features of Seiko dive watches. A uni-directional bezel in blue can be used to mark time spent submerged. A cyclops on the Hardlex crystal enlarges the day-date window for easier visibility.

For those who dislike cyclops, other Seiko diver variants may be a better choice.

As with the new range of Seiko 5s, and most other Seiko dive watches, with the exception of the 42 MAS, the watch uses a crown at 4 instead of the regular 3 o’clock position. This displacement reduces the chance of the crown digging into the wrist when the wrist is flexed.

On the dial side, the watch features large lume applied hour markers with large minute markers at the periphery. An arrow shaped hour hand is used with a contrasting red minutes and seconds hand.

The Movement

Powered by Seiko’s caliber, 4R36, the self-winding movement beats at 21,600 BPH and is equipped with hacking and hand winding capabilities. The 21 jewels movement contains a power reserve of 41 hours and is armed with a Diashock absorber. The Diashock absorber is designed to make the movement less susceptible to damage from shock or impact.

Concluding Thoughts

Seiko’s are getting more expensive now, compared to 1-2 years ago and some models in the Prospex line are priced into Grand Seiko territory. The 4R35 and 4R36 movements are used in base Seiko automatic watches. It is also available in the new Seiko 5s.

The PADI Monster is a nice looking watch for EUR 530 or ~US$600, with good dimensions, a unique case design and a daily beater functionality. Other options in this range include the Seiko turtle, and a step up would include the 42 MAS case models. With a water resistance of 200m, the watch is fully equipped for most dives, and with the thick case, portrays an image of a very tough watch. Considering the price however, a Seiko 5 at half the price might not be a bad alternative, with 100 m water resistance and the same base movement and a slimmer case. That said, the Monster has an appeal of its own that makes it a favorite in its own right. At the end of the day, the choice ultimately boils down to personal taste in design.