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SEIKO PROSPEX BLACK SERIES SRPH13K1 ‘MONSTER’ LIMITED-EDITION | SRP: AUD$825
Adrian Stacey: Seiko first began producing watches in 1881. Some 84 years later, in 1965, they launched the diver-specific Prospex range. Since then, Seiko has been synonymous with quality dive watches and has released a stunning array of timepieces. The watch I was asked to review was the SRPH13K1, also known by the somewhatcatchier name, the ‘Monster’. The Monster is part of the latest in the Black Series range of watches, which also includes the Samurai and the Tuna. Only 7,000 of the limited-edition Monster have been produced. This reassuringly chunky watch feels solid, well-made and durable. The stainless-steel case is matt black and has been treated with a super-hard PUV coating. The dial, bezel and silicon strap are also matt black and have a feel of hardwearing quality about them. The hands, indexes and luminous bezel markings offer a stark contrast to the overall matt-black finish of the watch, making it easy to read and adding further credence to its nickname. Water-resistant to 200m, this watch is suitable for most recreational and even tech divers. Other features include a magnified date window and a screw-down
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crown, which is located in the 4 o’clock position instead of the more-traditional 3 o’clock position. Many Seiko watches adopt this position for the crown, and I must admit I prefer this configuration as it is less likely to get caught on straps when donning and removing dive equipment. The Monster gained its nickname from the jagged angles of the bezel, which resemble the mouth of a monster. It is most definitely a striking watch and looks like it belongs on the wrist of a Navy SEAL or some other special forces operative. While I was most definitely not taking the Monster on a covert mission, it did perform admirably on my diving and snorkelling adventures at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. A dive watch invariably takes a few knocks through the course of a day, and the Monster felt like it was more than capable of handling the rigours of life on a dive boat. A cyclone had passed close to the island a week or so earlier, and the usually crystal-clear waters of Heron Island were murkier than usual. However, I still found the watch easy to read and a good back-up timer to have.
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