Seiko Prospex 4th Generation Monster SRPD25K1 (or SBDY033) Dive Watch (similar to SRPD27K1/SBDY035 and SRPE09K1/SBDY045) - The Quintessential Tool-Watch, Review (plus Video)

In 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation Monster dive watches. In the initial release, three models were launched, the blue dial with bracelet SRPD25K1, and the black dial with silicone strap SRPD27K1, and the wavy blue dial special edition with bracelet SRPE09K1 (In Japan, the references are SBDY033, SBDY035 and SBDY045, respectively).

In my collection, I already have a model under each of the earlier generation. Gen 1: SKX779K1 Black Monster; Gen 2: SRP311K1 Sunburst Black PVD Monster; and Gen 3: SZSC005 Jade Monster. Although I should have made a decision back in 2019 to get one, I had to re-prioritized my acquisition plans as a number of other timepieces took precedence.

During the current unpleasantness of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to re-look at my original plans and I decided to get the SRPD25K1 to complete the Monster family.




A Brief History of the Monster Family

The Monster family started in the year 2000 when the first generation Monsters were introduced. Back then, it was not linked to any specific product line by Seiko. The design became an instant hit. Subsequently, the second generation Monsters were launched in 2012. This time, Seiko decided to put it as part of the Premier product line. Apart from some cosmetic changes, the major upgrade was replacing the simple 7S26 non-winding and non-hacking automatic movement in the Gen1 Monsters to the 4R36 manual-winding and hacking automatic movement in the Gen2 Monsters.

In 2014, Seiko launched the third generation Monsters. This new series is rather unique. All are Made in Japan versions. The major upgrade for this version is the use of the 6R15 manual-winding and hacking automatic movement. This movement dispenses with the day function found in the first two generations of Monsters. Seiko also introduced a cyclops eye over the date aperture. As part of Sieko major realignment of all its models, the Monsters are now assigned to the Prospex product line.

The fourth generation Monsters was launched in 2019. Seiko reverted the latest series as a global version and reintroduced back the 4R36 automatic movement with the day and date complications. Seiko did retained the magnifying glass which now took the form of a rectangular piece over the day and date aperture.

The Current Fourth Generation Monster Series

At the time this review was published, Seiko has introduced three models under this series. These are:

	SRPD25K1 (or SBDY033) Standard production YEN61,600 (+tax) USD525
	SRPD27K1 (or SBDY035) Standard production YEN57,200 (+tax) USD495
	SRPE09K1 (or SBDY045) Save the Ocean Special Edition YEN63,800 (+tax)

The Watch

The SRPD25K1 fourth generation Monster is made out of 316L stainless steel. Below is a table of comparison of dimensions of Monsters from the first generation right up to the latest.

SKX779K1 Gen 1	SRP311K1  Gen 2	SZSC005 Gen 3	SRPD25K1 Gen 4
42.0 mm (W) 14.0 mm (H) 48.0 mm (L)	43.0 mm (W) 13.0 mm (H) 47.5 mm (L)	42.3 mm (W) 13.1 mm (H) 47.5 mm (L)	42.4 mm (W) 13.4 mm (H) 49.4 mm (L)

There are variations in the dimensions but generally all four versions are similar.



The SRPD25K1 maintains the core Monster DNA. Nevertheless, there are some subtle differences when compared to previous generations.

The sunburst blue colour is only added to the main dial surface. The curved chapter ring is dark solid blue and marked with white minute markers. Slotted slightly into the curved chapter ring are the applied hour markers that have been filled with Seiko' proprietary Lumibrite paint. Only the 12 o'clock marker is triangular-like while the rest are rectangular. Meanwhile, the 3 o'clock marker has been replaced with the day/date aperture.

The SRPD25K1 has the similar hand set as its predecessors. The arrowhead hours hand, sword-style minutes hand and arrow seconds hand are very distinctive and tool-like in appearance. Painted with a general application of Lumibrite paint makes them visible in dark for quite some time.

The texts on the dial is typically found on any monster. The relatively new addition to the dial is the Prospex logo found from the third generation onward.



As highlighted earlier, Seiko was able to bring back the day complication. This complication was standard on the first two generations of Monsters but was taken away in the third generation. The aperture is a simple rectangular cut on the dial surface without any framing (unlike the last three generations which has a white painted frame around the aperture).

Protecting the dial is a flat beveled Hardlex crystal that sits below the bezel. What is interesting is the continuation by Seiko's designers to incorporate a magnifying glass over the day/date aperture. The  magnifying glass was first introduced on the third generation Monsters. It gathered mixed feeling among the diehard Seiko fans. A number of fans were against having the magnifying glass as it 'distract' the symmetry of the crystal. Personally, I don't have an issue with. The only issue I have is the quality control. If you refer to the photo above, you can clearly see the slight misalignment of the magnifying glass.



This latest Monster retains the distinctive case shroud that partially protects the bezel at both lug ends. The concave 120-click bezel with indentations that align perfectly with the case dimples is a slightly different design compared to its predecessors. The major difference is the lack of serrations on the outer side walls of the bezel. This does not affect grip so much as the primary gripping surface to turn the bezel is the indentations on the bezel itself.

Note the short curved lugs and the drill-through lug holes. These help facilitate a more comfortable wearing experience (minimizes lug-overhang for those with smaller wrists) and easier spring-bar disengagement (eliminate the need to unhook the spring-bars from an awkward angle) for strap replacement.



A change has been made to the crown system. Seiko has eliminated the shoulder guards present on the previous iterations. Instead, the screw-down crown sits in a shallow hole. The crown design was also changed having deeper gear-tooth-like side surface for grip.



Seiko remained consistent with the design of the bracelet. The current model retained the "C"-link style bracelet with a 3-fold clasp with secure lock and push button release with divers' extender. Measuring 20 mm at the lugs, the stainless steel bracelet flairs out immediately to 22 mm near the lugs and gently tapers down back to 20 mm at the clasp. The clasp has four micro-adjustment points for a more precise sizing adjustments.



The solid screw-down case-back protects the 4R36 movement. This caliber is the new movement workhorse for Seiko that offers up a 41-hour power reserve, automatic and manual winding, seconds-stop mechanism, and a day/date indicator.

I was able to conduct a simple accuracy test using the Toolwatch program and my particular example was able to record an accuracy of +9.7 seconds per day straight out of the box. Based on the manufacturer's claims, the movement should have an accuracy of between +45 seconds per day and -35 seconds per day. My example is definitely within the stated extremes.

Finally, the night photo of the dial with the luminous paint in action. Below is a photo of the dial is partial darkness. The Seiko proprietary LumiBrite paint shines bright and makes the information on the dial easy to refer to in the dark.




Wearing Experience

The Monster design is the quintessential tool-watch design that fills in all the blanks. It is comfortable and is able to take a lot of punishment. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.



Personally, this is one watch design that any serious collector must have in his or her collection. The design is evergreen and does not look dated at all.



Specifications

Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: 4R36 manual-winding and hacking automatic
Jewels: 24
Frequency: 21,600
Stated Accuracy: +45 seconds per day and -35 seconds per day
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Dial Colour: Blue
Illumination Paint: LumiBrite on hands and indices
Crystal: Hardlex
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Clasp: Three-fold clasp with secure lock and push button release with divers' extender
Bezel: Uni-directional dive timer
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Dimensions: 42.4 mm (width); 13.4 mm (height); 49.4 mm (length)
Lug Width: 20 mm
Crown: Screw-down
MSRP: RM2,000; YEN61,600 (+tax); USD525
Purchase Date: 13 May 2020
Purchase Price: RM1,400
Vendor: AWG, Mid Valley
Serial Number: 960417


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