I lucked out and got my hands on yet another rare Seiko thanks to Random Rob. SRP657, aka the "Royal Blue Monster," is a 1,750-unit Thailand limited edition model from 2017 based on the 2nd-gen Seiko Monster. Although not the rarest of LE Monsters, it's still very sought-after, and these models command a significant premium.
Having recently reviewed the Orange and Black 2nd-gen Monster, this review will focus on the specific modifications that distinguish the Royal Blue model.
First Impressions of the Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657
This watch has everything I love about Monsters, but with an added visual kick. It also feels special to wear such a sought-after model, even if it's "just" a basic Seiko.
Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657 Details
The easiest way to distinguish a Royal Blue Monster is by looking at the dial. As you'd expect, the dial is dark blue and features a sunburst finish. However, unlike the blue fourth-gen Monster, the chapter right is bright white with blue minute markings. This gives it a much more distinctive appearance to the already distinctive monster.
It also features a fully polished bezel, instead of the brushed steel you'll find on a standard Monster. The markings are filled in with blue paint.
The Royal Blue LE features an interesting mix of design cues from different Monster generations. It has a 4R36 movement and was released after the 1st gen went out of production. Despite this, it goes back to the rectangular hour markers of the original, rather than the shark teeth found on every other 2nd-gen monster. Five-minute markings printed on the dial also return. In this case, the lume is surrounded by polished metal outlines.
Like other 1st-gen and 2nd-gen limited Monsters, the crystal is upgraded to sapphire and is flat with a "chocolate bar" magnifier over the day and date (a feature that became standard on the 4th-gen).
The crown is knurled like all 2nd-gen models. Unlike standard 2nd-gen models, however, it was made after Seiko started applying Prospex, so you'll find a white X logo at the center of its dial.
The day and date wheels are in black. In addition to English, the day wheel has a Roman numeral day of the week option, with a red square for Sundays.
Wearing the Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657
It uses the same 42mm case as the standard 2nd-gen Monster, so the wearing experience is familiar. The magnifier adds thickness to the spec list, but it's not something you feel on the wrist. The polished bezel does add some flash and makes it attract more attention, but it's not like a standard Monster is subtle.
The polished silver hands offer good legibility in most cases. The white chapter ring does make the dial look a bit crowded, but it's still easy to read the time.
At night, green Lumibrite takes over.
Original bracelet, strap, and replacement straps for the Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657
The classic polished and brushed Monster bracelet comes with the Royal blue. It features a dive extension and matches the case well.
As with the Dawn Grey Turtle and other LE Seiko divers, a bonus strap is also included. This one is made of what I believe is blue leather, and says on the back that is has been waterproofed. It features a debossed carbon fiber pattern. It flares out to meet the case like the bracelet does (and our TQ18 straps).
The strap is exceptionally stiff, and I damaged the surface while simply trying to put it on, possibly due to its age. Luckily, I received an extra strap from Rob. It doesn't matter too much, though. Due to its 20mm lug width and lugs that sit slightly below the case shroud, strap swaps look great on a Monster. The Tropical Rubber in blue looks right at home on it. A Ridge Rubber strap with a white Custom Color Kit would look awesome, too.
Here is a list of some other straps that will complement this watch well. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Pro Diver
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Deployant Rubber
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Extra Long Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
All generations of the Seiko Monster feature larger-than-standard lug holes and spring bars that won't fit standard straps. While all of our straps are compatible with these watches, many other straps aren't. Additionally, some people prefer not to have the slight wiggle that occurs when installing one of our straps. That's where StrapHabit's Thin Spring Bars for Seiko Fat Lug Holes come in. These can be installed in some StrapHabit straps as well as most straps with standard spring bars and fit Seiko divers perfectly. They have 1.1mm tips, but are 1.8mm thick at the center.
Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657 Movement
Unlike 3rd-gen monsters, which received a movement upgrade, the Royal Blue LE kept the 4R36 movement found in all 2nd-gen Monsters. While still an upgrade from the 7S26, it's nothing special, considering the cost of these watches second-hand.
Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657 Conclusion
When I was first collecting watches, I remember what a status symbol it was in the Seiko community to have an LE Monster. While the 300-unit yellow 1st-gen Monster might still be the holy grail, I'm happy to have gotten a chance to own this one. The Monster got me started in watch collecting, and will always hold a soft spot in my heart.
Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657 Specifications
Name: Seiko Automatic 200M Diver's Watch
Reference Number: SPR657
MSRP: Unknown - No Longer Available
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 47.7
Thickness: 14.2mm
Weight: 141g
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Seiko 4R36
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire with magnifier
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Uni-directional, 120 click
Strap/Bracelet: Blue leather with carbon fiber pattern and Stainless Steel with dive extension
Shop replacement straps for the Seiko Royal Blue Monster SRP657
Pro Diver Strap
Tropical FKM Rubber
