StrapHabit has recently covered the 2nd-gen Seiko Monster, as well as compared the 4th-gen to the original. When Random Rob was recently selling another version of the Monster through one of his massive watch drops, I was lucky enough to obtain it. This time it was the less common Seiko SRP499, aka the Yellow Field Monster, complete with a compass bezel.
First Impressions of the Seiko Field Monster SRP449
What I didn't realize until after I purchased it is that the watch case is different from that of a standard Monster (I was likely confusing it with the Trek Monster). It uses a friction bezel, push-pull crown, and has a transparent caseback. The lug width is also 22mm instead of 20mm, and it has a flat crystal. It's a standard Seiko model, but it's equipped like a Seiko 5 "Baby Monster." The case is also wider at 44.8mm (the standard monster is 42mm).
From what I could find, this was a 2014 model. The serial number begins with a 3, suggesting it was produced in 2013. Most people don't consider this a true Monster, but this date would place it around the time of the 3rd-gen monsters, which were more expensive models with 6R15 movements.
Seiko Field Monster SRP449 Details
Despite the upsized case, the design language is pure monster. It still features the large cutouts in the bezel that align with the scalloped case when set north-up. Unlike the Baby Monsters, the crown is at 4 o'clock and features a crown guard built into the shroud like a standard Monster. Like the Monster, the case is mostly brushed, with a few polished highlights.
The bezel itself features the afore-mentioned compass markings filled in yellow paint. The crown also has a yellow-painted ring around it.
Rectangular (or tooth-shaped) hour markers are swapped out for metal applied numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 (the Seiko logo is also applied and metal).
Likely because of this, Seiko ditched the notched chapter ring of the original Monster and swapped it for a more traditional one. This also required a date shift from 3 to 4:30 (interestingly, not lining up with the crown).
The distinctive hands of the Monster diver are also swapped for sword-shaped hands, more befitting of a field watch. The dial is matte black and divided up by a horizontal and a vertical line through the center, in keeping with the compass theme.
Wearing the Seiko Field Monster SRP449
As mentioned, the case is larger than the Monster diver (albeit slightly thinner). Despite being all-black, it still looks large. This is mostly thanks to the large applications of yellow paint.
Still, Seiko is good at making large watches comfortable to wear, and this one is no exception. It feels well-balanced on the wrist, and the crown is out of the way, avoiding digging into the back of your hand.
The bezel loses its clicks and becomes bi-directional. Although it seems like a downgrade, this makes sense if you're using the bezel for navigation rather than timing dives.
The strap and replacement straps for the Seiko Field Monster SRP449
A black ion-plated stainless steel bracelet comes with SRP449. It loses the dive extension, but gains an extra micro-adjust hole, for a total of four. It also features drilled lugs, making swaps easy.
Any of our 22mm straps will fit nicely on this watch. For obvious reasons, I gravitated towards yellow. Despite not being a real dive watch, a yellow Pro Diver looks quite good on it. The thick rubber also works well with the large case.
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
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Deployant Rubber
-Ridge Rubber
-Extra Long Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
-Seatbelt
Seiko Field Monster SRP449 Movement
Like the 2nd- and 4th-gen monster, SRP499 uses a Seiko 4R series movement. In this version, however, the date-only 4R35 is used (ditching the day of the week display). Unlike older Monsters, it has hacking and hand-winding. While not the most accurate movement, it's robust and perfect for an affordable tool watch.
Seiko Field Monster SRP449 Conclusion
While the Field Monster contained a few surprises, it's been a fun watch to wear. I'm still deciding if the appearance is "too much," but I'll undoubtedly find some situations in which to wear it. It's an interesting variation on the Monster theme, and one that I'm glad was in the Seiko collection.
Seiko Field Monster SRP449 Specifications
Name: Seiko Automatic Compass Black Dial Black Ion-plated
Reference Number: SPR449
MSRP: $595 (No Longer Available)
Diameter: 44.8mm
Height: 51.1mm
Thickness: 12.7mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Movement: Seiko 4R35
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Friction
Bracelet: Black ion-plated Stainless Steel
Shop replacement straps for the Seiko Field Monster SRP449
Waffle FKM Rubber
Deployant FKM Rubber
Pro Diver Strap
