Seiko 'Frost Monster' - SBDC073 - Funnest Monster to date

roadwarrior

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Bruce Williams
Published on Feb 18, 2019


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Moon Monster or meteorite Monster? :hmm: At least in this photo.
 
Just picked this one up. Different and not an Invicta. Love the dial and cheaper than the GS Snowfake. Although can't compare apples to oranges.
 
Killer moon dial. Not sure about that green color lume against the different shade of blue chapter ring tho, think gray or white would have flowed better..
 
Peter Jung
Published on Feb 18, 2019

Seiko SBDC073 Ice Monster

Music: "Pedro Versus the World" by Jingle Punks (youtube audio library)

 
This Grand Seiko watch has a dial similar to the Frost Monster.

WatchesOnYou
Published on Feb 15, 2019

This is a video review of the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection U.S. Limited Edition reference SBGA387. The watch used in this video was provided by JB Hudson Jewelers of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 
http://www.gnomonwatches.com/prospex-monster-baby-kira-zuri-200m-automatic-ref-sbdc073


SEIKO WATCHES
PROSPEX MONSTER BABY KIRA ZURI 200M AUTOMATIC REF. SBDC073
US$598.00

First off, the main improvement will be in the movement upgrade. The SBDC073 boast the most desirable automatic movement among its precursors that uses the 7S26 caliber launched in 1996 and the 4R36 that are used on many base models currently. The 6R15 operates at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 23 jewels with a power reserve of 50 hours through a Spron 510 mainspring.

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Seiko Prospex Monster Baby Kira Zuri 200M Automatic Ref. SBDC073


The 200m water resistant Monster stainless steel case embodies the beautiful craftsmanship and bold lines. Measuring 42mm case without the crown, which is 1 mm smaller than the first generation, 48mm lug to lug and has a thickness of 13mm, with a lug width of 20mm.

The Prospex Monster Baby Kira Zuri 200M Automatic Ref. SBDC073 being the third iteration of the Monster collection, in design manner, it is highly rated as the most balanced among the other two.

Starting from its case, it mainly has fine satin brush finishing, giving it a serious tool watch look, and unique grooves on the sides only seen on the Monster series, which helps one to have a more comfortable grip on the bezel. Further, the SBDC073 features a semi-shroud design on the top and bottom of the case, keeping the refined bezel protected when not in use.

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Third Generation Generation with JDM movement, 6R15


The other Monster’s trait will be the bezel. It is a one piece of steel that concave slightly with prominent engraved black markers on it (same goes to all the Monster model). It rotates buttery smooth into 120 positions has zero free play in a clockwise direction. What's more, the details done on the bezel grooves are so unique that you do not see on other Seiko watches. To finish things up, the screw down crown at four o'clock flanged by its crown guard has knurling around it for better grip and easy usage during time-adjustment.

Moving on to the back of the watch, the screw down case back allows 200m water resistant and is also brushed, featuring the recognizable tsunami emblem that is a staple on the other Seiko divers. Oh, please don’t forget about the lug holes, allowing swapping of straps with ease.

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Iconic case design, water resistant to 200m


Now, let’s talk about the dial details, which is where this SBDC073 gets its name. Firstly, gone are those shark teeth-looking hour markers found on the 2nd generation like the SRP307/309. The SBDC073 features a unique, never-seen-before icy textured dial in the Prospex line. The dial reminisce the recent release Grand Seiko “Kira Zuri” editions ref. SBGA384/387 - which was done.

Kira Zuri means “sparkling painting” - a tiny, glittering flakes of mica that are being applied on the print, thus creates a shimmering surface. This can be found on the icy dial texture on the Monster “Baby Kira Zuri” reminisce some-sort of sunlight on rippling water effect when one views it. The dial seems to be in light bluish hue with a sunburst effect. Once one scrutinized closely, it has these ritzy shimmering patterns on the surface that plays with the light around it, giving the extravagant effect.

It is paired with applied block markers with silver trims, and its signature trapezoid 12-hour markers at the top. The impeccable hour markers and hands are both generously coated with Seiko's LumiBrite allowing it to glow brightly in the dark for hours. The wearer can enjoy the magical effect of the frost dial of this Monster through and through.

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Light Blue Icy Dial Texture with Applied Markers


Further, the Hardlex crystal now has a magnifying cyclop at the 3 o’clock date position, which we have never seen on any other generations.

Therefore, all these have enhanced the Monster “Baby Kira Zuri” feels a notch higher than other professional dive watches in the same price point.

The design of the steel bracelet stays true to all its generations, and compliments the watch beautifully, having it brushed mainly, with polished sides and slightly at mid-portion, giving the Deep Blue Monster a serious tool watch look and feel.

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Seiko's LumiBrite Luminous


All in all, for more than a decade, the Monster is still one of the best bangs for buck Seiko professional dive watch. While in usual form looking unapologetic in design, the Prospex Monster “Baby Kira Zuri” Ref. SBDC073 reflects the fusion of paraphernaliawatchmaking, with some of the traditional artistry elements of Japan. Is durable and legible, with a proven robust automatic movement, excellent casework, and featuring a unique icy-effect dial.


SPECIFICATIONS




  • Maker: Seiko Japan

    Movement: Caliber 6R15. Seiko Automatic.

    Accuracy: +25/-15 sec per day

    Dial: Light blue icy texture with applied luminous indexes

    Luminous: Lumibrite

    Date: 3 O'clock

    Case: Stainless steel

    Crown: Screwdown

    Lug: 20mm

    Crystal: Hardlex with date magnifier

    Strap: Stainless steel

    Water resistance: 200m.

    Dimensions: 42mm in diameter, 48mm lug to lug, 12.5mm thick.

    Power Reserve: 50 hours


SeikoSBDC073-1.jpg
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GNOMON is one of the more expensive options buying this one.
 
^^^Great information, Mike. Thanks for posting this up.:good:^^^
 
Anybody know what Hardlex is?


Hardlex is a special proprietary crystal designed by Seiko to fill the gap between mineral glass and sapphire glass. It's a special hardened glass that is much more scratch resistant than mineral glass and a lot more shatter resistant than sapphire crystal. ... Like mineral crystal, every scratch on it, is a permanent one. Nov 25, 2013





 
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