Seiko v. Orient.

[classicshave]

Orient SEL03001B M-Force v.Seiko Men's SKX779 "Black Monster" Automatic Dive Stainless steel Watch. My wife wants me to pick out a watch for myself and I'm partial to divers. I've narrowed it down to these 2; opinions? Any other suggestions in case I missed one? Thanks!

PS:trying to keep it under $300.00...

 

[little Big feather]

Orient is the better watch from all that I've read. Seiko is a very good watch....I think it's like Buick vs Lincoln.....Each to his own.
I will say this...The Seiko may be easier to have serviced in 5 years(will need it by then).

 

[Krona Kruiser]

Seiko Monster
Orient Mako
I have an Orient Pepsi Mako and it's by far my favorite watch. It's got an in-house movement, sturdy build and stands on its own without looking like a Submariner.

 

[dojpros]

Google "nobokies" and Harold Ng. He is a Seiko watch customizer out of HK. He is doing some really nice work for well under 300.00 shipped using the "monster" and other Seiko watches as a base. I have a Sinn 556 inspired watch done by him based on a 36 mm Seiko 5 field watch and could not be happier.

If my choice was a custom Seiko v. an Orient I would likely go custom Seiko. If my choice was stock Seiko v Stock Orient, I suspect I would get a Blue or Black Mako or Super Mako at under 200 shipped and be a very happy camper. Orient has nice fit/finish and an in house movement. It is a very respected watch among the WIS (watch idiot savant) communtiy and is just enough different from a Seiko to be unique in its own right.

 

[rushchairman]

if divers are your thing, don't rule out Invicta, and if you can stretch the budget a little, Luminox.

 

[StillShaving]

If you are considering the Seiko Monster, don't overlook that it was updated in 2012 and is still slowly moving through the retail channels. The new style has a different hour markers and an improved movement that supports hacking and hand winding. I have had mine for a few weeks and been quite happy with it. My particular watch is running about 5-6 seconds fast per day. The lume and bracelet are nice. There are 5 models and including the SRP307K1 black monster. Best source (price) I found to buy this watch was DutyFree Island. They provided good customer service and the watch was received 5-7 days after ordering.

 

[NeverOne99]

If you're wanting a diver I would definitely go with the black monster over the Orient. They are both great watches however.

 

[cfender]

I would like to add a Seiko Monstor to my affordable collection but if I had to have just ONE I'd take the Orient largely because the brand is less common and I'd prefer to have something a little more distinctive. I know that Seiko makes some great products, but they are unfortunately most recognizable in the US as a value priced department store quartz watch.

Also, I wouldn't be comfortable wearing either the M-force or Monster with business/dress attire. If that is your intention, I'd suggest the Orient Mako in Blue or Black. It's versatile enough to sneak on the wrist in a business setting. The big clunky divers, especially the orange ones, don't look right to me.

 

[CRG]

You might also consider the classic Seiko diver (SKX007), which I was able to pick up on E-Bay recently for just under $200 shipped. It's a solid piece and looks great with the Jubilee bracelet and with the NATO that's currently on it.

 

[Zarba]

I've had my Orient for a year and it's a fine everyday watch. Has held up very well, and keeps excellent time right out of the box. For $100, it can't be beat.

One nit to pick. The watch can ONLY be wound by movement (either on your wrist or a watch winder). It does not a have a provision for manual winding via the crown. Bizarre.

 

[cfender]

Google "nobokies" and Harold Ng. He is a Seiko watch customizer out of HK. He is doing some really nice work for well under 300.00 shipped using the "monster" and other Seiko watches as a base. I have a Sinn 556 inspired watch done by him based on a 36 mm Seiko 5 field watch and could not be happier.

If my choice was a custom Seiko v. an Orient I would likely go custom Seiko. If my choice was stock Seiko v Stock Orient, I suspect I would get a Blue or Black Mako or Super Mako at under 200 shipped and be a very happy camper. Orient has nice fit/finish and an in house movement. It is a very respected watch among the WIS (watch idiot savant) communtiy and is just enough different from a Seiko to be unique in its own right.

+1 on Harold Ng. I bought a sapphire crystal from him that I now have on my blue Mako.

 

[jakko]

older versions of the monsters (7s26 movt) and the 007/009 are not hand windable. Comparing M-force and the monster, I say go with the M-force (sapphire crystal and power reserve ftw!).

 

[oc_in_fw]

I prefer the looks of the M-Force. Does the Seiko have a sapphire crystal? If not, then definitely the M-Force.

 

[jakko]

one thing to note about the m-force, it uses the same endlinks as the old mako (if you are getting the metal strap which i suggest you do). These are hollow endlinks and will tend to bend your spring bars under pressure. The links also may get bend out of shape. A workaround is to look at aftermarket bracelets on the bay.

 

[Ken Tanaka]

I own a Seiko Orange Monster.
Mounted on a black and orange Nato band.

It has even gone scuba diving with me..used as a timer.

Good watch so far. Keeps the time well, I usually adjust it every two weeks or so.

It does not have a hack feature though. Not a problem unless you need super accurate time, in which case a low cost automatic isn't the thing anyways.

Ken