DougFNJ
September 11th, 2008, 17:51
I received this beast last week, so I figured I would do a review on it.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f1.jpg?t=1237302145
The model SKZ255 has two versions SKZ255-K1 and SKZ255-J1. The only differences I have seen or heard of between the two is the J1 version has a tiny Japan stamped on the lower face between the 6:00 and 7:00 markers. I have read that the J1 model is made in Japan and the K1 is made elsewhere. I have also read that all versions were made in the same factory under the same specs and quality procedures, and the J1 was stamped as it was for Japanese release for importing purposes, the K1 is released throughout the rest of the world. Looking at photos of both versions, other than that Japan stamp, there seems to be absolutely no difference between the 2 on specs, features, looks, or quality.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f2.jpg?t=1237302218
The Frankenmonster is of the Seiko 5 Sports Divers. For those of you that do not know what the "5" represents, apparently a smart Seiko Marketing guy came up with the great idea in the 70's: to be a SEIKO 5, the watch has to have the following 5 (five) attributes (thus the name SEIKO 5): 1. Automatic, 2. Water resistant, 3. Shock resistant, 4. Date, 5. Day
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f3.jpg?t=1237302253
The Frankenmonster apparently got it's nickname due to it's bolts on the sides that resembles the bolts on the side of Frankenstein's neck. I have also seen it nickenamed FrankenTuna as well.
(right side)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f4.jpg?t=1237302290
(Left side)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f5.jpg?t=1237302328
This watch is LARGE, yet maintains a lower profile on the wrist than it would look off the wrist. The case measures 47mm diameter by 13mm thick. It definitely has a nice heavy feel to it on the wrist. It also features a PVD Finish on Stainless Steel bracelet and case with black plastic composite around the case. The face and bezel features a black dial with white hands and markers. The luminous hands and markers glow BRIGHT in the dark, this glowing brightness can rival the LED on my digitals. Day and Date is displayed at the 3:00 postition. The Bezel rotates counterclockwise, and the crystal uses a scratch resistant Hardlexmaterial. One of the nicest lookinf features of this watch is the nice large screwdown crown located at the 4:00 position and stays out of the way of the wrist for righties. I am lefty and wear it on my right wrist, so this has never presented a problem for me. The bracelet features a fold-over push button deployment clasp with Micro Adjustment and diver extension, the back sports a screwdown Stainless Steel caseback. The movement is a Precise 23 jewels self-winding automatic with a very smooth sweeping second hand. And This diver is 200M Water Resistant.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f6.jpg?t=1237302350
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f7.jpg?t=1237302382
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f8.jpg?t=1237302410
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f9.jpg?t=1237302438
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f10.jpg?t=1237302491
I have a very high overall opinion of this watch. I would rate it 8 out of 10. It is sporty, extremely solid, stealthy, and large. The lume is bright and stays that way for hours. I find the the bezel rotation turns nice an smooth. The bracelet is comfortable and looks great with the black PVD finish. During the week I have worn it often and <knock wood> no desk diver marks, so it seems to have a strong finish to it. I have 7 1/2 inch wrists so those with thin wrists may find this to be a bit large. On my wrist and feels and looks IMHO perfect for me. I have worn this to the office which is business casual and get a kick out of it when people's eyes draw to my wrist.
So that's my review, I hope those that are shopping for this particular model found this review helpful. I am definitely proud to have posted the first Seiko review in this forum. :-!
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f1.jpg?t=1237302145
The model SKZ255 has two versions SKZ255-K1 and SKZ255-J1. The only differences I have seen or heard of between the two is the J1 version has a tiny Japan stamped on the lower face between the 6:00 and 7:00 markers. I have read that the J1 model is made in Japan and the K1 is made elsewhere. I have also read that all versions were made in the same factory under the same specs and quality procedures, and the J1 was stamped as it was for Japanese release for importing purposes, the K1 is released throughout the rest of the world. Looking at photos of both versions, other than that Japan stamp, there seems to be absolutely no difference between the 2 on specs, features, looks, or quality.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f2.jpg?t=1237302218
The Frankenmonster is of the Seiko 5 Sports Divers. For those of you that do not know what the "5" represents, apparently a smart Seiko Marketing guy came up with the great idea in the 70's: to be a SEIKO 5, the watch has to have the following 5 (five) attributes (thus the name SEIKO 5): 1. Automatic, 2. Water resistant, 3. Shock resistant, 4. Date, 5. Day
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f3.jpg?t=1237302253
The Frankenmonster apparently got it's nickname due to it's bolts on the sides that resembles the bolts on the side of Frankenstein's neck. I have also seen it nickenamed FrankenTuna as well.
(right side)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f4.jpg?t=1237302290
(Left side)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f5.jpg?t=1237302328
This watch is LARGE, yet maintains a lower profile on the wrist than it would look off the wrist. The case measures 47mm diameter by 13mm thick. It definitely has a nice heavy feel to it on the wrist. It also features a PVD Finish on Stainless Steel bracelet and case with black plastic composite around the case. The face and bezel features a black dial with white hands and markers. The luminous hands and markers glow BRIGHT in the dark, this glowing brightness can rival the LED on my digitals. Day and Date is displayed at the 3:00 postition. The Bezel rotates counterclockwise, and the crystal uses a scratch resistant Hardlexmaterial. One of the nicest lookinf features of this watch is the nice large screwdown crown located at the 4:00 position and stays out of the way of the wrist for righties. I am lefty and wear it on my right wrist, so this has never presented a problem for me. The bracelet features a fold-over push button deployment clasp with Micro Adjustment and diver extension, the back sports a screwdown Stainless Steel caseback. The movement is a Precise 23 jewels self-winding automatic with a very smooth sweeping second hand. And This diver is 200M Water Resistant.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f6.jpg?t=1237302350
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f7.jpg?t=1237302382
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f8.jpg?t=1237302410
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f9.jpg?t=1237302438
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll254/DougFNJ/f10.jpg?t=1237302491
I have a very high overall opinion of this watch. I would rate it 8 out of 10. It is sporty, extremely solid, stealthy, and large. The lume is bright and stays that way for hours. I find the the bezel rotation turns nice an smooth. The bracelet is comfortable and looks great with the black PVD finish. During the week I have worn it often and <knock wood> no desk diver marks, so it seems to have a strong finish to it. I have 7 1/2 inch wrists so those with thin wrists may find this to be a bit large. On my wrist and feels and looks IMHO perfect for me. I have worn this to the office which is business casual and get a kick out of it when people's eyes draw to my wrist.
So that's my review, I hope those that are shopping for this particular model found this review helpful. I am definitely proud to have posted the first Seiko review in this forum. :-!