A Cult-Favorite Seiko Diver Just Got Even More Japanese

This once-divisive, now-iconic dive watch gets a sunken treasure-worthy upgrade courtesy of another noteworthy Japanese brand.

Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch closeupBeams

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When it first arrived on the watch scene in the early aughts, Seiko’s Prospex SKX779 dive watch drove a wedge through the middle of the watch enthusiast space. Some found its bizarre, chunky appearance downright disgusting, while others fell madly in love with its quirks.

For better or worse, the watch — which earned the moniker “Monster” — became a mainstay of Seiko’s dive watch category. Now, this beast turns another unique page in its long history with the release of the exclusive Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781.

Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch on blurry background
Most of the watch’s somewhat divisive, iconic features remain in this Beams reimagining.
Beams

The beast from 109 fathoms

Thankfully, the chunky stainless steel case and matching thick link band — two elements that earned this Seiko Prospex diver the nickname “Monster” — remain in this new version.

In fact, much of what makes the SKX781 popular among fans and collectors has stayed intact. That includes its rotating dive timer bezel, Lumibrite-coated hands and dial markers, 3 o’clock day-date window, 4 o’clock crown and even its hardlex crystal.

Most critically, it is still powered by the same reliable, time-tested, serviceable 4R36 automatic mechanical movement. This is also why the watch is still the same beefy 42.5mm size.

Closeup of Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch dial
This Monster’s silver-and-gold motif works incredibly well with its chunky case and thick matching band.
Beams

This is wonderful news for those who already love this watch. It means you don’t have to worry about a dip in quality. You can simply appreciate the few impactful changes Beams made.

X marks the spot

So, what’s actually different about this Monster? Most obviously, the color palette has been swapped for a silver-and-gold motif.

In classic Beams fashion, this exclusive colorway is as seemingly simple as it is utterly impactful. The metallic duo of colors serves to highlight everything that was already great about this watch.

Caseback and band of Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch
One of the watch’s most exclusive features is the Beams logo etched into the caseback.
Beams

The bezel, hands, marker outlines and parts of the link band are all finished in luminous gold, while the larger case, caseback, crown and the rest of the band are all silver.

Furthermore, the dial is a dark gray with a subtle sunray finish that helps showcase the shiny, metallic elements without getting washed away in the background.

As a final, exclusive touch, the caseback features an etching of the Beams logo. Leave it to a pair of Japanese brands to come together to show everyone else how a co-branded watch collaboration should be done.

Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch being eaten by sea monster
This may be the most sunken treasure-worthy Monster that Seiko has ever produced.
Beams

Pricing and availability

For now, the Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 “Monster” diver is a Japan exclusive. Whether it makes its way stateside remains to be seen.

That said, it is available on Beams’ website for ¥82,500 (about $550 USD) and will also be sold at select Beams retailers.

Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 Monster Dive Watch on gray backgroundBeams

Seiko x Beams Prospex SKX781 “Monster” Dive Watch

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