Seiko Monster or Orient Mako / Ray in Edinburgh ?

[hell_gelb]

Hello all. I have narrowed my final choice of a new watch to either an Orient 'Ray' (EM65008B - the newer variant of the Mako) or a Seiko Black Monster (SKX779). Quite different in that the Orient is quite smart and presentable for (office) work while the Seiko is less so.
But similar in that theyre around the same price (£100 +/- £20 from Creationwatches or Skywatches) and both 200m auto divers on s/s bracelets.

I like the originality of the Monster and the tales of it's reliatvely high quality for the price point - but I know I may get more wear out of the Orient. As neither is available locally, I'm buying blind - and there's every chance I'll crack and buy both just to see which I prefer.

But as a last-gasp attempt to decide without doing that, I thought I'd ask here - more in hope than expectation - if anyone in Edinburgh has a Monster or a Mako / Ray that I could take a quick look at (for the price of coffee or a beer, as you prefer) ?

cheers,
Nick

[CmdrBond]

Just get both

[ApexJimi]

I'll be in Edinburgh on Sat, wearing an orange Monster - going to a wedding reception.

P.m me and we'll get something organised

[Jonboy]

I have both a Black Monster and a Blue Mako, both on bracelets. The Seiko is pretty much bomb proof and is a very good tool watch. The Mako is a lot smarter for daily/office use though, I dont wear it as a tool watch for fear of scratching the bezel.

The quality of both watches is very good for the money, although I would say the Seiko has the edge.

I wouldn't get rid of either though. Buy both, you wont be disappointed with them from the price point!

FYI - reviews and recommendations for the Monster are plentiful, here is my review for the Mako I wrote on the day it arrived a few months ago, I hope you find it helpful:

http://tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=188...

[Arun_D]

CmdrBond said:

Just get both

Typical PH response






...and therefore entirely the correct thing to do!

[hell_gelb]

Thanks for the very kiond offer, ApexJim - but I'm irritatingly stuck in East Lothian at 2 (2!) kids parties on Saturday. I work right in the centre of Edinburgh but don't live there.

To make matters worse, I made the mistake of trying on a Seiko BFK for the second time today. I say "trying on" - but it's tricky when the bracelet will need a few links removing. Had convinced myself that it was too big previously - but had no issues with it today (either lug-to-lug or fitting under a shirt cuff).

It's now Monster (£130 at creationwatches.com) versus BFK (£157 at creation).

I prefer the Monster on some illogical level - but the BFK did look very, very smart indeed...

Bugger.

[ApexJimi]

hell_gelb said:

Thanks for the very kiond offer, ApexJim - but I'm irritatingly stuck in East Lothian at 2 (2!) kids parties on Saturday. I work right in the centre of Edinburgh but don't live there.

I'm going to this reception under protest (GF's friends) but you've definitely got the worst deal with the kids parties!

Do you want me to PM you with my number and if anything changes you can text me?

As for the watches, trust me, just go for the monster, you really won't be disappointed. Make sure you get it on the bracelet too, it's superb for the money

[bailey1966]

Monster all day long, just to tease you a bit.

[hell_gelb]

I showed my wife pictures of the BFK and the Monster; predictably, she far preferred the Kinetic.

After sleeping on it, I realised this exercise was indeed useful in helping me decide.... Black Monster on bracelet duly ordered from Creationwatches.