One thing the Heimdallr has going for it is that in this case the torn-up looking shark logo actually quite suits this particular Seiko model, given the nickname
Makes me laugh how some people don't "have a problem " with the massive price hikes Seiko have implemented over the past few years without the incremental increase in quality
What Price hikes? The monster retailed for $500 in 2012 and still $500 today. It's called inflation Keep justifying your sweatshop replicas bet you say Rolex is overpriced and buy a noob for $400 and think it's the same thing
Love all my Seiko watches in my collection but never liked the look of the Monster especially at the hyped up prices they now command. Stumbled across Heimdallr a month ago and saw the reviews on YT. Bought an orange monster and think it’s great value for money. Original Monsters are fetching way beyond their true market value but Heimdallr have nailed it with this homage. I never got the Alpinist. Bought a green one and was very underwhelmed when I got it. Today stupid money is being asked when it’s true preowned value should be around £325 much closer to its original list price. Just go with $175 or less for the Heimdallr. Sapphire Crystal, better bracelet/clasp and no alignment issues with a solid NH36. What’s not to like even though it’s a Chinese homage!
The watch has nothing to do with the prices. If. You want a Seiko, you buy one. The other one is just a copy and may give you the satisfaction you're looking for initially but nothing will compare with the original.
Sure, kindly donate me the $1K+ for my unsatisfactory need for a brand new watch that retailed for around $190 and then go buy yourself a Rolex 126610LN (If you can find one at retail price) and then report back to me 🤣
@@xxraverxxonxtacy only a handfull of Monster are going for crazy money. I got one few weeks ago for $350. Price gougers operates on all brands, models.
I have both a 2nd gen Monster and the Heimdallr. The finish is on par with the Seiko. No misaligned chapter ring on the Heimdallr, but I had to regulate it (+40s). I had a slight paint "overflow" on the bezel, which could be chipped away with my fingernails. I'm pretty happy with the Heimdallr, but love my original still a bit more.
Hi. Hope you see this. Are the dimensions same? I'm looking for a replacement case and bezel for my SRP315 and the price is about 65€ for Heimdallr and 359€! for the original Seiko one. Hoping the cheaper one fits. Thanks in advance.
Right cause that’s why a 7 year old used Monster sells for $600-$1,000. Seiko is the original with history and brand heritage. Steeldive and Heimdallr are knock-off copies. I wouldn’t even give them the benefit of being called a “homage”. They’re 1 step removed from buying a fake Rolex sold by a guy on a street corner. I detest companies making copies of watches.
@@dustinr16 nice gatekeeping. Heimdallr and Steeldive are giving watch enthusiasts a chance to experience originally inexpensive watches that have become instant classics and are now priced out of their reach due in part by snobs like you who probably flip them which by the way I consider even scummier than counterfeiters. You are the reason why Rolexes and the like are where they are now in price in the grey market vs AD pricing.
@@metallicarchaea1820 Hahah a Seiko watch snob. Now I’ve heard it all… Seiko still makes a 4th Gen Monster. Buy that instead of paying for companies making knock off designs. Seiko created the design and has the history/brand heritage.
@@dustinr16 while Seiko watch snobs hike prices on the used market, Seiko raises prices on watches that didn't cost all that much just a while ago along with QC issues. Meanwhile smaller outfits release homages at same or better QC with sometimes better crystals or movements and Seiko is the hero here? I bet you would have shat on Seiko during the quartz crisis.
@@metallicarchaea1820 The market sets the price, not Seiko watch snobs. Seiko came up with the design and created the watch. They command whatever the going rate is at market value. These companies making “homages” (knock-off’s) haven’t done any design or marketing work. They’re solely out to turn a quick profit. Seiko will fix your watch when or if it breaks. Is Heimdalr going to fix their monster? Sounds like they’re quality is even worse than Seiko QC.
I own 2 of these Heimdallr watches, a red and a blue. I also have 4 Seiko Prospex (2 turtles, a Samarui, and an SXK007) Love these Heimdallr watches. Who cares who makes it. It's just a watch!
@@BCallum thank you for the info. Funny you say that. I like the white frost with a black hands as well as the red. Good picks. Have you checked out the Seamaster doxa homage. I think I might buy that in orange in the AliExpress sale 11/11. coming up.
That's pretty much how I feel about watches. I'm not interested in brand history I'm just concerned with what goes on wrist. I really like the design of some of Seiko's dive watches, and own a couple. I prefer the looks of the original Seiko designs than there Prospex re-issues, most of the time. I think that's where these homages come in, sure you can buy an early Seiko from £300 ish on a good day, but it's gonna be pretty tired if original if not, what's the point anyway? Rather than buy a past it's best original there's obviously plenty of folks who are happy to buy a reasonable facsimile of the original. I've been after an orange dial Monster for a while and looked at a few Seiko's as well as some homages. Not found one yet altho' Seestern have one available now that just might scratch my itch.
I had both and I think the Heimdallr is the better watch! Sapphire. Milled clasp. Less jingle jangle in the bracelet. I prefer the heimdallr to the actual Gen 2 Monster I had.
Hi I have this orange version also it was always just stopping over night so I sent it back to heimdallr eventually they sent me a replacment and about a month later the bezel came off and will not stay on anymore the Grove on the watch has come away. You only get what you pay for.
I have the blue Heimdallr Monster, I bought the Heimdallr version, as I was never sure if I'd like look of the Monster on wrist and didn't want to spend out for a Seiko if I wasn't going to be happy with it. Since buying, I'm loving it. My original thoughts were to flip it and buy a Seiko if I liked the look, but it's so good it's such value for money that I can't justify the price for a shark tooth Seiko to myself - I dont need the ISO rating or divers extension for my usage. There is a significant niggle though, in the feel of the bezel, whilst it's solid with very little back play, its feel when ratcheting is not nearly as refined as my Samurai or Baby Tunas and it is a regular reminder that it is a chinese homage and not the real deal. If it was my only watch I'd go with the Seiko but as it's one of far too many, it's bezel niggle can be easily overlooked considering the price difference.
Love this video AND the Willard comparison video too! You’re giving a fair shake to a couple of brands that are legitimately churning out great value pieces for those that are fans of the originals and/or can’t afford them.
Always wish Seiko would bring back the orange monster. Companies like Doxa show there is a market for these bright and fun colors. Also, I can't stand the candybar magnifier on the current Monster lineup.
For me, I don’t like it when companies make monkey copies of watches like heimdallr and others are doing. However, if somebody does there own take on it, I’m ok with that.
At some point these Chinese companies are going to hire a designer and product their own watches. Some do now and some are starting to put SW200 movements in and others are developing ETA clones that will match the SW200.
Most of these chinese watch companies already had designers producing their own unique watches. So of them were pretty high spec and very fancy indeed. But almost nobody bought them. Most people want watches they are familiar with, rather than original designs. Which is why the Chinese brands have shifted more and more into "homages", at far lower prices than the originals they are copying, and often with better specs too.
Heimdallr has quality control issues, however. I bought two watches from them and each has a significant flaw. It’s the luck of the draw with them. I’d go with Mark’s Islander monster.
Yes, that is correct. I received a watch that ran very slow out of the box, 78 seconds slow a day. Thinking it might just be magnetized, I took it to a watchmaker who cracked open the case, looked inside, told me the hairspring was defective, and quoted me $85 to fix it. How does Heimdallr let things like this get out of the factory?
@@gilbertoflores7397 I returned it. The ebay seller (HeimdallrUSA) tried to charge me $50 to return. Since the item was defective, ebay stepped in and refunded the money. Avoid HeimdallrUSA... he is a scumbag.
Everything about your review is spot on Rob. Is just I can't afford the seiko. So went with the heimdallr. And yes the lume on the heimdallr is bright, but it does not last long.
Found a orange monster in a little unknown watch shop for $350. Sold it for $850. Monster is cool for actually diving. But for daily wear I go Samurai.
I had a first gen Orange Monster with the 7Sxx movement for several years. Although I loved that watch I sold it a few years ago. I only paid around $250 for it. I was considering purchasing another with a different colour dial, but I got sticker shock and decided against it. I still think this is a great looking watch and would pick one up if the price was right ($500 max imho).
I love how the 1 on the 15 acts as a marker on the bezel almost seamlessly. Islander watches have just released Monster clones too. I dunno though, this Heimdallr to me has more character with that shark logo I reckon.
So much anger in the comments lol, grown men arguing about watches. Just buy what you like and what you can afford, Nobody else even cares what is on your wrist, its just a watch
I ordered mine right after watching this on 4/22. It just arrived from China (4/28)! Very high quality!! $169 with a $10 coupon. I own the Vampire Monster. I know you are doing a thorough review, but you got really nit-picky. With the naked eye, most of the things you mentioned aren't noticeable. I don't know if they made some improvements since your example was made, but my pip is perfect; the bezel shroud is barely detectable, and the numbers are evenly painted. Now, I am looking at it with the iPhone zoom, so I don't get it as clear as your camera.
I bought the Heimdallr Monster about a month ago, waited for it to ship, but returned it due to a faulty movement; the quickset day function didn't work properly. Otherwise, I thought it was a really nice watch, and I'll probably buy another at some point.
Brought a red Heimdallr monster when they did the early bird special. (largely because seiko didn't come in red..although there was the gen2 sun monster) I brought a sharky initially to see if I wanted to get a seiko monster. Did not bothered getting a seiko, the sharky monster scratched my monster itch. 4r36(gen2seiko) vs nh36 movement..nothing in it ....Hardlex crystal vs sapphire cystal..sapphire please...pressed clasp vs milled .. milled please.... slight differencs to the dial and bezel ... its a homage not a replica (although its questionable if its a really a homage..or a rip off copy).... if you wanted seiko on the dial.. buy a seiko or mod with a new dial.... lume is excellent..possibly better than the seiko (just need to live with the yellow teeth)... its a no brainer... why pay more for a gen2 seiko ? Buy the sharky and put the saving towards another watch for the collection imho
I got the red dial myself and I think the green lume looks good on it. In the daytime the lume glows in full daylight. The only QC issue on mine is the bezel alignment is off by about 1 mm from center. The rest of the watch is pretty flawless except for the movment running roughly -10 seconds per day but that's within tolerance for a nh36. If I had the tools and steady hands I would try to regulate it myself. I have pondered bringing it to a watchmaker to get it regulated because I like the watch that much. It's barely left my wrist since I got it 2 months ago
🎼Heimdallr wins!!!!!!!!!! Looks are awesome & price too!! I own several Seiko Monster watches. And if I could have bought Heimdallr yrs. ago, I could have saved tons!!!! I ❤ Seiko, but hate their price.
I bought the blue dial version, and am not happy as mine has serious QC issues. First and foremost the scalloping doesn’t line up with the grooves in the case, it’s running 30 seconds late, and well, the blue dial just looks cheap. Oh, and the lume pip..... Wouldn’t recommend it. However, I love Heimdallr’s titanium, white dial Seamaster homage. That is a spectacular watch for the price.
Enjoyed the vid 😊👍 The Heimdallr Monster is decent. I recently bought their blue dial model with the blue PVD bezel and, it's alot nicer than I thought it would be 👍 What's interesting is that the USA distributor for Heimdallr does not include "Sharkey" in the company name as a lot of people mistake the Sharky brand (solid shark logo) with Heimdallr (beefy skeletonized shark logo). I understand your thoughts on the Seiko Monster. I feel that way for my Seiko SRP637 Baby Tuna's.
The problem with the Seiko is the massively overinflated price. For what exactly? A rattly bracelet with pressed clasp, mineral glass. That's why most consumers don't buy them anymore and Seiko are abandoning this sector of the market. Of course their iconic designs they're re-issuing but now they want to charge even more for them. Seiko's once affordable and decent quality watches are no more, they've become viable only for a sub section of the horology snob brigade. A sub par watch is still a sub par watch regardless of whose moniker is on the dial. I really like some of the Seiko dive watches, but instead of upping their game they've listened to some bullshit corporate business model evaluation and totally lost their way in this market sector. Chinese amongst others beat them hands down when it comes to specs alignment and often finish (the brushing is much finer on the Heimdallr in your video) your average buyer is going to buy the homage not the original because of it's sapphire crystal and reasonable price, of course the fact that it has a Seiko movement is the icing on top (frosting) Very interesting video, thanks.
50,000 subscriber right here. Love your tips and specs on these. Impressive. Sad to see that the 2nd Monster is the same as one that I lost years ago. Really miss it, hope to find one at a descent price. (Reason I click on the video).
Hmmmm...I don’t know how I feel about fakes/rip-offs. There’s a HUGE difference between “influenced by” and straight up copying. I know there’s the argument for “field watches” being copied and etc, but this is flat out a “monster” knock-off with a different logo and size. My personal opinion.
Your “moans & niggles” are actually pretty minor, truth be told. Heimdallr did a pretty decent job with their “Monster”. Now you can do a 3-way head-to-head-to-head comparison with Island Watch’s version (if Mark issues an Orange version).
I would also like to see that. Just based on videos I have seen of the Islander Monster, it’s almost twice the price and other than screwed links, the specs are very close. Too close to pay double. One benefit of the Islander is it’s more of an homage and less of a copage. I just purchased the Heimdallr Monster in orange. Should arrive next week.
I own a Steeldive with the red and black shaded dial, it's gorgeous. I paid 100 euros for it, including shipping and taxes, a real bargain, and I love it. I own about 6 or 7 original Seiko too, but who is going to see the difference, they'll have to stare at the watch at close range, even then I don't care because I'm not a brand snob, the watch looks great, I like the Steeldive branding, it's great value for money, basically the same as the Heimdallr, to me it's simply a 'Monster'. Period. I'm saving up for a special guitar but I might grab an orange monster during the 11/11 sale over at AX.
Love the channel. Great dispassionate review. Agree with the niggles but here’s the thing. I can’t see my watches without my glasses on (62) and even with them on I am not seeing these differences. Under the camera sure and fully agree especially hands. But like you say at the end for the price you can’t beat it. I just got the urge for a monster after years of being a watch guy - I wear them I don’t collect per se - but the prices are insane! So I am all in on the big H. 👍
Mark at long Island watch has just released his version. Would be good to do the comparison. He didn't do an orange option but I'm sure he will in the future.
Also he decided to make a homage to Gen. 1 Monsters instead of Gen. 2 like we see here. Personally I like Gen. 2 more, but it is a valid concept to pursue stuff others didn't do yet.
Love my olive Sharkey Monster, such a great value! It's also a huge step up in quality from Heimdallr, this appears to be the direction they want to go which is great for the consumer.
@@greglewis2090 no, I'm saying the Monster homages are a step up from previous Heimdallr watches. But they are better than most Seikos in the price range.
I have one on order, but decided to go for the colour Seiko never did, red. I have Seiko watches so didn't want to do that direct copy of the orange dial. I want the design, would have bought a Seiko only the cheapest for a pristine one here is now close to €1,400. That's just too much for me. I'll be waiting a few weeks or more for delivery but I'm actually looking forward to checking it out. Excellent review as always.
So the homage has basically fixed all the problems every one picks up, milled clasp, sapphire crystal, and no alignment issues, and is five times cheaper, seiko hold my pint 🍺
There are still ways to tell they would have to do a case back swap too and you can check the serial number for authentication, even if it comes up as a monster case back you can check the overlap of the case/bezel versus the flush case/bezel of the replica
Oh snap. Your beloved monster has some competition 🤣🤣 I’m not the biggest fan of the monster but I’d totally buy the sharky to try one out because I’ve had similar feelings about other watches and once I had them on wrist I completely fell in love. It happened with my Tudor 1926. I was going to the AD for an Oris pro pilot or aquis but the Tudor caught my eye, I tried it on, and fell in love despite having dismissed it when I saw pictures
Ive just bought one of each in orange - both in new unworn original condition. I could be wrong as they haven’t arrived but the Seestern I think now has white hour markers like the Seiko. I dare not tell you what I paid for the Seiko but I just had to do it.
I have the red one and I just received the blue one from Long Island Watches and I really don't link the bezel action of that one. So far, I prefer the Heimdallr.
I have to speak up. I am getting so sick of the outright, blatant copying that some of these micro brands are doing. As a manufacturer that has had our things copied, I can tell you that it is pathetic! Come on companies, be original and think of your own ideas. I know it happens in all industries, but c'mon!
I’m torn. I’m okay with an homage, even a close one, when the manufacturer is no longer producing the watch in question and when they better the original. I agree that this is not an homage. It’s a flat out copy. I still bought the orange one though. It’s leaps and bounds better than the original even if they were the same price. Marc’s new Monster at LIW is on the other hand an homage to the Seiko Monster.
Having read most of the comments I doubt I'll be throwing any money Hemdallrs way. Just too many people have had serious problems. I'm going to make do with my orange Samurai.
Stupidly good value. I got to try a friends Seiko monster and I'm glad I bought this instead. Only negative I can report are the bracelet pins. They're kinda junky and I bent a few removing some links.
@@IShortysI Marc has his army of Instagram sycophants that will happily pay the price he wants. I will say that I prefer the gen one monster, and that's the one he's offering (with a generation three crown) But as usual with him, the colors he's chosen don't vibe with me. He never can get it right in that department in my opinion. The only one that I would consider buying would be the white one with blue, but even then... The monster is such an iconic Seiko design that I just can't bring myself to get one of these homages. I'm way too attached to my original orange monster from 2004. And since that one has held up wonderfully, all the arguments over "Superior specs" don't wash with me. I wore that thing daily for almost nine years, and it never received a scratch on the crystal, and I never had any complaints about the pressed clasp. The only thing I would change on it is the movement.
@@RandomRobReviews I’ve really enjoyed Seiko watches over the years. I’m glad I picked mine up when the prices were reasonable & the quality good. Yeah, with all of the new and upcoming homages and the like, Seiko can not live on their name alone, lest people see through their deception & shop elsewhere. Along side my 2013 Orange Monster, I own an Islander Black Dialed Gen 1 homage which I am very happy with. I picked it up for about $279.00.
One thing the Heimdallr has going for it is that in this case the torn-up looking shark logo actually quite suits this particular Seiko model, given the nickname
Totally agree!
Makes me laugh how some people don't "have a problem " with the massive price hikes Seiko have implemented over the past few years without the incremental increase in quality
I could not agree more. I'm not paying for your company's "heritage" when your current products even over $500 have massive QC issues.
seiko for me is dead
Seiko have actually become a semi premium brand or they believe they are and the second hand market reflects this
What Price hikes? The monster retailed for $500 in 2012 and still $500 today. It's called inflation
Keep justifying your sweatshop replicas bet you say Rolex is overpriced and buy a noob for $400 and think it's the same thing
@@kenmastersmaster you're funny 😄
Love all my Seiko watches in my collection but never liked the look of the Monster especially at the hyped up prices they now command. Stumbled across Heimdallr a month ago and saw the reviews on YT. Bought an orange monster and think it’s great value for money. Original Monsters are fetching way beyond their true market value but Heimdallr have nailed it with this homage. I never got the Alpinist. Bought a green one and was very underwhelmed when I got it. Today stupid money is being asked when it’s true preowned value should be around £325 much closer to its original list price. Just go with $175 or less for the Heimdallr. Sapphire Crystal, better bracelet/clasp and no alignment issues with a solid NH36. What’s not to like even though it’s a Chinese homage!
The "teeth" on the Heimdallr look like they haven't been brushed in a while!
I'd call them more realistic teeth lol
It's the lume coloration
@@Phil-S8 I understand what it is, thank you. 😊
They are very close in color to the gen one Seiko Monster. Yellowish green and never brushed. ;)
Lol
Love my Heimdallr 🍊 Monster, resell for some near mint Seiko Monsters are utterly ridiculous nearing GS prices.
The watch has nothing to do with the prices. If. You want a Seiko, you buy one. The other one is just a copy and may give you the satisfaction you're looking for initially but nothing will compare with the original.
Sure, kindly donate me the $1K+ for my unsatisfactory need for a brand new watch that retailed for around $190 and then go buy yourself a Rolex 126610LN (If you can find one at retail price) and then report back to me 🤣
@@xxraverxxonxtacy only a handfull of Monster are going for crazy money. I got one few weeks ago for $350. Price gougers operates on all brands, models.
I want the Orange Monster brand new though 😳
@@xxraverxxonxtacy well if you want to pay you gotta willing to play! Should have bought it 5 years ago!
I have both a 2nd gen Monster and the Heimdallr. The finish is on par with the Seiko. No misaligned chapter ring on the Heimdallr, but I had to regulate it (+40s).
I had a slight paint "overflow" on the bezel, which could be chipped away with my fingernails.
I'm pretty happy with the Heimdallr, but love my original still a bit more.
Hi. Hope you see this.
Are the dimensions same? I'm looking for a replacement case and bezel for my SRP315 and the price is about 65€ for Heimdallr and 359€! for the original Seiko one. Hoping the cheaper one fits. Thanks in advance.
Awesome side by side comparison!! I can't believe what the original monsters are going for these days!! Crazy.
Hell, after the Steeldive and this Heimdallr, it's a bad week for Seiko 😂
Right cause that’s why a 7 year old used Monster sells for $600-$1,000. Seiko is the original with history and brand heritage. Steeldive and Heimdallr are knock-off copies. I wouldn’t even give them the benefit of being called a “homage”. They’re 1 step removed from buying a fake Rolex sold by a guy on a street corner. I detest companies making copies of watches.
@@dustinr16 nice gatekeeping. Heimdallr and Steeldive are giving watch enthusiasts a chance to experience originally inexpensive watches that have become instant classics and are now priced out of their reach due in part by snobs like you who probably flip them which by the way I consider even scummier than counterfeiters. You are the reason why Rolexes and the like are where they are now in price in the grey market vs AD pricing.
@@metallicarchaea1820 Hahah a Seiko watch snob. Now I’ve heard it all… Seiko still makes a 4th Gen Monster. Buy that instead of paying for companies making knock off designs. Seiko created the design and has the history/brand heritage.
@@dustinr16 while Seiko watch snobs hike prices on the used market, Seiko raises prices on watches that didn't cost all that much just a while ago along with QC issues. Meanwhile smaller outfits release homages at same or better QC with sometimes better crystals or movements and Seiko is the hero here? I bet you would have shat on Seiko during the quartz crisis.
@@metallicarchaea1820 The market sets the price, not Seiko watch snobs. Seiko came up with the design and created the watch. They command whatever the going rate is at market value. These companies making “homages” (knock-off’s) haven’t done any design or marketing work. They’re solely out to turn a quick profit. Seiko will fix your watch when or if it breaks. Is Heimdalr going to fix their monster? Sounds like they’re quality is even worse than Seiko QC.
I own 2 of these Heimdallr watches, a red and a blue. I also have 4 Seiko Prospex (2 turtles, a Samarui, and an SXK007) Love these Heimdallr watches. Who cares who makes it. It's just a watch!
What color monsters do you think is the best one now they have new different colors out also
@@wed265 I still like that red. Red Monster is the way to go. The white frost with black hands as well.
@@BCallum thank you for the info. Funny you say that. I like the white frost with a black hands as well as the red. Good picks. Have you checked out the Seamaster doxa homage. I think I might buy that in orange in the AliExpress sale 11/11. coming up.
@@wed265 yes, the 11.11 sale is getting close. Already started looking.
That's pretty much how I feel about watches. I'm not interested in brand history I'm just concerned with what goes on wrist. I really like the design of some of Seiko's dive watches, and own a couple. I prefer the looks of the original Seiko designs than there Prospex re-issues, most of the time. I think that's where these homages come in, sure you can buy an early Seiko from £300 ish on a good day, but it's gonna be pretty tired if original if not, what's the point anyway? Rather than buy a past it's best original there's obviously plenty of folks who are happy to buy a reasonable facsimile of the original. I've been after an orange dial Monster for a while and looked at a few Seiko's as well as some homages. Not found one yet altho' Seestern have one available now that just might scratch my itch.
It's like if there was an exact copy of the Ferrari, would you be happy with it? For 10k instead of 200k? I think so.
That would be a Toyota MR2 with a body kit.
no
or an entirely CG version of the godfather made in a sweatshop in china. And it’s titled ‘the boss father.’
Orange you glad you did this review ? Thanks for the comparison 👍
very clever!
I had both and I think the Heimdallr is the better watch! Sapphire. Milled clasp. Less jingle jangle in the bracelet. I prefer the heimdallr to the actual Gen 2 Monster I had.
Hi I have this orange version also it was always just stopping over night so I sent it back to heimdallr eventually they sent me a replacment and about a month later the bezel came off and will not stay on anymore the Grove on the watch has come away. You only get what you pay for.
Another great review!
The lume is better than the Seiko.
I have the blue Heimdallr Monster, I bought the Heimdallr version, as I was never sure if I'd like look of the Monster on wrist and didn't want to spend out for a Seiko if I wasn't going to be happy with it. Since buying, I'm loving it. My original thoughts were to flip it and buy a Seiko if I liked the look, but it's so good it's such value for money that I can't justify the price for a shark tooth Seiko to myself - I dont need the ISO rating or divers extension for my usage.
There is a significant niggle though, in the feel of the bezel, whilst it's solid with very little back play, its feel when ratcheting is not nearly as refined as my Samurai or Baby Tunas and it is a regular reminder that it is a chinese homage and not the real deal.
If it was my only watch I'd go with the Seiko but as it's one of far too many, it's bezel niggle can be easily overlooked considering the price difference.
Love this video AND the Willard comparison video too! You’re giving a fair shake to a couple of brands that are legitimately churning out great value pieces for those that are fans of the originals and/or can’t afford them.
I own the Heimdallr version, and it's just crazy value. Take the names off of the dial and I feel confident anyone would go for the Heimdallr
Always wish Seiko would bring back the orange monster. Companies like Doxa show there is a market for these bright and fun colors. Also, I can't stand the candybar magnifier on the current Monster lineup.
Orange looks great on the right watch.
For me, I don’t like it when companies make monkey copies of watches like heimdallr and others are doing. However, if somebody does there own take on it, I’m ok with that.
At some point these Chinese companies are going to hire a designer and product their own watches. Some do now and some are starting to put SW200 movements in and others are developing ETA clones that will match the SW200.
Most of these chinese watch companies already had designers producing their own unique watches. So of them were pretty high spec and very fancy indeed. But almost nobody bought them. Most people want watches they are familiar with, rather than original designs. Which is why the Chinese brands have shifted more and more into "homages", at far lower prices than the originals they are copying, and often with better specs too.
Heimdallr has quality control issues, however. I bought two watches from them and each has a significant flaw. It’s the luck of the draw with them. I’d go with Mark’s Islander monster.
No orange from Mark yet. 😢
Yes, that is correct. I received a watch that ran very slow out of the box, 78 seconds slow a day. Thinking it might just be magnetized, I took it to a watchmaker who cracked open the case, looked inside, told me the hairspring was defective, and quoted me $85 to fix it. How does Heimdallr let things like this get out of the factory?
@@ericlowenbach5151 just buy an nh35 for 30 dollars and swap the thing. You're getting bent over by the watchmaker.
Mark makes them out of China too, basically the same thing, different branding, but priced more, not much difference to justify the increase in price.
@@gilbertoflores7397 I returned it. The ebay seller (HeimdallrUSA) tried to charge me $50 to return. Since the item was defective, ebay stepped in and refunded the money. Avoid HeimdallrUSA... he is a scumbag.
Everything about your review is spot on Rob. Is just I can't afford the seiko. So went with the heimdallr. And yes the lume on the heimdallr is bright, but it does not last long.
Found a orange monster in a little unknown watch shop for $350. Sold it for $850. Monster is cool for actually diving. But for daily wear I go Samurai.
Samurai s Rock..dont care what people say..they can keep their 007 with its 7s26
I had a first gen Orange Monster with the 7Sxx movement for several years. Although I loved that watch I sold it a few years ago. I only paid around $250 for it. I was considering purchasing another with a different colour dial, but I got sticker shock and decided against it. I still think this is a great looking watch and would pick one up if the price was right ($500 max imho).
I love how the 1 on the 15 acts as a marker on the bezel almost seamlessly. Islander watches have just released Monster clones too. I dunno though, this Heimdallr to me has more character with that shark logo I reckon.
So much anger in the comments lol, grown men arguing about watches. Just buy what you like and what you can afford, Nobody else even cares what is on your wrist, its just a watch
I ordered mine right after watching this on 4/22. It just arrived from China (4/28)! Very high quality!! $169 with a $10 coupon. I own the Vampire Monster. I know you are doing a thorough review, but you got really nit-picky. With the naked eye, most of the things you mentioned aren't noticeable. I don't know if they made some improvements since your example was made, but my pip is perfect; the bezel shroud is barely detectable, and the numbers are evenly painted. Now, I am looking at it with the iPhone zoom, so I don't get it as clear as your camera.
I bought the Heimdallr Monster about a month ago, waited for it to ship, but returned it due to a faulty movement; the quickset day function didn't work properly. Otherwise, I thought it was a really nice watch, and I'll probably buy another at some point.
Brought a red Heimdallr monster when they did the early bird special. (largely because seiko didn't come in red..although there was the gen2 sun monster) I brought a sharky initially to see if I wanted to get a seiko monster. Did not bothered getting a seiko, the sharky monster scratched my monster itch. 4r36(gen2seiko) vs nh36 movement..nothing in it ....Hardlex crystal vs sapphire cystal..sapphire please...pressed clasp vs milled .. milled please.... slight differencs to the dial and bezel ... its a homage not a replica (although its questionable if its a really a homage..or a rip off copy).... if you wanted seiko on the dial.. buy a seiko or mod with a new dial.... lume is excellent..possibly better than the seiko (just need to live with the yellow teeth)... its a no brainer... why pay more for a gen2 seiko ? Buy the sharky and put the saving towards another watch for the collection imho
I got the red dial myself and I think the green lume looks good on it. In the daytime the lume glows in full daylight. The only QC issue on mine is the bezel alignment is off by about 1 mm from center. The rest of the watch is pretty flawless except for the movment running roughly -10 seconds per day but that's within tolerance for a nh36. If I had the tools and steady hands I would try to regulate it myself. I have pondered bringing it to a watchmaker to get it regulated because I like the watch that much. It's barely left my wrist since I got it 2 months ago
🎼Heimdallr wins!!!!!!!!!! Looks are awesome & price too!!
I own several Seiko Monster watches.
And if I could have bought Heimdallr yrs. ago, I could have saved tons!!!!
I ❤ Seiko, but hate their price.
I bought the blue dial version, and am not happy as mine has serious QC issues. First and foremost the scalloping doesn’t line up with the grooves in the case, it’s running 30 seconds late, and well, the blue dial just looks cheap. Oh, and the lume pip..... Wouldn’t recommend it. However, I love Heimdallr’s titanium, white dial Seamaster homage. That is a spectacular watch for the price.
Enjoyed the vid 😊👍
The Heimdallr Monster is decent. I recently bought their blue dial model with the blue PVD bezel and, it's alot nicer than I thought it would be 👍
What's interesting is that the USA distributor for Heimdallr does not include "Sharkey" in the company name as a lot of people mistake the Sharky brand (solid shark logo) with Heimdallr (beefy skeletonized shark logo).
I understand your thoughts on the Seiko Monster. I feel that way for my Seiko SRP637 Baby Tuna's.
The problem with the Seiko is the massively overinflated price. For what exactly? A rattly bracelet with pressed clasp, mineral glass. That's why most consumers don't buy them anymore and Seiko are abandoning this sector of the market. Of course their iconic designs they're re-issuing but now they want to charge even more for them. Seiko's once affordable and decent quality watches are no more, they've become viable only for a sub section of the horology snob brigade. A sub par watch is still a sub par watch regardless of whose moniker is on the dial. I really like some of the Seiko dive watches, but instead of upping their game they've listened to some bullshit corporate business model evaluation and totally lost their way in this market sector. Chinese amongst others beat them hands down when it comes to specs alignment and often finish (the brushing is much finer on the Heimdallr in your video) your average buyer is going to buy the homage not the original because of it's sapphire crystal and reasonable price, of course the fact that it has a Seiko movement is the icing on top (frosting) Very interesting video, thanks.
50,000 subscriber right here. Love your tips and specs on these. Impressive. Sad to see that the 2nd Monster is the same as one that I lost years ago. Really miss it, hope to find one at a descent price. (Reason I click on the video).
Sweet! Thanks for the comparison vid and giveaway!
Is the heimdallr bracelet pin and collar like the Seiko? I really don't get on with pin and collar so I'd rather it wasn't.
I'm thinking of picking up one of long island watches homages
the long island monster looks a little "bland" for a monster. it gives the same vibe as the gen 4. Might wait for another color-line
@@mrpapua100 I thought Marc said he went for a homage of the gen 1 monster which had the 7s26 in his video? Maybe I'm wrong here, I can't recall 100%
Hmmmm...I don’t know how I feel about fakes/rip-offs. There’s a HUGE difference between “influenced by” and straight up copying. I know there’s the argument for “field watches” being copied and etc, but this is flat out a “monster” knock-off with a different logo and size. My personal opinion.
Received my red Heimdallr only last week...😍🤤👍🏼🇦🇺
I want to like Heimdallr ... but that fish logo is always a deal breaker... I’ve had 3 and I’ve sold them all .. the shark logo, I just can’t..
I feel the same way. Reminds me of a Florida hat.
They really screwed up the lume. It needs to be stark white. Orange and green together are a nasty combo.
Your “moans & niggles” are actually pretty minor, truth be told. Heimdallr did a pretty decent job with their “Monster”. Now you can do a 3-way head-to-head-to-head comparison with Island Watch’s version (if Mark issues an Orange version).
I was thinking the same thing.
I would also like to see that. Just based on videos I have seen of the Islander Monster, it’s almost twice the price and other than screwed links, the specs are very close. Too close to pay double. One benefit of the Islander is it’s more of an homage and less of a copage. I just purchased the Heimdallr Monster in orange. Should arrive next week.
@@mrjasonrowland Mark's is a copy of the gen 1 monster!
I own a Steeldive with the red and black shaded dial, it's gorgeous. I paid 100 euros for it, including shipping and taxes, a real bargain, and I love it. I own about 6 or 7 original Seiko too, but who is going to see the difference, they'll have to stare at the watch at close range, even then I don't care because I'm not a brand snob, the watch looks great, I like the Steeldive branding, it's great value for money, basically the same as the Heimdallr, to me it's simply a 'Monster'. Period.
I'm saving up for a special guitar but I might grab an orange monster during the 11/11 sale over at AX.
Hmm... which one to get..? The watch with better black indices and stamped clasp or the watch with Sapphire crystal and milled clasp?
Love the channel. Great dispassionate review. Agree with the niggles but here’s the thing. I can’t see my watches without my glasses on (62) and even with them on I am not seeing these differences. Under the camera sure and fully agree especially hands. But like you say at the end for the price you can’t beat it. I just got the urge for a monster after years of being a watch guy - I wear them I don’t collect per se - but the prices are insane! So I am all in on the big H. 👍
Mark at long Island watch has just released his version. Would be good to do the comparison. He didn't do an orange option but I'm sure he will in the future.
Also he decided to make a homage to Gen. 1 Monsters instead of Gen. 2 like we see here. Personally I like Gen. 2 more, but it is a valid concept to pursue stuff others didn't do yet.
Love my olive Sharkey Monster, such a great value! It's also a huge step up in quality from Heimdallr, this appears to be the direction they want to go which is great for the consumer.
Are you saying Seiko is better quality?
@@greglewis2090 no, I'm saying the Monster homages are a step up from previous Heimdallr watches. But they are better than most Seikos in the price range.
to me the dial of the original looked bigger, like the face of the watch..
Heimdallr sales after this .. to the moon
Thanks for the comparison. Just picked one up for Black friday ~$150
I have one on order, but decided to go for the colour Seiko never did, red. I have Seiko watches so didn't want to do that direct copy of the orange dial. I want the design, would have bought a Seiko only the cheapest for a pristine one here is now close to €1,400. That's just too much for me. I'll be waiting a few weeks or more for delivery but I'm actually looking forward to checking it out. Excellent review as always.
1400?! Thats intense. They cost as little as 140 back in the mid-2000s.
I ordered version 2 in frosty blue directly from Heimdallr and they sent me version 1 in frosty white.
Never Heimdallr again!
50K!!!! Congratulations :)
Would be cool if you could get a LIW Monster and compare to both of these 2. Well done 👌
I own a Orange Heimdallar I love it for the price, you can’t go wrong. Yes the pip bothers me it sticks up!
Don't be a misery get the real thing!
I totally like the Seiko taper. On my baby tuna the 24-18mm paper makes the watch for me.
I like this face better than the other one ,I like the teeth all around the face of the watch looks more of a monster
I find it pretty good especially with the lume and sapphire crystal
So it’s a brand new monster with comparable Seiko movement . Very cool . That’s going to be my next watch .
Are the case backs the same size on both watches?
Great review Rob! I can't find one under $170 in my search, unless it's already gone up! Cheers and happy watch hunting.
I used the diver bezel as a timer whenever I took the ACT last Saturday!
So the homage has basically fixed all the problems every one picks up, milled clasp, sapphire crystal, and no alignment issues, and is five times cheaper, seiko hold my pint 🍺
i cant find a Heimdallr ICe Monster, the white and blue.
love that one from seiko
This watch has me worried that people are doing dial swap and then selling a fake monster.
There are still ways to tell they would have to do a case back swap too and you can check the serial number for authentication, even if it comes up as a monster case back you can check the overlap of the case/bezel versus the flush case/bezel of the replica
It's time to compare with a new Islander's Monster.
It's a very nice and beautiful watch and i really love that orange color
50K! Congrats Rob!! Well done...
Congratulations on the 50k subscribers! I love the 🍊 Monster...would love to own one too. 😍😉
I thought the lume would be a fail. It’s respectable! If they have a yellow dial, I might just need it!👍
I have that exact watch and love it. Definitely worth the $150.
Where is it being sold for $150? I cannot get discount codes to get it that low.
@@23727bgk you’re right I don’t see it below $170 right now. Don’t worry they have sales every few weeks.
Great comparison 👌
Oh snap. Your beloved monster has some competition 🤣🤣
I’m not the biggest fan of the monster but I’d totally buy the sharky to try one out because I’ve had similar feelings about other watches and once I had them on wrist I completely fell in love. It happened with my Tudor 1926. I was going to the AD for an Oris pro pilot or aquis but the Tudor caught my eye, I tried it on, and fell in love despite having dismissed it when I saw pictures
Ive just bought one of each in orange - both in new unworn original condition. I could be wrong as they haven’t arrived but the Seestern I think now has white hour markers like the Seiko. I dare not tell you what I paid for the Seiko but I just had to do it.
I have the red one and I just received the blue one from Long Island Watches and I really don't link the bezel action of that one. So far, I prefer the Heimdallr.
Hi Rob, great channel.
What kind of Camera do you use, is has a super nice and fast autofocus. Thx. 🤗
I got a red one. Like it the way the color of the dial transitions to the chapter ring
Wonder how the new Islander Monster compares to these two!
Are watch designs not protected? How do companies like this get away with "homages"?
Long Island Ice Tea Watches just made exactly the same thing. So funny
@@EscapementWatch someone needs to do the covid logo. Handsome little fake sucker.
It’s sad that a 150 dollar watch is better overall than the original seiko 5 times is price
I have to speak up. I am getting so sick of the outright, blatant copying that some of these micro brands are doing. As a manufacturer that has had our things copied, I can tell you that it is pathetic! Come on companies, be original and think of your own ideas. I know it happens in all industries, but c'mon!
Yes, this isn't even an homage anymore. This goes straight into counterfit territory.
I’m torn. I’m okay with an homage, even a close one, when the manufacturer is no longer producing the watch in question and when they better the original. I agree that this is not an homage. It’s a flat out copy. I still bought the orange one though. It’s leaps and bounds better than the original even if they were the same price. Marc’s new Monster at LIW is on the other hand an homage to the Seiko Monster.
Totally a great buy!! I got one of course
Marc at Long Island watches just released his homage of the monster. Surprisingly no orange though. You should get one in!
they must have changed the lume pip, my red shark has a lume pip that looks the same as the one on the seiko
Having read most of the comments I doubt I'll be throwing any money Hemdallrs way. Just too many people have had serious problems. I'm going to make do with my orange Samurai.
Maybe check out the new islander monster, no orange though.
The bezel bites....ofcourse, MONSTERS do bite...🤣
Cant afford the Seiko, so will pick a homage at some point.
What language is the day of the week in?
Eh the heimdallr watches are higher value than seiko in my opinion. Better quality, better materials.
Stupidly good value. I got to try a friends Seiko monster and I'm glad I bought this instead. Only negative I can report are the bracelet pins. They're kinda junky and I bent a few removing some links.
I like haimdallrs unique and original design!
I've got one and it is close to my Seikos, I like it.
I’m a new monster convert and I’ve got several now!!
Marc just dropped a few new ones too.
Except marcs are overpriced when you can get a heimdallr for half the price and get the same thing
@@IShortysI Marc has his army of Instagram sycophants that will happily pay the price he wants. I will say that I prefer the gen one monster, and that's the one he's offering (with a generation three crown) But as usual with him, the colors he's chosen don't vibe with me. He never can get it right in that department in my opinion. The only one that I would consider buying would be the white one with blue, but even then... The monster is such an iconic Seiko design that I just can't bring myself to get one of these homages. I'm way too attached to my original orange monster from 2004.
And since that one has held up wonderfully, all the arguments over "Superior specs" don't wash with me. I wore that thing daily for almost nine years, and it never received a scratch on the crystal, and I never had any complaints about the pressed clasp. The only thing I would change on it is the movement.
I got my SRP309 in ‘14 for $179.00 on Amazon.
Back in the day. Makes you wonder what is “that” watch now?
@@RandomRobReviews I’ve really enjoyed Seiko watches over the years. I’m glad I picked mine up when the prices were reasonable & the quality good. Yeah, with all of the new and upcoming homages and the like, Seiko can not live on their name alone, lest people see through their deception & shop elsewhere. Along side my 2013 Orange Monster, I own an Islander Black Dialed Gen 1 homage which I am very happy with. I picked it up for about $279.00.
Islander monster full lume comparison now with all 3
seiko should have sued them for copyright infringement.
what's the deal with that day wheel? does it have mon-sun and the symbols?