Seiko has released a number of limited editions recently. For this year, they introduce yet another rugged-looking model. Limited to just 300 numbered pieces, the new Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest (Ref. SBDB007J) is built to celebrate the indomitable spirit of Mr. Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese mountain climber who, being 70 years old, became the oldest man on Earth to ever climb Everest. Now, ten years later, the man prepares to reassure his position by making another go to the world’s highest mountain.
While we here can only wholeheartedly wish Mr. Miura to achieve yet another goal of his life, you are here probably for a review of the watch in question. The special edition Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest 2013 is based on a well-known JDM-only Landmaster but has its heroically proportioned titanium case colored matte black and features darkish red accents both on its dial and the sides of the case.
The red color on the face is limited to 12 Arabic numerals on its 24-hour military-style GMT scale, the ‘Empty’ rectangular mark on the power reserve indicator, as well as to the skeletonized secondary hour hand, while the body is engraved with “MIURA” lettering of the same color.
As you have probably already noticed on the promo photos, this Landmaster has its setting crown transferred to 12 o’clock, which makes the watch safer for the back of your palm, but not terribly convenient when it comes to manually adjusting its readings or simply winding the thing by hand.
According to the Japanese brand, the watch is animated by its in-house Caliber 5R66 movement.
Being a close relative of the 5R67 engine that powers the gorgeous Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase, this caliber, too, features their proprietary Spring Drive technology that combines an old-school automatic winding system with a Tri-Synchro Regulator module that ensures a smooth, almost gliding motion of the central second hand around the dial.
As the aforementioned 5R67, the Caliber 5R66 features a power reserve indicator but has the moon phase module swapped in favor of a not so flashy, but much more practical calendar.
Being one of their higher-end mechanisms, the hybrid-powered 5R66 is reserved for their best timekeepers, so rest assured that you are getting one of the most interesting offerings in the sub-$6000 price range. I am not sure whether the piece will be able to hold its resale price as good as similarly priced models made by Omega or IWC, but, if you plan to keep it and are more interested in build quality and accuracy, you are probably better off with the device.
Since the watch is delivered bearing a pretty much impressive price tag of roughly $5500, it comes equipped with a replacement nylon strap: a nice feature for people with hairy wrists who simply can’t stand normal bracelets.
Not sure about its international availability, but the watch has already surfaced on eBay, so you will probably find one, although the final price may surprise you a little.
See also: Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Golgo 13 Diver (SBBN023)
Photos: Seiko
Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest 2013 SBDB007J specification
Movement: Spring Drive, Caliber 5R66, in-house, antimagnetic, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 30
Power reserve: 72 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date, power reserve
Case: Titanium, black
Shape: Round
Size: 46.80 mm
Case height: 14.20 mm
Dial: Black, with red accents
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black titanium bracelet with replacement black nylon strap with red accents
Crystal: Mineral
Back: Solid