So, we are kind of done with the Divers but if most of the readers hate anything in this world, it’s an abrupt jump. Thus, let our catch-up with the slide rule calculations be smooth. We were speaking on the ProSpex, so we take off from there.
This Landmaster is strictly a climber’s tool. I mean, there’s nothing against the idea of wearing it everyday provided it goes with the attire; it’s just that its mettle and forte will stay largely unutilized unless you take a deep-snow-trip once a year (or two years). That’s how to squeeze daylights out of this chunk. But a little seeps back every time and keeps it going.
Seiko’s 2013 release is the ProSpex Landmaster Miura Everest 2013. Only 300 pieces to grab from, the watch is a tribute to Yuichiro Miura – The Godfather of Extreme Skiing (Smithsonian). Now an octogenarian, the Japanese alpinist skied down Mt. Everest back in 1970 and was the first man to do so. Now he plans to climb the mighty Everest.
That will be May this year. The watch is born to mark the occasion.
Obviously, it’s titanium. The case measures 46mm and runs on a 5R66 Spring Drive movement. It took 28 years and 600 prototypes before it went for final production. That was in 2005. It’s the same movement that runs the Seiko Spacewalk, so its no-brainer that Miura Everest 2013 has some elements common. Actually, a lot. It makes better sense calling the Spacewalk in newer dimensions with the price cut to several degrees. $4,800 instead of $28K while a general production (Classic) version will be around for $4,460.
The dial is matte black with prominent, white markers and hands. The white paint is luminescent. There’s a second time zone displayed in red, Arabic numerals and read with aid from a central, skeleton GMT-marker with a red tip. The Miura also displays date and indicates the power usage.
An interesting fact is the extra-resistance case-back (together with the anti-reflecting sapphire crystal, holds water pressure till 330 feet) also has an outer ring to store data on blood type, date of birth, name, nationality etc. and leaves rooms for further customized data. Written records are life savers to the most demanding explorers, so that’s Seiko’s little brainstorming.
Good move, Seiko.
