Limited to just 300 numbered pieces, the new Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest 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 break his own record.
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 Case & Dial
The special edition Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest 2013 is based the JDM-only 2012 Landmaster SBDB005 but has its heroically proportioned titanium case colored matte black.
The Miura Edition also 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 open-worked secondary hour hand. The body is engraved (or, maybe, laser-etched?) with “MIURA” lettering of the same color.
Like 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 more practical calendar.
As you have probably already noticed in the promo photos, this 2013 Miura Everest has its setting crown transferred to 12 o’clock. The new placement for the crown 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.
The Movement: Spring Drive Caliber 5R66
Yes, the watch still rocks their 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 Seiko’s proprietary Spring Drive technology.
The system 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.
Being one of their higher-end mechanisms, the hybrid cal. 5R66 usually powers their best timekeepers, so rest assured that you are getting one of the most interesting offerings in the sub-$6000 price range.
The Bracelet & Strap
Just like the base model, the Miura Everest 2013 features a massive black titanium bracelet.
Since the watch bears an impressive price tag of roughly $5500, it comes equipped with a *wink-wink* free replacement nylon strap: a nice feature for people with hairy wrists who simply can’t stand normal bracelets. Also, it will be more comfortable to wear in cold weather.
The Availability
Not sure about its international availability, but the watch has already surfaced on eBay, so you will probably have no difficulty finding one, although the final price may surprise you a little.
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.
See also: Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Golgo 13 Diver (SBBN023)
Photos: Seiko Watches
Seiko Prospex Landmaster Miura Everest 2013 SBDB007J specification
Price: Approx. $5500 depending on the exchange rate
Movement: Spring Drive, Seiko Caliber 5R66, in-house, anti-magnetic, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 30
Power reserve: 72 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date, power reserve
Case: Titanium, black
Shape: Round
Diameter: 46.80 mm
Height: 14.20 mm
Crystal: Mineral
Back: Solid
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