Seiko releases two limited editions that pay tribute to their historical field watches. Introducing the Seiko Prospex Land and Seiko Prospex Landmaster.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Seiko Prospex Land and Landmaster
We do not yet have the recommended retail price as we publish this article. And will update when we have it. The Seiko Prospex Land SPB411 is a limited edition of 4,000 pieces, and the Prospex Landmaster SLA071 is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.
Commentary
The new Seiko Prospex Land SPB411 is a re-recreation from Seiko’s 1968 GMT watch. The watch is the same genre as the popular Rolex Explorer II series, bearing some functional resemblance. A rotating bezel, marked in 24 hours is a key feature, and allows three timezones to be read in combination with the GMT hand. Executed in steel on a tortoise like case design and matching bracelet, the watch’s appearance is nowhere like the Rolex. But more akin to other exploration watches like the Doxa SUB 300T. The series is limited to 4,000 pieces.
The new Seiko Prospex Landmaster comes from a long line of Landmaster field watches, started in 1993. And is designed to meet the needs of mountaineers.
The Prospex Landmaster has a rotating bezel is rather busy with markings of the compass as well as graduations in compass bearings in degrees. The case is a typical sports tonneau shape and is executed in titanium with matching bracelet. Also of interest in the Landmaster is the dial which bears a textured, gradation from dark blue at 12 o’clock and becoming lighter with a bright, almost fluorescent blue at 6 o’clock.
Both novelties use existing movements. The Prospex Land is powered by the 6R54, while the Prospex Landmaster by the 8L35. While the precision specifications of both are rather mundane and middle of the road, in our experience with other Seiko watches powered by the same movements, they are adequate for the task and very robust.
Release information Seiko Prospex Land SPB411
A faithful re-creation of an archival model from 1968
For its latest watch, Seiko Prospex has re-created the model from 1968 that was Seiko’s first GMT to feature a rotating bezel. The new limited edition is as faithful as possible to the classic sports design and compact dimensions that characterized the late-‘60s Navigator Timer. A distinctive five-row bracelet glitters to complete the watch’s classic and luxurious look.
On the dial, the Seiko logo follows the design of the original model and is lower in height than the current logo. The GMT, hour, and minute hands, as well as the indexes, also follow the Navigator Timer design. With its independently adjustable GMT hand and 24-hour rotating bezel, this handsome traveler’s watch displays the time in three places at once.
The case back bears a horseshoe-shaped design similar to the original model and displays the individual watch’s serial number.
＊ In the actual product, the case back direction might be different from that of the photograph.
Specifications
Movement
Caliber Number: 6R54
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding
Precision: +25 to -15 seconds per day
Power reserve: Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
Jewels: 24
Functions
- 24-hour hand (dual time display function)
- Stop second hand function
Case/Band
Case Material: Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Case SizeThickness:12.6mm
Diameter:38.5mm
Lug-to-lug:45.2mm
Crystal: Box shaped sapphire crystal
Crystal Coating: Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
LumiBrite: LumiBrite on hands, index(es) and bezel
Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release
Distance between lugs: 19mm
Other Details
Water Resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
Weight: 131.0g
Features
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Rotating bezel
- Screw case back
Release information Seiko Prospex Landmaster SLA071
A limited creation commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Landmaster series loved by adventurers and mountaineers.
In 1993, the Seiko Landmaster series was born in Japan. Throughout its three-decade history, the series has earned the trust and met the needs of adventurers and mountaineers with repeated improvements to its specifications. In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the series, Seiko presents a new Prospex creation whose design is the high reliability of successive generations of Landmasters and the design of the most representative models.
With this new Landmaster, a light and comfortable fit is ensured through a case made of pure titanium, a material with excellent corrosion resistance, while a super hard coating protects from scratches. The compass ring and rotating bezel, hallmarks of the Landmaster series, have been given a three-dimensional shape for ease of operation and legibility. Powering the new Landmaster is the in-house caliber 8L35, created to withstand harsh environments. This highly accurate movement was assembled and adjusted by the skilled craftsmen and women of Shizukuishi. On the bracelet, an adjuster function allows the user to adjust the length easily so that the watch can be worn over heavy Arctic clothing.
Three-dimensional indexes and thick hands ensure high legibility even in harsh environments.
Each of the hour markers has a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands. The sapphire crystal with super clear coating ensures high legibility from any angle.
The blue gradation dial represents the view from the top of the Mount Everest. It’s said that at high altitudes in the mountains, where the air is thin and there is no diffuse reflection, the sky appears dark even during the daytime. The dial’s color expresses the way the sky gradually shifts to dark blue as the climber ascends step by step, as if the universe can be glimpsed through the sky.
The case back bears the words “Limited Edition” and carries the individual watch’s serial number.
＊ In the actual product, the case back direction might be different from that of the photograph.
Specifications
Movement
Caliber Number: 8L35
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding
Precision: +15 to -10 seconds per day
Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
Jewels: 26
Functions
- Stop second hand function
- Date display
Case/Band
Case Material: Titanium (super-hard coating)
Case Size
Thickness:12.7mm
Diameter:42.0mm
Lug-to-lug:50.1mm
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Crystal Coating: Super-clear coating
LumiBrite: Lumibrite on hands and index(es)Bracelet Length200.0mmDistance between lugs20mm
Other Details
Water Resistance: 20 bar
Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
Weight: 137.0g
Features
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Rotating compass bezel
- Screw-down crown
- Three-fold clasp with secure lock
- Screw case back
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