The Seiko Prospex SLA071 Landmaster 30th Anniversary

The Prospex collection by Seiko is full of important models, some however with a certain niche approach to things. The Landmaster is typically part of this category, as a watch with its fan base but probably not the one that most know about. Born in 1993, the Landmaster collection has since gained the trust of adventurers and mountaineers, with its undeniable robustness and functionalities that have made it a great tool for adventure. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the model is back with the SLA071 limited edition, a high-end yet instrumentally-designed model. 

With this SLA071 Landmaster 30th Anniversary, Seiko brings a design that channels the most representative watch in the history of the Landmaster… The first ever model created in 1993, also known as the reference SBBW005 with AGS kinetic movement. Robust, not to say almost brutal in its design, this watch was characterized by the presence of a rotating bezel with a compass scale – a tool that has proven helpful in calculating directions thanks to the position of the sun.

The new SLA071 is the worthy descendant of this inaugural model, designed on the same principles and made to withstand harsh environments. However, design apart, the 30th Anniversary limited edition is rather different technically speaking. First of all, its rugged 42mm case – measuring 12.6mm in height and 50mm in length – is now made of titanium with Super-hard coating. As such, despite the imposing dimensions, it should be pretty light on the wrist (rated at 137 grams with all the links on the bracelet). It retains the signature bi-directional bezel with its engraved compass scale and the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with super clear coating ensuring high legibility from any angle. Water-resistance is rated at 200m thanks to a screw-down crown and a screw back.

The dial of this SLA071, if still focused on instant legibility with large three-dimensional indexes and thick hands, all largely filled with Lumibrite, has now a rather cool colour and texture. Its gradient (from 12 to 6) blue colour and the fine pattern have been created to represent the view from the top of 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.

Under the solid caseback is the in-house calibre 8L35, also known as a Grand Seiko calibre 9S55. This high-end automatic movement runs at a 4Hz frequency and offers a generous 50h power reserve. It is assembled by hand at Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka. Its accuracy is rated a +15 to -10 seconds per day.

Worn on a titanium bracelet with a folding clasp and an extension allowing to wear the watch over heavy Arctic clothing, the Seiko Prospex SLA071 Landmaster 30th Anniversary is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces. It will be available in November 2023 and priced at EUR 2,800. For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.