Let's get this out of the way - there's only two watch companies with such strong reputations for making tool watches that can make patina - evidence of a life lived with the purpose that a tool watch was designed for - attractive. Namely, a Swiss company that starts with an "R" and...Seiko.
Seiko has a deep and well-regarded history in the world of dive watches, and none are as iconic and famous as the venerable Seiko 6105-8110/9 automatic. The 6105 is the definitive Seiko diver, and holds its own against all iconic divers of the era - like this serviced 1972 Seiko 6105-8110 "Captain Willard" automatic diver here, with Seiko DE39AZ rubber dive strap, black nylon strap, and beige leather-backed canvas strap.
Now – on to that nickname...
During the Viet Nam War, Seiko watches among other brands were offered in the U.S. military PX’s (Post Exchanges) on bases in Southeast Asia, including Rolex and Tudor. The Seiko 6105 was slightly less expensive during this era than a Rolex or Tudor Submariner, but Seiko had the same reputation for providing no-nonsense functionality with a build qualities that could withstand the harsh climate - but at a much lower price-point. And Army-issued watches were known to fail in the jungle environment.
In Francis Ford Coppola's seminal 1979 film, "Apocalypse Now," Martin Sheen’s character, Captain Willard wears a 6105, akin to the one here. He wasn't the only one - many service members, to include U.S. Special Forces and early Underwater Demolition Team (UDT, predecessor to the U.S. Navy SEALs) members wore the Seiko 6105 during conflicts of the era. Many 6105s survived combat, with their owners bringing them back after their tour was finished.
The Seiko 6105 is one of the most celebrated vintage tool watches out there today, not only because it played a role in the Vietnam War, but it was also popular with divers of the time. From a design standpoint, it’s easy to appreciate its unusual asymmetrical case. And we can't fail to mention one even went into space with NASA, per Hodinkee's "Talking Watches" with NASA astronaut David Williams. Want to read another cool story about these iconic divers? Check out our "A U.S. Navy Diver and His Tested 1971 Seiko 6104-8110 'Captain Willard' Dive Watch."
Seiko produced the 6105-811X from 1970-77, which came in two dial variations. Early models from 1970 were labeled “Water 150m Proof” on the dial, and “Waterproof” on the case back. However, and at some point that same year, Seiko changed the text to “Water 150m Resist” with “Water Resistant” on the back to meet U.S. Federal guidelines ahead of a January 1972 deadline. Further, the 6105-8110 and 6105-8119 are identical, with the exception of the last digit in the reference number, which indicates the market the watch was originally sold.
This Seiko 6105 comes on a rubber Uncle Straps dive strap, and with nylon strap, leather-backed canvas strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
1972 Seiko 6105-8110 “Captain Willard” Automatic Diver
DIAL: Seiko-signed dial, with intact lume indices, which feature the correct sugar cube-like consistency and color, and light patina. Matching handset, to include its “stoplight” second hand that retains most of its vibrant pinkish-red hue; lume throughout retains its luminescence.
CASE: Asymmetric stainless-steel case measures a hefty 46mm x 49.5mm. Case is in non-machine polished condition, and retains its original light brushed finish. Bezel rotates in both directions as designed, and bezel insert has limited wear and "rachets," as designed.
CRYSTAL: Flawless high-dome Seiko 6105 crystal, no scratches or cracks.
BAND: This Seiko comes with on a new Seiko DE39AZ rubber dive strap; it also comes with a black nylon strap and leather-backed beige canvas strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 6105B automatic movement, manufactured in March 1972. Movement hacks, as designed. Although not performed by us, this Willard operates as if it has been serviced in the last few years.
CROWN: "Lock"-signed crown locks as designed; Seiko's 6105 design did not feature a screw-down crown, but instead a mechanism that locked the crown in place to keep it from moving.