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 full-serviced, near new-old stock 1974 Seiko 6105-8110 "Captain Willard" automatic diver here, on its original Seiko rubber "tire tread" strap and with original inner and outer Seiko boxes. This is easily one of the best Captain Willard examples we've ever sold!
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, 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.
The 6105-8110 and 6105-8119 are identical, with the exception of the last digit in the reference number, which indicates the geographic market the watch was originally sold.
This Seiko 6105 comes on its original Seiko-signed rubber tire tread strap, and with original Seiko inner/outer boxes, nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
Near NOS 1974 Seiko 6105-8110 “Captain Willard” Automatic Diver, w/Seiko Boxes
DIAL: Seiko "resist"-signed dial, with intact lume indices, which feature the correct sugar cube-like consistency and color, and zero patina. Matching handset, to include its “stoplight” second hand that retains all of its pinkish-red hue; lume retains its luminescence following exposure to strong light.
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. "Resist"-signed caseback remains crisply legible. Bezel rotates in both directions as designed, and bezel insert has virtually zero wear and "rachets" as designed.
CRYSTAL: Low-dome Seiko 6105 crystal, no scratches or cracks.
BAND: This Seiko comes with on its original Seiko-signed rubber "tire tread" dive strap; it's quite rare to find 6105s with their original rubber dive straps, and this one remains nicely pliable and not at all stiff. This Captain Willard also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 6105B automatic movement, manufactured in August 1974. Movement hacks, as designed. We have performed a full service on this Seiko Captain Willard.
CROWN: "Lock"-signed crown locks down as designed; Seiko's 6105 design did not feature a traditional screw-down crown, but instead a mechanism that locked the crown in place to keep it from moving.
Of note, this 1970's Seiko 6105 Captain Willard comes with its original inner and outer Seiko boxes - both remain in great condition.
