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 exceptional near new-old stock (NOS) 1971 Seiko 6105-8110 "Captain Willard" automatic diver here, on its original rubber Seiko "tire tread" dive strap and with original Seiko inner/outer boxes and Seiko hang tag.
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 rubber Seiko dive strap, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, springbar tool, inner/outer Seiko boxes, and Seiko diver hang tag.
Near NOS 1971 Seiko 6105-8110 “Captain Willard” Automatic Diver
DIAL: Seiko "resist"-signed dial, with virtually zero patina and wholly intact lume indices, which feature the correct sugar cube-like consistency and color. Matching handset, to include its “stoplight” second hand that retains its vibrant pinkish-red hue; likewise, 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 incredibly little wear and "rachets" as designed.
CRYSTAL: Low-dome Seiko 6105 crystal, no scratches or cracks.
BAND: This Captain Willard comes with on its rare original rubber Seiko "tire tread" strap, which remains nicely pliant with no cracks - these original straps can command a premium price on their own; it also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 6105B automatic movement, manufactured in March 1971. Movement hacks, as designed.
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 exceptional Seiko 6105 comes with original inner/outer Seiko boxes and Seiko hang tag.
