1976 Seiko Diver Automatic "Captain Willard" 6105-8110
Ref: 6105-8110

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited black rubber strap. The watch is from Circa. May 1976 and is sold in worn, vintage condition and signs of age and wear will be seen throughout. The bezel is an aftermarket from "Yobokies", the lume has been professionally relumed to match perfectly, and the bezel doesn't lock like most don't. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

The 6105 was Seiko’s second true diver with its characteristic cushion case, their asymmetric case was designed to be robust with a recessed signed crown at 4 o’clock. A popular choice of American servicemen during the Vietnam war, famously worn by the actor Martin Sheen who played “Captain Willard” in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now. Lesser known is the Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura who wore a 6105 when he spent 18 months crossing Greenland from Alaska by dog sledge. Our Rare 1976 Seiko "Captain Willard" 6105-8110 has a brushed and polished 43.5mm stainless steel cushion case. Seiko gets ergonomics so right for a comfortable fit. A lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 12.5mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side at 4 o’clock a recessed signed crown protected by large crown guards. A bi-directional stainless steel bezel has a black 60-minute scale in silver numerals and batons, a domed Hardlex crystal sits above a matte black dial, an outer minute track has applied square indexes coated in luminescence marking the hours, and at 3 o’clock a framed dated window. Slender baton hands have lume infill complemented by a  second hand with a stoplight-style counterweight. At 12 o’clock we have an applied Seiko with Automatic underneath. At 6 o’clock “water150resist”. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 6105, 17 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour and the watch comes fitted with a 19mm rubber strap.

Personal Note

The Brand

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.