2020 Seiko Prospex 'Captain Willard' Limited Edition SLA033

Here we have a 2020 Seiko Prospex 'Captain Willard' SLA033 limited to 2,500 pieces, released at the 2019 BaselWorld. The iconic 6105-8110 was Seiko’s second true diver, with its characteristic asymmetric case, designed to be robust, and a recessed signed pin-and-groove locking 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. Less known is the Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura, who wore a 6105-8110 as a replacement for his failed Rolex Explorer while spending 18 months crossing Greenland from Alaska by dog sledge. Sadly, Uemura passed away in 1984 whilst climbing Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak. A curvaceous 45mm stainless steel cushion case has well-defined polished and brushed surfaces coated in Seiko's proprietary Diashield super-hardened formula, giving it an almost titanium-like appearance. A lug-to-lug length of 50mm and a case thickness of 13mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. Seiko gets wrist ergonomics so right for a comfortable fit. On the right side at 4 o’clock, a recessed signed screw-down crown with the characteristic ‘Lock’ on the cap just like the original, protected by the asymmetrically shaped case, a Zaratsu polished 120-click uni-directional stainless steel bezel has a black 60-minute scale in silver numerals and batons, and a domed sapphire crystal AR coated sits above a black dial. An outer minute track surrounds the applied square and rectangular indexes, which are coated in LumiBrite, marking the hours. At 3 o’clock, we have a framed date window with black numerals on a white background. Stainless Steel baton hands filled in the same lume are complemented by a sweeping second hand with a white and red stoplight-style counterweight. At 12 o’clock, we have the Seiko motif ‘Automatic’ and at 6 o’clock, the ‘Divers 200m’ is printed underneath. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the watch details and the limited number in the iconic horseshoe, inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35, 26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour; the movement has hand-winding and hacking functionality for your convenience. Based on the Grand Seiko calibre 9S55, it is hand-assembled at the Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio in Morioka. It comes with its Seiko 19mm waffle-patterned silicone strap and pin buckle, aftermarket 19mm Tropic and older Seiko buckle. The watch comes with its Seiko presentation box, swing tag and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box, swing tag and paperwork. It comes with its Seiko 19mm waffle-patterned silicone strap and pin buckle, aftermarket 19mm Tropic and older Seiko buckle. The watch is from July 2020 and is sold in worn and enjoyed condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

Known as the 'Captain Willard', this SLA033 is a faithful re-edition of the original and legendary 6105-8110. Less known is the Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura, who wore a 6105-8110 as a replacement for his failed Rolex Explorer while spending 18 months crossing Greenland from Alaska by dog sledge. Sadly, Uemura passed away in 1984 whilst climbing Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak. I would not hesitate to add this fantastic watch to your collection today!

Reference : SLA033
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35
Age : July 2020
Year : 2020
Case Size : 45mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 50mm
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Seiko’s 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. The Seiko Lord Marvel, introduced in 1958, was Seiko's first luxury watch, predating the well-known Grand Seiko. It was designed to rival Swiss brands with a refined design and higher specifications. In 1967, Seiko launched the calibre 5740C watch movement, a significant upgrade over the earlier calibre 5740A, which beat at 18,000, and the 5740B, which beat at 19800. This movement was special because it allowed the watch to run at a high speed of 36,000 beats per hour, making it Japan's first high-frequency watch. In fact, it was only the second watch movement of its kind in the world, following one released by a Swiss brand just a few months earlier. 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 Calibre 6217, which was later given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. King Seiko and Grand Seiko emerged as prominent lines within the Seiko brand, with King Seiko making its debut in 1961 as a distinguished luxury watch collection. Grand Seiko, on the other hand, has consistently set the standard for exceptional craftsmanship and precision engineering. In 1965, Seiko introduced a groundbreaking manual-wind movement featuring 25 jewels and hacking seconds, coinciding with the launch of the second-generation KSK series, which boasted sharp, angular cases and robust, flat-ended lugs. The King Seiko KCM was introduced in 1969, featuring a chronometer-certified movement that operates at an impressive 36,000 beats per hour, along with a sleek C-shaped stainless steel case. In 1975, the King and Grand Quartz brands were introduced, built at the Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha factories. In 1977, a high-end Twin Quartz Cal.92 was produced until 1979, when the 97KQ and 99KQ were introduced. The final 1981 King Quartz Cal. 94KQ movement remained in production until Seiko ended the King Seiko line in 1985. Despite the challenges during the Quartz crisis of the 1970s that led to the gradual shutdown of King Seiko production, Seiko made a comeback in 2022 by reintroducing the classic King Seiko collection. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.