2022 Seiko Prospex "Willard" Limited Edition SLA049J1
Ref: SLA049J1 (8L35-01H0)

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box and paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original Seiko bracelet with all links provided, plus a blue rubber Seiko strap. The watch is from January 2022 and is sold in worn but fair condition as you can see, likely worn a handful of times at most. The watch comes with its original Manufacturer Warranty.

The Watch

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established making 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. 

This 2022 Seiko Prospex "Willard" Limited Edition SLA049J1 is a modern reinterpretation of their second dive watch, the 6105. Limited to just 1200 pieces globally. Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Naomi Uemura, a Japanese Explorer who was the first man in the world to climb the highest peaks found on the five continents - wearing a Seiko 6105 diving 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. The 44mm Satin brushed stainless steel case curves in all the right places. Coated in DiaShield, a Seiko proprietary material, gives the watch resilience to scratches and scuffs. The drilled lugs have a lug to lug length of 49mm and a thickness of 13mm giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right side is a recessed screw-down crown protected by the cushion case. The unidirectional bezel has a striking 60-minute blue insert coated in a hardened material. A flat sapphire crystal sits above the deep blue dial. An outer minute track with white accents adds a pop of colour. Applied pillows of LumiBrite mark the hours. Between the 4 and 5 o’clock position is a framed date window. Broad sword hands with LumiBrite infill are complemented by a tapered sweeping second hand. Text is precisely printed. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the Seiko Tsunami in the center. Inside an Automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35, 26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. This movement is based on the Grand Seiko caliber 9S55 and hand-built at Seiko’s Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It has hand winding and hacking for your convenience. The watch comes fitted on its original Seiko 20mm stainless steel bracelet with Satin brushed surfaces complete with a Seiko tri-fold clasp and dive extension. The watch also comes with its Seiko presentation box and papers.

Personal Note

I'm excited to be dedicating an entire drop to Seiko, but not just any Seiko, some of the very top end of what Seiko can offer, with finishing and movements on par with Grand Seiko. I will forever love the Willard and be a huge fan of the original, I think what Seiko has done by offering a "Re-Interpretation" in a range of price brackets is fantastic to allow collectors to enjoy the design but with modern standards. For those wanting the absolute best of the best, this is the one you should consider, on the wrist, it really will blow you away, firstly due to how well it wells despite the large dimensions, come in and try it on and see for yourself.