1971 Seiko Diver 'Captain Willard' 6105-8110

The Seiko 6105-8110, immortalized by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now, is a legendary dive watch that Seiko recently reissued due to its enduring popularity. Now, you have the opportunity to own the original piece that set the standard.

Background:

If the Seiko 6105-8110 looks familiar, it's because it was prominently featured on Martin Sheen's wrist as Captain Willard in the classic 1979 film Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. This watch wasn’t just a prop; it was a favorite among U.S. military personnel during the Vietnam War, available at PX stores (military retail outlets). Its robust design made it a reliable choice in the challenging jungle environment.

The 6105 stands out for its exceptional build quality and finish, rivaling other high-end divers of its time, such as the Omega Seamaster 300 and Rolex Submariner. Seiko, known for its in-house manufacturing, produced every element of this watch themselves—including the movement, oils, cases, and crystals.

As a testament to its durability, many 6105s, like this one, are still going strong today. While the watch has long had a dedicated fan base, it’s only recently that collectors at large have recognized its unique appeal. The asymmetrical case design is visually striking, and the innovative crown mechanism—featuring a small post and grooves that securely lock the push-pull crown—remains functional on this well-preserved example, despite common wear on others.

Celebrated both for its role in the Vietnam War and its popularity among divers of the era, the 6105 is one of the most iconic vintage tool watches available today.

Powering this watch is the reliable Seiko caliber 6105B, a 17-jewel, full-rotor automatic movement operating at 21,600 bph. While it doesn't allow for hand-winding, its efficient automatic winding mechanism springs to life with just a flick of the wrist. A noteworthy feature—rare for both vintage and modern Seiko divers—is the hacking function, which stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out.

The watch comes with a new, period correct rubber diving strap with Seiko buckle.

Condition:

This ref. 6105-8110 is in excellent condition. The 44mm case has only very light surface scratches. The dial and hands are in excellent condition and the lume is without the darkening seen in many examples. The bezel is in very good condition with only some lights scratches.  It has developed a beautiful blueish that can be seen at certain angles. The bezel is tight when rotating. The crystal has been polished and has no scratches.