Seiko Diver “Captain Willard” Ref. 6105-8110

You might be familiar with the Seiko ref. 6105-8110 from previous encounters. It gained significant visibility on the wrist of Captain Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen, in the influential 1979 movie “Apocalypse Now,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The deliberate choice to feature this watch was rooted in its historical significance – the Seiko 6105 dive watch found favor among U.S. military personnel during the early 1970s Vietnam War due to its robust construction and ability to withstand challenging jungle conditions.

Illustrating this durability, numerous examples, including the one mentioned, continue to function effectively to this day. While the 6105 has always commanded a devoted following, it’s only in recent times that the broader world of collectors has recognized its unique and captivating appeal. Within this “third generation” Seiko diver category, two references exist the ref. 6105-8110 and the ref. 6105-8119. The distinction in the final digit indicates the specific market where the watch was initially available; aside from this, the two references represent the same timepiece. From a design perspective, the asymmetrical case design is easily commendable. Today, the 6105 stands as one of the most celebrated vintage tool watches, owing not only to its role in the Vietnam War but also its popularity among divers of that era.