1970's Seiko 6105-8110 'Captain Willard'

You may have seen the Seiko ref. 6105-8110 before. It was featured prominently on the wrist of Martin Sheen's character, Captain Willard, in the seminal 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film, Apocalypse Now. The inclusion of the watch was no mistake – the Seiko 6105 dive watch was popular among U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. It was favored for its rugged nature and resistance to the harsh jungle environment. The 6105 is one of the most celebrated vintage tool watches out there today, not only because it played a role in the Vietnam War, but it was also popular with divers of the time.

Seiko produced the 6105-811X from 1970-77, which came in two dial variations.  Early models from 1970 were labeled “Water 150m Proof” on the dial, and “Waterproof” on the case back.  However, and at some point that same year, Seiko changed the text to “Water 150m Resist” with “Water Resistant” on the back to meet U.S. Federal guidelines ahead of a January 1972 deadline.  Further, the 6105-8110 and 6105-8119 are identical, with the exception of the last digit in the reference number, which indicates the market the watch was originally sold.

Information:

Reference: 6105-8110

Serial: 370XXX

Strap: Black Rubber Strap

Case Size: 44mm x 12.5mm Thickness x 49.5mm Lug to Lug

Lug Width: 19mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel - Unpolished

Crown: "Lock"- signed crown does not lock, unfortunately, but does close fully; Seiko's 6105 design did not feature a screw-down crown, but instead a mechanism that locked the crown in place to keep it from moving.

Movement: 6105B - Serviced December 2023 - One year warranty - Automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Accessories: N/A

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Condition: Great Vintage condition

Case is unpolished and is in great shape with a few marks and micro wear. Strap is in like new shape. Dial is in incredible shape with lume intact. Hands are in great shape with lume intact as well.