Seiko Prospex SLA033 'Captain Willard'

The Seiko Prospex SLA033 “Captain Willard” is an exceptionally faithful, high-end recreation of Seiko’s legendary 1970 diver, a watch whose asymmetrical case became one of the most recognizable designs in the brand’s history. Released in 2019 as a limited edition of just 2,500 pieces worldwide, the SLA033 recreates the distinctive 6105-8110/8119 design famously worn by Martin Sheen’s Captain Willard in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, giving the watch its enduring enthusiast nickname. Its 45mm stainless steel case features Seiko’s super-hard coating, the characteristic extension protecting the crown at 4 o’clock, a black unidirectional dive bezel, dual-curved sapphire crystal, and a black dial with large LumiBrite markers designed for exceptional underwater visibility. The case also receives elevated finishing, including a Zaratsu-polished bezel rim, while the vintage-style waffle-pattern silicone strap completes the unmistakable 1970s aesthetic.

Powering the SLA033 is Seiko’s premium Caliber 8L35 automatic movement, a 26-jewel, 28,800-vph caliber developed specifically for professional dive watches and hand-assembled at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. It provides approximately 50 hours of power reserve along with hacking seconds, manual winding, and a date complication, representing a substantial mechanical upgrade over the original 6105 movement. The SLA033 also increases water resistance from the original watch’s 150 meters to 200 meters while incorporating modern sapphire crystal and improved case technology without sacrificing the character of the historic design. With its individually numbered caseback, limited 2,500-piece production, premium 8L35 movement, and remarkably faithful connection to the original “Captain Willard,” the SLA033 stands as one of the most significant and collectible modern recreations in Seiko’s Prospex lineup.

Reference: SLA033

Dated: 2026

Limited: 2500 Made

Strap: Black Silicone Strap

Case: 45mm x 12.5mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 19mm

Movement: 8L35 - Automatic

Functions: HMS date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 8”

Case has no wear. Strap has no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.