THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: SEIKO
MODEL: 6105-8119
YEAR: 1973
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 44mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: RUBBER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

For many watch enthusiasts, the collecting journey begins with a Seiko—they never forget the first time they put on an SKX007. But Seiko divers are far from simple "beginner watches"; the brand produced some of the most robust, innovative, and wearable designs of the 1960s and '70s.

The Seiko 6105-8110/9 is the third generation in the 6105 range, debuting around 1970 and produced until 1977. This model was made famous by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now, earning the nickname "Captain Willard" after the character he played. Its appearance in the film reflected its real-life popularity among U.S. special forces and U.D.T. team members during the Vietnam War—check out Watches of Espionage’s Instagram for numerous examples.

The 8110/9 (with “0” denoting the Japanese market and “9” the U.S. market) was the first Seiko to feature an asymmetrical case and integrated crown guards—design elements now common in today's lineup. This particular piece has remarkably survived the past 50 years with virtually no wrist time. It went from drawer to drawer and remains in unworn condition, with only a few handling marks on the caseback. The dial is flawless, and the hands show the faintest speckles of oxidation, invisible to the naked eye. Even the original waffle strap is still present.

If you're looking for the finest example of a Captain Willard on the market, look no further.