Here we have one of the all time iconic Seiko watches. The 6105-8110 AKA the Captain Willard.
This one is a must have for any Seiko collector. Sadly this one is not mine but a new and very good friend.
The Willard gets its name as it was worn by Martin Sheen in the film Apocalypse Now. A film based on the Vietnam war. The watch is period correct as many soldiers at the time would choose this model at the PX depots due to its affordably and ability to perform well in hostile conditions like humidity, underwater exploration etc.
These watches were Seiko’s 2nd ( i think) ever dive watch and well known for its cushion case design. Some people think it looks horrible like its been splattered but to others its a thing of beauty. Either way most divers that have followed on from this have influences in the design. This case shape is now recognized as a Seiko and newer models adopted the “In built” crown guards from the case.
This one came to me for restoration from a chance meeting. I met Keith the owner when I was in hospital in 2022 for prostate cancer surgery. Keith was in the bed opposite and we struck up a conversation that went on for 5 hours! at the end Keith told me he had an old Seiko he used back in the 70s in the Royal Navy. Keith was a saturation diver and this watch had seen plenty of action and been used for purpose. It had never let him down. He only exchanged it for a Rolex many years later which he then also dived with.
As you can see the crystal and case has seen some action! for me though it was a delight to have one of these on my bench and to work on this to get it running again.
I videoed this restoration for the channel and it turned into the most popular and watched video I have had in over 4 years. So if you are reading this and want to see the obstacles in my way then please watch the video from this link, you will enjoy it!
Here we have some photos of the finished watch. I have also done a video comparing the original Willard to the well known Steeldive 1970 homage so please see a link to that video at the bottom of the page.
