One of Seiko’s most recognizable dive watch icons is the original Seiko 6105-8110/9 “Captain Willard” that was worn by Martin Sheen in the 1979 epic film Apocolapyse Now. Worn by the actor during his memorable portrayal of Captain Willard opposite Marlon Brando’s equally enigmatic Colonel Kurtz, the watch retains strong collectability and is sought-after by Seiko-holics the world over.
Today at Baselworld, Seiko is recognizing the popularity of one of its most culturally significant models by announcing the Prospex 1970 Diver’s Re-Creation Limited Edition SLA033. Within the expansive Seiko catalog, the original 6105 was the third dive watch released by the Japanese brand (following the 62MAS and the similarly designed 6105-8000) and is a precursor to what is today’s wide-ranging “Turtle” series.
Although the new watch is slightly larger than its predecessor at 45 mm by 13 mm (the OG featured a diameter of 44 mm), it is a faithful adaptation of Seiko’s original model. Just like in the 1970 model, the watch’s screw-down crown is located at 4 o’clock and is protected by a chunky crown guard. Water resistance has been increased from 150 meters to a solid 200 and the bezel has a coin edge texture. Speaking of the bezel, it features Seiko’s famous Zaratsu polish to reach the ideal amount of mirror finish. The case has a super-hard coating and a dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.
The movement has, of course, been upgraded since the original model as well. Seiko fans may recognize the 8L35 automatic caliber as the movement ticking inside many of their favorite contemporary Seiko divers. It offers robust and reliable performance with a 50-hour power reserve and frequency of 28,800 vph. The 1970 Diver’s Re-Creation Limited Edition SLA033 is hand-assembled in Seiko fully-integrated Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan where the watchmaking giant produces most of its Grand Seiko releases. It’s limited to 2,500 total pieces and will be priced at $4,250 when it is officially released in July.
Seiko has had great success in recent years by tapping into its dive watch history, culminating in last year’s win at the GPHG for the Prospex 1968 Diver’s Re-Creation SLA025J1, which we reviewed here. After seeing the model in the metal yesterday, I have little doubt that this watch should find similar success.
“Apocolapyse”?
Still a beautiful watch. Price will be unimportant for many who
Those who really want it pay for it. The price is a relative thing no matter how ridiculously high it may be. Price aside, this re-issue is one of the nicest Seiko and I think it’ll be a total hit among Seiko fans.
My first dive watch as a teenager was a Seiko and they have special place in my heart as a quality affordable tool watch. I find their recent Omega-like schizophrenic release of a new model every week disheartening. At the end of the day I will never pay 4K for a Seiko no matter how limited or “iconic” the model is. Save that for a Grand Seiko in my opinion.
Does the crystal sit proud of the bezel or flush? Thanks
Neither, actually, it’s a tiny bit recessed. It’s a fantastic watch. Yes, it’s expensive;. I fell in love with this watch back in the 80s as a teen so it was and still is worth every penny.
A 6105 that has the build quality of a Marine Master 300, I like. And only $250 more than the Tudor SKX.