Seiko "Captain Willard" diver

Few watches carry such an aura of cinematic and historical significance as the Seiko 6105-8110, immortalized on Martin Sheen’s wrist in Apocalypse Now. Known by collectors as the “Captain Willard,” this diver became a symbol of rugged reliability during the Vietnam War era, when it was not only featured on screen but actually worn by U.S. servicemen in the field. Its appearance was no product placement: the 6105 was genuinely the watch of choice for soldiers and adventurers who needed a tool they could trust under extreme conditions.

This example, serial 48xxxxx, dates to 1974 and is powered by Seiko’s robust 6105B automatic movement. Housed in the distinctive asymmetrical 44mm cushion case, it features the original “lock-down” crown at 4 o’clock, designed to prevent accidental time-setting under water. The dial retains its untouched original tritium lume, aged to a warm patina, while the case remains unpolished, preserving sharp factory lines and honest history.

The 6105-8110 embodies Seiko’s golden age of tool watch innovation—water resistant to 150 meters, with bold hands, crisp indexes, and a bezel built for practical use rather than decoration. Today it stands as both a collector’s icon and a testament to the era that shaped it: a time when watches were instruments of survival, not luxury. This 1974 production piece offers not only vintage charm but also the undeniable aura of a true legend, a watch that crossed from battlefield to silver screen without ever losing its authenticity.