Seiko “Captain Willard” Dive Watch

One of film’s horological legends is the 1976 Seiko Diver ‘Captain Willard’ Ref. 6105-8110 from Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. The watch wasn’t just product placement, it was a true purpose-driven timepiece worn by U.S. servicemen in the Vietnam War due to its ability to survive in the jungle. This is the second reissue of the timepiece, but this time it gets two iterations, the SPB151 and SPB153. Both models get a reliable 6R35 automatic movement, bi-directional bezel, stainless steel case, mineral crystal glass, a screw-down crown at the 4 o’lock position, and 200-meter water resistance. These reissues now become a permanent part of Seiko’s much-lauded Prospex line, versus the limited-edition nature of the last reissue, which is good news for watch-lovers everywhere.