1972 Seiko Diver (Ref. 6105-8119) "Captain Willard"

Seiko watches are loved by collectors at both ends of the spectrum – from entry-level toe-dippers to the most discerning. And it's because of watches like this that Seiko is such a universally loved brand.   

The Seiko 6105-8110 series replaced Seiko’s original professional diver, the 62MAS, in 1968 and was produced until the year 1977. It was the first Seiko diver to use an asymmetrical case and integrated crown guards, which can still be seen in the modern Seiko Professional divers today, establishing the 6105 as an icon. If you've ever owned a vintage Seiko Diver, you know that the build quality and finish of these references is exceptional and easily on par with more recognizable dive watches of the same period, including the Omega Seamaster 300 and the Rolex Submariner. 

The 6105 measures 44mm and was originally delivered on a rubber dive strap. Although robust and solidly built, the watch when on the wrist doesn't feel bulky or oversized. It's powered by the Seiko caliber 6105B, a 17 jewel self-winding movement which is hackable but does not support hand-winding, much like the variants that would follow it in the future. 

The Seiko 6105 is perhaps most famous for its role in the 1979 Francis Coppola film Apocalypse Now as Captain Willard's (played by Martin Sheen) watch of choice throughout the film. 

But it wasn't just in the movies that the 6105 went to war. It was a watch that was commonly seen on the wrists of soldiers during the Vietnam War as it was sold in military PXs as a less expensive but equally sturdy alternative to the Rolex Submariner.