Considered one of Seiko’s most iconic and accessible diving instruments, the 6105 Turtle makes its reappearance in the form of two new Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB151 and SPB153 watches. First introduced in 1970, the 6105 was an instant hit for professional divers and military personnel before it became a star of the screen on the wrist of Martin Sheen and his character Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now. For the first time in a while, Seiko enthusiasts are rewarded with a non-limited edition re-interpretation of this legendary model with two extraordinary designs to pick from.
Available with a black dial and bezel (SPB151) like the original or with a unique olive-green dial and bezel (SPB153), the two new Seiko Prospex Captain Willard watches remain solidly faithful to their iconic predecessor with just a small selection of contemporary adjustments made for the modern wearer. The first and most notable change made is the reduction in case size. The original 6105-8110 measured to 44mm while the stainless steel cases of the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB151 and SPB153 watches measure to 42.7mm. The brand have also engineered the cases slimmer and paired them with shorter lugs, so they wear more securely for a variety of wrist sizes.
The cases remain cushion-shaped with circular brushed detailing on the upper surface and polished on the sides. Another notable improvement on the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard watches can be found on the crown positioned at 4 o’clock which leaves behind the original’s complicated pin-lock system and now effortlessly screws down to assist in its enhanced water resistance of 200 metres (compared to the original’s 150 metres). The unidirectional bezels look almost exactly the same with 120 firm clicks and a 60 minute scale executed in adonised aluminium.
Hidden behind the screw down case back, the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB151 and SPB153 watches boast the brand’s in-house 6R35 automatic winding movement. The Japanese calibre is one we’ve seen plenty of times before within other Presage and Prospex models providing classic central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, a date window at 3 o’ clock and a healthy power reserve of 70 hours. The 6R35 movement also showcases 24 jewels and beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Decorated with applied square indices and pointed baton hands with Lumibrite, the black and olive-green dials of the Seiko Prospex SPB151 and SPB153 watches remain faithful to their historic 6105 predecessor. Other than the date window now favouring a simple cut out design and the Prospex logo now positioned at 6 o’clock, there is very little we can see changed from the original. The most significant change can be found on the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB153 watch and the use of military green on the dial and bezel, a choice we have completely fell in love with! The colour seems perfectly fitting with the watch’s military history and pairs exceptionally well with the overall vintage diver’s aesthetic.
In terms of strap choices, the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB151 is fitted with a three-link oyster style bracelet with a push button butterfly clasp and diver’s extension. The SPB153 on the other hand comes on a newly designed black silicone strap textured with ‘tyre track’ detailing just like that of the 6105 and is fitted with a classic stainless steel pin buckle.
The Seiko Prospex Captain Willard SPB151 and SPB153 watches are breathtaking and we have no doubt they will become some of the brand’s bestselling watches of the year. They are both available to order now with the black SPB151 retailing at £1,200 and the green SPB153 retailing at £1,100. If you’d like to purchase your own, head over to the Jura Watches website today where you can order both Seiko Captain Willard watches with interest free finance and free delivery! You can also read more Seiko watch reviews on Horologii here.
Specifications: Seiko Prospex Captain Willard Watches (SPB151, SPB153)
- Case Size: 42.8mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional with aluminium insert in black or green, 60 minute scale
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Screwed
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: 6R35 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Matte black (SPB151) or sunray brushed olive green (SPB153), applied indexes and hands with Lumibrite
- Strap: Steel bracelet with folding buckle (SPB151), black silicone with pin buckle (SPB153)
- RRP: £1,200 (SPB151), £1,100 (SPB153)
- Release Date: June 2020
