Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Black Ref. SBDC109

“Hey, Captain, give me a hand!” These are the words of beloved crewman Lance in the 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film, Apocalypse Now which resonates with many Seiko fans looking forward to the comeback of the Seiko 6105 featured on the wrist of Martin Sheen who starred as Captain Willard. Living up to their ethos, Seiko answers the call for this phenomenal series a second time with the new Seiko Prospex 200m Automatic “Captain Willard” Black.

Powered by the new 6R35 calibre found on well-known Prospex 62MAS models such as the ref. SBDC101, 103 and 107, the “Captain Willard” Black maintains operation at 21,600 bph (3 Hertz). With manual winding capacity, this automatic engine has 24 jewels and an impressive power reserve of 70 hours, 20 hours longer than the 7S26 and 6R15 movements.

Seiko Prospex 200m Automatic "Captain Willard" Black Ref. SBDC109 / SPB151

Popular among U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War in the early 1970s, this timepiece astounds with its rugged look and resistance to the harshest environmental conditions. The “Captain Willard” Black has a lug to lug length of only 46.6mm, a lug width of 20mm and a height of 13.2mm. A throwback to the vintage 6105 turtle diver, this watch is slim and curved to fit comfortably on any wrist size.

What sets the “Captain Willard” Black apart from its contemporaries is its unusual case shape. While this timepiece has the appearance of a traditional cushion case, its corners are rounded off in a way that gives it a less intimidating and more inviting shape. Feel the flawlessly smooth texture of the mixture of satin brush and Seiko high polishing on the sides of the entire watch. Its heft elevates this turtle’s distinctive design, allowing for a solid feel on the wrist. Delight in the asymmetrical case shape as a result of an intriguing crown protector protruding out slightly at 4 o'clock. With a crown construction that locks its screw-down crown in by using a small post and grooves, this timepiece boasts a 200m water resistance.

Original applied markers and handset from the Ref.6105

The “Captain Willard” Black features a 42.7mm stainless steel case with a 20mm bracelet both treated with Seiko's Dia-Shield super hard coatings that ensure scratch-protection and greater corrosion resistance. Additionally, the shiny black bezel of this watch has minimal to no free play in its smooth 120-click unidirectional rotations.

Matching its gleaming bezel is a sunburst black dial which is protected by a gently domed sapphire crystal with minor faceted sides and anti-reflective coating on its inner surface. This watch also shows off symmetrical applied block markers and a silver-accented handset painted with long-lasting Lumibrite that glows green in the dark. The spotlight shines on its traffic light second hand which gets its name from a round red mark that closely resembles a traffic light, true to the original 6105 design. This unique touch is a constant reminder of the timepiece’s second hand stop function which increases the precision of time-setting.

Traditional cushion case gives it more inviting shape

The final touch to complete the elegantly professional look of this watch is its stainless steel bracelet which has a three-fold clasp and secure lock as well as a push button release with extender. Admire the seamless design of this bracelet all the way down to its end links that curve perfectly to meet the case lugs, preventing the timepiece from being overly bulky and subtly elevates its turtle case shape.

Seiko has never directly acknowledged the affiliation of the 6105 with the film Apocalypse Now, rather, it places emphasis on the timepiece’s contribution in the iconic North Pole expedition made by Naomi Uemura on 1st May 1978. With a handsome 6105-8110 timepiece resting snugly on his wrist, the Japanese adventurer became the first person to reach the North Pole after an arduous solo journey across the Arctic sea-ice. This was one small step for man but one giant leap for Seiko as this watch became a worldwide sensation and continues to impress as one of the most celebrated vintage tool watches out there till date.

Seiko's LumiBrite at its best

Overall, the “Captain Willard” Black is a premium addition to the Prospex collection. This Seiko timepiece has won me over with its vintage design and superior turtle case, I can't get my hands off it! This exquisite watch presents a compelling set of specs and as quantities aren't limited, it is less difficult to get in on the action.

Waiting for a mission. Look out the window to the busy Saigon street and engage with Captain Willard’s monologue as you plan a thrilling mission to retrieve your very own Seiko Prospex 200m Automatic “Captain Willard” Black timepiece.