Following the introduction of the SLA033 in 2019, this year Seiko introduced a more affordable re-edition of the Ref. 6105 “Captain Willard” diver’s watch.

The Prospex (Ref. SPB151) features a black dial and bezel like the original 6105 and there’s also a new variation with an olive dial and bezel (Ref. SPB153).

At 42.7 mm in diameter, the stainless steel case is smaller than the 6105. The dial features large luminescent indices and hands. The unidirectional rotating bezel has a lume dot and 12 o’clock and has a 0-60 graduated count-up scale for diving. A thick, raised sapphire crystal protects the dial, with a solid screwed caseback, and a screw-down crown protected by an asymmetrical crown guard. Water-resistance is 200 meters.

Seiko’s modern 24-jewel 3Hz automatic caliber 6535 with hacking and hand winding powers the hours, minutes, central seconds, and date functions and boasts a 70-hour power reserve.

Notably, the original 6105 that this watch is based on was used in Apocalypse Now and was also on the wrist of Naomi Uemura in 1978 when he became the first person to reach the North Pole solo.

Unlike the SLA033, which is north of four thousand, these two iterations retail for $1,100 on a silicone strap and $1,300 on a steel bracelet.

 

Photos by Seiko.