You may have seen the Seiko ref. 6105-8110 before. It was featured prominently on the wrist of Martin Sheen's character, Captain Willard, in the seminal 1979 Francis Ford Coppola film, Apocalypse Now. The inclusion of the watch was no mistake – the Seiko 6105 dive watch was popular among U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War in the early 1970s. It was favored for its rugged nature and resistance to the harsh jungle environment. The 6105 is one of the most celebrated vintage tool watches out there today, not only because it played a role in the Vietnam War, but it was also popular with divers of the time.

Information:

Seiko 6105-8110

Reference: Seiko 6105-8110

Serial: 405XXX

Strap: Black Rubber Strap

Case Size: 44mm x 12.5mm Thickness

Lug Width: 19mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel - Unpolished

Movement: Automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Box and Papers: Watch Only

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet size: 8”

Caliber: 6105B

Condition: Great Vintage condition

Case is unpolished and is in great shape with a few marks and micro wear. Strap is in like new shape. Dial is in incredible shape with lume intact. Hands are in great shape with lume intact as well.

History of Seiko Watches

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.