The perfect diver? - Seiko Prospex SPB151 "Captain Willard"

Описание: The watch in this review is descended from one of the watch world’s most famous sons, the SEIKO 6105-8110, more commonly known by its nickname, ‘Captain Willard’.

Named after one of the lead characters in 'Apocalypse Now', the Captain in question is played by the supremely talented Martin Sheen. Sheen wears the historically accurate 6105-8110 throughout the film.

I lusted after a Willard for a seriously long time. Non-battered originals are as rare as hen’s teeth and therefore ridiculously costly, and come with the worry of wear/repairs and future servicing.

This ‘re-issue’ wasn't cheap either, coming in a around £1,000 when I bought it a couple of years ago.

The Willard feels every inch the proper tool watch. The cushion case, with its bulging crown guard, is instantly recognisable as Seiko’s. It’s 42.7mm wide and 13.2mm thick, and thanks to a short lug to lug of 46mm it wears well, even on smaller wrists. The curved sides also help the watch wear thinner, and I was surprised by just how unobtrusive the watch is on the wrist.

I’m not the biggest fan of the bracelet. It suits the Willard but it makes the watch feel quite heavy and cumbersome. I have therefore switch to a rubber waffle strap and it works so well.

I can understand why it was so popular amongst US servicemen in Vietnam. With most of the surfaces having brushed or matte finishes, the watch feels very functional. It also means the polished hands and markers have some great contrast against the dark grey dial, so the Willard is easy to read.

Seiko has been liberal with the application of lume on the Willard, and the watch is an impressive sight in the dark.

There’s no need to worry about hitting the screw-down crown on something, because it’s very well-protected by the distinctive crown guards, yet it’s also really easy to use.

You can get similar looking Seiko drivers, and there is an argument that the Willard is over priced But, come on, it's a Willard, a great timepiece and I love it.

Movement: Seiko 6R35, automatic
Water Resistance: 200m / 660ft / 20ATM
Case Diameter: 42.7mm
Caseback: Screwdown
Thickness: 13.2mm
Crystal: Curved sapphire, AR coated
Lug Width: 20mm
Lug to Lug: 46mm

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