Seiko 6105-8110 Vintage Diver Overview

hmmmcamu · 2024-05-22T11:08:06Z

Explore the Seiko 6105-8110 vintage diver, its symmetrical case, offset crown, and connection to 'Apocalypse Now.' Discover its storied history.

hmmmcamu

WPS member · Seiko forum

12 replies4138 views8 photos

Hmmmcamu's post shines a spotlight on the Seiko 6105-8110, a vintage diver celebrated for its symmetrical case, offset crown, and historical significance. The author highlights its remarkable original price and its intriguing 'trivia' claim to fame, setting the stage for a discussion on this iconic reference.

With a symmetrical case with an offset crown at 4 o’clock @ 44mm, the 6105-8110 retailed for $95 back in the day.

TRIVIA:

the cheap watch that DID what a Rolex failed to ...

IN JAPAN THE SEIKO 6105 and IT'S CLAIM TO FAME

NAOMI UEMURA

During his Solo expedition in the North Pole his Rolex broke before his attempt, a Japanese journalist gave his Seiko 6105 to Uemura. He was originally wearing his Explorer, but the lubricant froze even though the watch was inside his pocket. A 6105 was offered by a Japanese journalist at the supply point. So in Japan this is the claim to fame of this Seiko model.

Naomi Uemura Japanese adventurer. He was particularly well known for doing alone what had previously been achieved only with large teams. For example, he was the first man ever to reach the North Pole solo, the first man ever to raft the Amazon solo, and the first man ever to climb Denali solo.

Apocalypse Now ...

The film was set in 1969, did the movie prop dept. use the wrong model ?

About Captain Willard

Coppola offered the part first to Steve McQueen, who did not want to leave the United States at that time due to his recent film "Papillon" that was shot in Spain and Jamaica, then to Al Pacino. Pacino, who could not stand 17 weeks of filming in the jungle, as he had been extremely ill in the Dominican Republic while filming Godfather II, so Coppola offered Willard's role to James Caan and then to Jack Nicholson, who both declined. He finally gave it to Harvey Keitel, only to fire him six weeks into production. Step in Martin Sheen who was finally available and free from other film commitments for the role after Mr. Keitel was let go.

About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6105

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6105 represents the brand's Bubble Back series from the 1940s. This 32mm timepiece demonstrates Rolex's automatic watchmaking during the decade, featuring the caliber A.10 movement with 42-hour power reserve.

The stainless steel case measures 32mm in diameter and houses an automatic caliber A.10 movement. The watch displays a silver dial beneath an acrylic crystal, framed by a smooth bezel. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the timepiece is fitted with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in mid-20th century Rolex automatic watches and those focusing on the Bubble Back series specifically. The 32mm case size and silver dial configuration place this reference within the smaller format offerings of the Oyster Perpetual range from this production period.

Specifications

Caliber: A.10

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 32 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

The Seiko 6105 is a storied diver with a rich history, and further details can be found in related articles on WatchProSite.
The 6105-8110 is often associated with Captain Willard in 'Apocalypse Now,' though there's a debate about whether Harvey Keitel or Martin Sheen wore a slightly different variant with less crown protection.
A collector shared a photo of the 'smaller brother' of the 6105, indicating a broader appreciation for the lineage of Seiko divers.
The 6105-8110, set in 1969, would have been the historically accurate watch for Captain Willard's wrist in 'Apocalypse Now'.

The Discussion

Jay (Eire)

May 22, 2024

Thanks for sharing. I own its smaller brother. Enjoy it very much.

hmmmcamu

May 22, 2024

I wonder what DIVERS WATCH was Harvey Keitel wearing ??? misc: Harvey Keitel who was replaced by Martin Sheen as Captain Willard after three weeks of shooting actually appears in the finished version of Apocalypse Now. If you look at the shot, it's from a helicopter looking at the boat as it's taking off from the dock at the beginning of the trip. The boat leaves the dock and circles and heads out in the ocean. The person sitting on the boat is Harvey Keitel.

VinnieD

May 22, 2024

is he credited as a cameo?

Bill

May 22, 2024

The Siko 6105 is a storied diver with wonderfiul history. Great article by "Jay Eire) www.watchprosite.com From my collection. Below the 6105-8000 with proof on the dial and water proof on the caseback. Note specifically water space proof not waterproof circa 1969 Below is the Seiko 6105-8009 with resist on the dial and water resist on the case back.

hmmmcamu

May 22, 2024

since Apocalypse Now was set in 1969 ... this would have been the correct watch on Captain Willard's wrist

cazalea

May 22, 2024

Or is it the salt air and sunshine giving your hairs a boost? I wish that would work on my scalp... I thought I had some 6105 watches but it appears my cupboard is filled with old 6309 parts instead. Mike

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IN JAPAN THE SEIKO 6105 and IT'S CLAIM TO FAME

About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6105

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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