Seiko Caliber 6105-8119 Vintage Diver
Vintage

Seiko Caliber 6105-8119 Vintage Diver

By hmmmcamu · Mar 31, 2026 · 3 replies
hmmmcamu
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Hmmmcamu presents a detailed look at the vintage Seiko Caliber 6105, specifically the 8119 case reference from 1973, highlighting its technical features and historical significance. The post also recounts the compelling story of Japanese explorer Naomi Uemura and his Seiko 6105-8110, underscoring the watch's reliability in extreme conditions.

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SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8119 hacking and quick set date function circa: 1973
Crown ref.# 65W02N
Hardlex crystal type 2 Part Number: 320W10GN00 Material: Mineral Glass

NAOMI UEMURA
Japanese Explorer According to multiple sources, Uemura was initially equipped with a Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 1655), gifted to him by Rolex Japan after he received the Explorer Award in 1976. He wore this watch on his 1978 North Pole expedition. The extreme Arctic conditions caused issues: I). He first feared frostbite from the cold metal of the steel bracelet touching his skin. II). He switched the watch to a leather strap, but it broke due to the vibrations from sledding. III). He then wore the watch on his waist, away from body heat. IV). In this position, the lubricants in the movement froze, causing the Rolex to stop functioning.
LIFE SAVING REPLACEMENT - At a supply drop point during the expedition, Uemura encountered Katsuo Sugawara, a journalist from the weekly magazine Bunshun, who was covering his journey. Sugawara offered Uemura his own Seiko 6105-8110, (150-meter water-resistant diver’s watch with an automatic movement.) Uemura accepted the watch, and it successfully functioned throughout the remainder of the expedition. This event became legendary in horological circles, symbolizing the reliability of Seiko’s engineering under extreme conditions.








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

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The Discussion
QU
quattro
Mar 31, 2026

And resistance. Best, Emmanuel

CO
Concord
Mar 31, 2026

had a chance to strap the watch on my wrist another day, what a beauty

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