Seiko Revives the 'Captain Willard' With New Prospex Models

Last year, to many watch collectors’ delight and surprise, Seiko released a revival of the iconic 1979 “Captain Willard” diver after four decades in the form of a limited-edition SLA033. Although it gave fans of both Martin Sheen and Apocalypse Now a chance to own the famed timepiece, there nonetheless were very little made, and retailed at a rather hefty price tag of $4,250 USD. A year later, the Japanese watchmaker is finally offering a more general release of a modernized take, adding the coveted model to its Prospex line.

Now available in either a black (SPB151) or green (SPB153) dial and bezel, the new watch actually features a stainless steel case both smaller and thinner than the original ‘79 6105, measuring just 42.7mm. This has been made possible thanks to Seiko’s more contemporary caliber 6R35, which operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and carries a power reserve of an impressive 70 hours. Of course, as a diver, you can expect nothing less than a 200m water resistance and Seiko’s very own LumiBrite lume on its indices and hands. Completing the watches are a stainless steel bracelet for the SPB151 and a rubber strap SPB153, both sea-ready for your underwater adventures.

For those interested in owning a “Captain Willard,” Seiko’s SPB151 and 153 will both be available in June, with the former retailing at $1,300 USD and the latter at $1,100 USD.

Elsewhere in watches, check out Paul Altieri’s complete Rolex “Stella” dial collection.