Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Professional 55th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 5500pcs Ref. SBDC123

Seiko has been renowned for their history and innovations in dive watches. Other than the famed Seiko 62MAS, another prominent historic model that would be instantly recognisable by many is the 1976 Seiko ref. 6105-8110, also widely known as the “Captain Willard” after being featured on the wrist of Martin Sheen’s character, Captain Willard, in the 1979 film Apocalypse Now. The Seiko 6105 series of watches was released as a replacement for the 62MAS, Seiko’s original professional diver released in 1968. In the early 70s, the 6105 diver was also popular among U.S. military troops during the Vietnam War due to the rugged build. Since then, the 6105 diver has gained an immense cult following for its historic value and its iconic asymmetrical design.

Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Professional 55th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 5500pcs Ref. SBDC123 / SPB183

To commemorate the Seiko Diver 55th Anniversary, Seiko launched a series of diver models that pays homage to their heritage watches. The Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123 is a re-creation of the famed 6105 diver that comes in a beautiful marine blue, giving it a modern charm while keeping the design aligned with the original 6105 diver. Limited to 5500 pieces, each watch has its own unique serial number engraved on the screw-down case back.

Being a true tool watch, the case of the Prospex Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123 has a solid build construction, like how a Seiko diver should be. The iconic asymmetrical “cushion” case remains as attractive today as it did back then in the 70s, exerting a quirky and unique charm that many Seiko fans enjoy. It features a satin brushed stainless steel construction treated with Seiko’s DiaShield super hard coating, a proprietary treatment specifically designed to improve scratch and corrosion resistance, allowing the surface to be 2-3 times harder than stainless steel.

Original applied markers and handset from the Ref.6105

The cushion-shaped case measures in at 42.7mm for the case diameter and has a thickness of 13.2mm, a great size for many wrist sizes. Despite the 42mm diameter, the watch wears smaller on the wrist than the numbers suggest due to the relatively short lugs. The screw-down crown rests at the 4 o’clock position, protected by the “integrated” lugs against accidental knocks that may harm the movement. The screw-down crown, together with the screw-down caseback gives the watch a 200m of ISO Certified water resistance. Protecting the dial is a piece of sapphire crystal coated with anti-reflective treatment on the underside.

The prominent feature that makes the Prospex Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123 truly stands out from other 6105 diver re-creations is undoubtedly the refreshing and contemporary new colour. The dial and bezel comes in a stunning marine blue, similar to the 55th Anniversary 62MAS re-creation. While the style of the gilt hands and indices stays true to the original, the blue dial is inspired by the beautiful view of the Antarctic Ocean, the blue dial is a reference to Seiko’s dive watches in the 60s which were handed to researchers at a Japanese research station in Antarctica. Like many Seiko divers, the hands and indices are treated with Seiko’s proprietary Lumibrite lume that glows excellently in the dark.

Traditional cushion case gives it more inviting shape

Under the impressive exterior of the Prospex Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123, the watch is powered by the latest Seiko 6R35 movement which is equipped with 70 hours of power reserve, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the 6R15. The 24 jewel movement has a 3 Hz beat rate of 21,600 beats per hour.

The Prospex Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123 comes supplied on the original satin brushed Seiko stainless steel bracelet with the inclusion of a reinforced marine blue silicone strap to match the dial. Strap changing is a breeze due to the drilled lugs integrated into the case.

Seiko's LumiBrite at its best

All in all, the Prospex 200M Automatic "Captain Willard" Professional 55th Anniversary Ltd. Ed Ref. SBDC123 joins the family of many Seiko re-creations. However, the new marine blue colour adds a touch of modern vibe to the timeless design. This new addition will definitely be a good pick for the discerning Seiko watch lover or any watch enthusiast seeking an iconic design that pays homage to Seiko’s historic models. The new releases to commemorate Seiko 55th Diver Anniversary truly reflects on Seiko’s dedication and pride in watchmaking.