EVERYTHING SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8110/9 THREAD

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A THREAD SOLEY DEDICATED TO
THE Willard aka Uemura (上村)
SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8110 / 9

Case Reference 8110 vs. 8119 refer to the same watch model, differing only in distribution region or market-specific coding.

Share your photos and any stories associated with the 6105, along with parts information and advise
for use by everyone. Most importantly a thread were a very proud owner can share loads and loads of images of their beloved 6105.

Any information found that is in error is easily amended and updated, so please share what you know !!!

1970's SEIKO Catalog
1971 and 1973 are Japanese and the 1972 is an American catalog


1974 catalog US market


SEIKO CROWN ref.# 65W02N
Dimensions
:
Diameter: ~6.45 mm
Inner Tube (Crown Shaft): ~2.80 mm

Tooth Count and Groove Pattern


The original 65W02N crown has six groups of teeth, with each group containing seven to eight teeth. Early production models (1970–mid 1970s) may have 6 teeth per group NOT 5, as confirmed by documented examples from 1973.



SEIKO Hardlex

Seiko 6105-8110 crystal, mineral glass, Hardlex, high-dome, and medium-dome variations often referred to as types 1 through 4, is 320W10GN00 (often abbreviated as 320W10GN).

While collectors sometimes distinguish between types (high edge, domed top/inner), these are often variations of the same original Seiko part number or early, later, or service replacements designed to fit the same 6105-8110 case.

  • Standard Part Number: 320W10GN00
  • Material: Hardlex Mineral Glass
  • Compatible Models: 6105-8110, 6105-8119, 6105-8000, 6105-8009, and others.

Regarding Type 2 and Type 3:

Type II crystal was used 1971–early 1976
Type III
became standard from ~1976 onward.

--- Type 2 (High Dome):

Characterized by a high edge height, and domed top and inner surfaces.

--- Type 3 (Medium Dome):
Characterized by a medium edge height, and domed top and inner surfaces, this includes two sub-variations—flat-top and down-top—though the down-top is more common.

SOURCES -
Wrist Sushi, SeikoPsycho, Spencer Klein, and Jonathan Koch ("Swedefreak") confirm the existence and timeline of Type II and Type III variants based on physical inspection and archival data.



MOVEMENT -
SEIKO caliber 6105

A). Seiko 6105A is an automatic mechanical movement produced from 1968 to 1974. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (bph) and contains 17 jewels. It features a quickset date function and sweep seconds, but does not hack (stop the seconds hand when the crown is pulled for time setting) and cannot be manually wound. This movement was primarily used in early models of the Seiko 6105 diver watches, such as the 6105-8000 and 6105-8009.

image borrowed from cyberspace:


B). Seiko 6105B
is an evolution of the 6105A, also produced from 1968 to 1974 with the same 21,600 bph and 17 jewels. It retains the quickset date and automatic winding but adds a hacking feature, allowing for more precise time setting. Like the 6105A, it lacks manual winding. The 6105B was used in later Seiko 6105 models, particularly the 6105-8110 and 6105-8119, which featured larger, asymmetrical cases.

image borrowed from cyberspace:


SEIKO 150M DIVERS

Seiko caliber 6105 case ref.# 8119
Seiko caliber 6309 case ref.# 7049
Seiko caliber 7548 case ref.# 7000 Japan


A 150-meter water resistance rating means the watch is tested under static pressure equivalent to a 150-meter column of water in a controlled laboratory environment.
In feet, this corresponds to 492 feet of static water pressure (since 1 meter ≈ 3.28084 feet).

This does not mean the watch is safe for diving to 492 feet. Real-world diving involves dynamic pressure from movement, temperature changes, and impact, which significantly increase stress on seals.

CONTEXT:

150 meters (492 ft) is the static test depth.

Actual recommended use for a 150M-rated dive watch is typically up to 40 meters (130 feet) for recreational scuba diving.

ISO 6425 standards require a 150M-rated watch to be tested at 187.5 meters (615 feet) to ensure safety under dynamic conditions.

While the static pressure test is equivalent to 492 feet, the watch should not be used for deep dives beyond recreational limits.



Naomi Uemura (上村 奈々男)
Japanese explorer

His Connection to the Seiko 6105-8110​


This expedition cemented his legacy and brought attention to the equipment he used particularly his timepiece, which became central to a compelling story of survival and reliability in extreme conditions.

The Japanese solo adventurer, renowned for completing feats previously achieved only with large support teams. In 1978, he became the first person to reach the North Pole solo, a journey that lasted 57 days and covered approximately 750 miles by dog sled from northern Alaska.

Contrary to some claims, Uemura did not reach the North Pole on May 1, 1978 he arrived earlier, on April 29, 1978, completing a 57-day solo trek from northern Canada. The watch he used, though heavily worn, continued to function throughout the expedition.

He wore a Seiko 6105-8110 during his 1978 solo expedition to the North Pole. This connection has led to the watch being affectionately nicknamed the "Uemura" in Japan. Uemura also wore the same model during his Greenland dog sled journey from Alaska, further cementing its legacy as a tool for extreme exploration.

THE STORY

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.


SEIKO'S TRIBUTE TO UMEMURA

Seiko has honored Uemura’s legacy with several limited-edition reissues:

SLA049 (2021): 80th anniversary of Uemura’s birth, based on the 6105.
SLA051: Modern reinterpretation of the 1970s diver.
SLA069 (2023): "Naomi Uemura Limited Edition" with a Mont Blanc mountain motif dial and blue bezel, limited to 500 pieces.

These models reinforce the cultural and historical link between Uemura and the 6105



THE FILM

The exact year model of the 6105-8110/9 worn by Martin Sheen in the film is not definitively stated or known. Filming for Apocalypse Now with Martin Sheen began on April 24, 1976, after he replaced Harvey Keitel.

While it is romantic to imagine that Martin Sheen wore his own Seiko 6105 in Apocalypse Now, the factual record suggests otherwise. The watch was selected by the production team.

Mr. Sheen has spoken fondly of the film and his role, he has never claimed ownership of the watch seen on-screen. Film productions, especially of Apocalypse Now's scale, routinely source props through costume and prop departments. Personal items are rarely used unless specifically requested or thematically essential.

The consensus among horological historians and film researchers is that the watch was provided by the production, consistent with standard industry practice.


Charlie and Martin Sheen on the set of Apocalypse Now
Charlie is wearing a smaller Seiko diver, the 2205-0769, sometimes referred to as the “Mini Apocalypse” or “ZP245.” 32–35mm case diameter.
This compact watch shares design DNA with the larger 6105 but features a smaller case and hand-winding capability, including a screw-down crown, bi-directional rotating bezel, and professional (at the time) 150m water resistance.


The film was set in 1969 ...
Seiko diver used should have been the SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8000 released before the 6105-8110/8119.



SEIKO NATURAL RUBBER DIVER STRAPS used in the film ?
there were TWO straps in the film, a "waffle" and a " chocolate bar".


trivia ...



Still photos from the film:




In country back drop photos



Strap by KIZI:
HOOK and LOOP olive drab NASA space shuttle variant



19MM SEIKO branded STELUX President SS bracelet


WATCHES OF ESPIONAGE

Special Forces, CIA, & A Seiko 6105​


James Stejskal had a long and storied career in Army Special Forces, Detachment A in Berlin, and with the Central Intelligence Agency, In this Dispatch, he shares some of his stories and the tools he used.

https://www.watchesofespionage.com/blogs/woe-dispatch/special-forces-cia-seiko-6105

TheWristorian​

How the Seiko 6105 Earned its Place in the Pantheon of Vintage Dive Watches​


Exploring this trajectory through the lens of historical photo archives
https://www.thewristorian.com/post/...place-in-the-pantheon-of-vintage-dive-watches

Harvard University - Jaffa Port, Israel 1970

Image Courtesy of Harvard University Library

https://digitalcollections.library.harvard.edu/catalog/JPCDISUN2616_URN-3:FHCL:11459873

In this image we see a group of civil divers in Jaffa Port on the Meditteranean Sea. The diver in the front prominently displays a 6105-8000 on his wrist. Jaffa port is considered to be the oldest known port in existence and is located in Tel Aviv, Israel. Documents date it to approximately 4,000 years old. Although the years from these archives are sometimes slightly inaccurate, I have no reason to believe it to be the case with this particular photo. Assuming this was taken in 1970, the presence of the more unusual, tonneau-cased 6105-8000 lines up as we would expect. Though this is not the iconic -8110 reference, it is the predecessor and certainly worth pointing out.

US Naval Undersea Museum - 1975

Image Courtesy of US Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, WA

From the archives of the US Naval Undersea Museum, located in Keyport, WA, is this image of the second female to take the Second Class Dive Test. The gentleman kneeling on the bottom-right of the image is sporting a 6105-8110. Worth noting, is that his watch, as well as the timepiece just behind him, are both being worn on Olongapo bracelets. Named for the city in the Philippines where the majority were made, these were quite popular among the US military at the time. Often they were decorated with meaningful insignia such as military branch and role. This crew is posed aboard the USS Simon Lake, a ship largely responsible for the repair of fellow vessels and submarines.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography - D/V Glomar Challenger 1972


Image Courtesy of Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Scripps Oceanography archives serve as a veritable cornucopia of vintage dive watch spotting - many of the best shots are seen onboard the Glomar Challenger. This deep sea research and drilling vessel was staffed with a diverse crew of individuals from deckhands to leading scientists. In the case of this photo, a Japanese paleo-magnetism scientist is seen calculating sonic velocity data. You may be thinking, “sounds scientific. What does that mean”? To which I respond - I have no clue. What I can say, is that his Seiko 6105-8000, on an aftermarket bracelet, seems up to the task, whatever that may be.

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration - 1978



Laboratory biologist analyzes samples during research cruise

https://cdm16098.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16098coll5/id/110/rec/33

Behind the shirt cuff of this NOAA scientist lurks another 6105-8110. This image was spotted by The Wristorian's resident Chief Science Officer - Shoutout to @foglark on Instagram for the assist. Laboratory biologist Dr. Andrew Draxler is seen here performing nutrient analysis on samples that were obtained over the course of a research cruise. The Seiko, with its telltale pancake case, is unmistakable on his wrist. Given the amount of time he likely spent at sea as a Master Diver, he chose the right tool for the job.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography - Deep Sea Drilling Project 1983


Image Courtesy of Scripps Institution of Oceanography


https://library.ucsd.edu/dc/object/bb34824306

The Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) was a massive international undertaking - and the first of its kind. Spanning almost twenty years, it consisted of a multitude of legs where the Glomar Challenger was staffed by different lead scientists and crews. This image shows two co-lead scientists onboard the Challenger on leg 96 in 1983, not long before the end of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. The scientist on the left can be seen clearly wearing a 6105-8110. What makes this photo so fantastic, aside from the watch, is the fact that the photo is clear enough to read the time. The digital Casio worn by the gentleman on the right reads “10:11”, as does the 6105. So, despite one scientist’s unwillingness to move away from his analog ways, the Seiko seems to be keeping great time.

Harvard University - Weizman Institute of Science 1985


Image courtesy of Judaica Division, Widener Library, Harvard University

https://digitalcollections.library.harvard.edu/catalog/JPCDDHA6681_URN-3:FHCL:15477402

Heading back to Harvard’s archives for the final photo, we see a scientist at work in the Weizman Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. This public research university focuses on natural and exact sciences. Thought I cannot say what the scientist in the image is doing exactly - I am willing to guess that it is highly technical and cutting-edge for 1985. If anyone out there knows what the heck this contraption is, send me a message. What I do know, is that this individual is also wearing a 6105-8110, and on a razor bracelet nonetheless. It is interesting to note, that out of these six photos, only one or two individuals seem to wearing the watch on the original strap.
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