VINTAGE watches ... show and tell ...

1964 OMEGA Seamaster 600 Calendar cal. 611

MCM mid century modern
Clean, functional design, reflecting the era's appreciation for simplicity and craftsmanship.

1960's BENRUS Sea Lord ref.# 7092

SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8110 / 9
THE Willard aka Uemura (上村)

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 & 74 are American catalog

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

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


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

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.

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



APOCALYPSE NOW
THE FILM

Set in 1969 the 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".

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.


1973 SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8119
paired with an (the strap is an Uncle Seiko reproduction

based on the 1973 JDM catalog it would have come with a with a XGL-731
aka: Tire tread diver strap
(the strap is an Uncle Seiko reproduction)

old tools

This was first foray into vintage.

Nice first foray. When I was in Zurich a few years back, I purchased a modern O&W for my son and have another one I’ve since purchased too.

Nice. The modern ones look so solid and indestructible. This vintage piece, despite having what I understand to be a relatively basic movement, still runs reasonably after all these years. Definitely fun to wind and look at!

I tried to buy one on eBay but price went crazy. Enjoy yours, looks nice.

Yeah I actually got this one a couple years back but still paid a pretty penny. Noob tax I’m sure but i have really enjoyed it. Starting to get an interest in Omega vintage now - dangerous development.

SEIKO caliber 6138 case ref.# 0011 Chronograph Automatic
paired with Seiko branded STELUX President bracelet
circa: 1971

Produced by Seiko between 1969/70 thru 1978/79.

It is powered by the 6139 and the later 6138 movement, a significant milestone in horology as it was one of the world's first fully integrated two-register chronographs with a column wheel and vertical clutch automatic mechanical chronographs.
who was first ???

Buren-Hamilton collaboration, along with Breitling, Heuer, and Dubois-Depraz, developed the Calibre 11 movement, also an automatic chronograph, was announced / introduced on March 3, 1969.

However, Seiko's internal company report states that their first models were released in stores on May 21, 1969, making SEIKO a contender for the first automatic chronograph movement to be released.

The nickname "UFO" and "Yachtsman"
In Japan they were simply labeled "Seiko Chronograph Automatic."

"UFO" comes from its unique saucer-shaped case, while "Yachtsman" was the name Seiko USA used in its initial marketing, although it did not catch on widely.

also nicked named: UP /DOWN chronograph, SMALL eye BIG eye

The Seiko 6138-0011 features a dual-register chronograph with a large and small subdial. It has several color schemes for the hands and dials, including red, orange, and yellow accents. The watch comes in different dial configurations, which can be grouped into three families based on the marking at 9 o'clock: "Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer" (early JDM dial), "Seiko Chronograph Automatic" (export or international dial), and "Seiko Speed-Timer" (late JDM dial).

The 6138-0011 has a distinctive case design with hidden lugs, giving it a floating appearance on the wrist. The watch was initially retailed for 20,000 yen in Japan and $135 in the US.
The movement inside the 6138-0011 is the 6138, which was upgraded from the 6138A to the 6138B in 1972. The 6138B is always marked "21 jewels," distinguishing it from the earlier version.

Regarding water resistance text on the dial - early versions of the 6138-0011, up to sometime in 1972, had water resistance indicated on the dial. Later versions did not have this marking, regardless of the model number.

willard and the barnacle

Some Speedmasters!

105.012-65 & 145.012-67
145.022-69 & 145.012-67

Sony A7CII with Sigma 105mm

some classic Seiko divers

Vintage