And to think...I actually owned one of these back in the day when I served. Lost it waterskiing, 1986. I'll never forget that. As always, top notch material, TGV.
I lost an expensive dive camera while taking a picture of the Rock of Gibraltar when I was in the Navy. Still breaks my heart all these years later. I can still see it dropping to the bottom of the ocean fighting the temptation to jump off the Teddy Roosevelt to retrieve it lol
I didn't like it at first now it's the only watch I want to wear. I ordered the green spb153 and matching watch dives clone as a beater for rough construction jobs.
It's so weird, I hated the green one when I first saw photos of it. Now I think it's perfect. I love how my taste in watch designs change so much over time. The hobby never gets old! Thanks TGV
I bought the watch last night and just finished rewatching the movie two hours ago. As always The Urban Gent arrives precisely when he intends to. Thank you for displaying the history on the watch. As always your editing is top notch.
How is the watch wearing for you? And if you don't mind me asking: what is your wrist size. Because I'm seriously considering getting one. Thanks in advance.
@@blubbloob3164 the watch wears excellent. The case shape fits the top of your wrist very comfortably. The strap is nice and it has the extra diving piece on it to give you more room if you have to strap it over clothing. The bezel is smooth and so far the timing has been great. To tell you the truth I've never measured my wrist, but the clasp has 4 holes for adjustment. I moved it a couple of spaces and it fits like a glove. The strap doesn't pull hair or anything like that. The watch has a decent weight, just by holding it you know you got a quality watch. I'm still in the honeymoon phase with it but this watch is going to get alot of wrist time. The crown works excellent and you don't have to guess how far its pulled out. The crown screws back down easy as well. I would highly recommend it. The drilled lugs will give you alot of options for straps as well. I'm partial to pepsi bezels, but they have the limited edition save the ocean version of this watch that comes with a blue dial and black bezel. Thanks for the comment and let me know how it goes.
@@David-cn6nq I can't speak for the re-issue but the OG IS huge but wears tiny. I will regularly wear things in the mid to upper 30s and don't normally do anything north of 40. (5'10" 130 and a wrist a touch smaller than TGVs) My biggest watch is a SKX, and that's pushing it for me. I'd say it wears almost like a 36-38.
Loved this one. I’m with you I’m drawn to the military feeling green dial/bezel. I would 100% have this on the rubber strap or immediately find an aftermarket tropic/waffle strap!!!! Like the SPB143 no signed crown (bit lazy) but I love Seiko reissues!!!!;) . Looked good on you!
Honestly, he seems good enough with the video editing lately to be doing intros and trailers for movies. TGV, you've grown seriously skilled at video editing and composition. This intro was pro level.
I had a feeling you would, it is totally you. Thank you Steve, I hope you are well. Talk soon. Best regards, T. P.s. Now I am making videos again so I can schedule next month.
Amazing intro, I just have to say speaking of Vietnam I just bought a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical I must’ve watched you’re video on it 20 times before settling on it, it’s the first traditional I really like and am goin to keep, also my grandpa was in Vietnam 67-69 and he said it looks like the ones they had so it’s sentimental to me
I am the proud owner of the green and it's an absolute dream on the wrist! The strap is Uber comfortable and despite being relatively flat it ventilates very well.
I do a LOT of ropework on sailing dingies and yachts. I absolutely agree with TGV on the safety aspect of the 'turtle' style case. I used to wear an Elliot Brown Bloxworth as my water beater, a large chunk of super armoured slab sided steel. However, last year I got my arm caught in a capsize where the watch got hooked on a 5mm steel cable (stay). ENs are designed to support your body weight and have super thick screw in spring bars. Now, had these been conventional spring bars the pressure would have pinged them. But the bars held and had I not had assistance I could have drowned. I have since started wearing a Steeldive Willard as my water beater, the indigenous design of the case hugs your wrist in low profile and lines and ropes just don't get snagged in the first place. If it did get caught then the spring bar would eventually break and if Im not using a NATO then the watch simply sinks and Im out of pocket by £80. No disrespect to EB, their watches are awesome but water and ropes are a dangerous combo and the less you have that could snag, the better.
Had walked into a Seiko store just to check out, and eventually walked out of the store with Capt Willard limited addition blue dial, ended up convincing myself that i needed a strong weekend and holiday watch😅, once i tried it, it was simply difficult to resist - the outworldish shape, the dial, the history, it all comes together in such a strange and charming way. Lets put it this way my will to resist did not stand a chance against Willard 😂
I love my Green Willard on the OEM rubber, the factory bracelet and the Nick Mankey hook strap, but now you’ve made me love it even more. It wears so much smaller than its dimensions. Just when I think you’ve hit your peak, you drop a new video and take it up another notch! Well done, TGV!
If the case shape is just too much, you might check out the Seiko SPB317J1. That watch is also based on the 6105, but it pulls its inspiration from the 6105-8000. The 317 has very little to no polishing with the sides and top being brushed. And it places the date in a minuscule date window at the 4:30 position. It’s a tad bit more elegant. I do find it somewhat off-putting when we say that something is too utilitarian to be “dressy” especially when so much of men’s clothing has been inspired both historically and recently from military clothing. The wristwatch itself was an adaptation to modern warfare. The trench coat, leather boot, and most mens jackets (being based on either the M41 and M43) all take their cues from military clothing. My dad fought in WWII, and when he taught me to tie a tie, he showed me how to tuck the tie into the shirt since soldiers in garrison were expected to dress appropriately. In fact, the Quatermaster designed the M43 field jacket with lapels, so a wool shirt and tie could be worn under the jacket. Gotta love jackets you can use in parade and during an amphibious invasion of Festung Europa
I used to subscribe to this channel when it was brand new on an old email of mine from University that got shutdown. Just resubscribed and cannot believe how much it’s changed. Fantastic and insightful as always. What is even funnier is that I recall that TGV moved to NY from the UK way before I did but I watched this channel at the very beginning of my journey to the states. Huge nod to you, TGV.
All the details around, the ammunition, the books… especially the selected locations, like the Vietnam Memorial, very much appreciated! Thank you from far Germany, Thomas 🙂
I’ll never get rid of my 1976 6105. Bought it at the base exchange when I was in the USAF. I bought the re-issue SPB 237 to keep it company. Love them both.
As someone who just recently became a watch nut and today googled "Seiko Willard", I could not praise your video more. Excellent touch, high quality material, basics and background well explained with nice details. Good work.
Your music choice is outstanding. What was the song during the intro? It sounds like a Godspeed You! Black Emperor piece. PS: The red on the seconds hand on the green Willard is hell for Red/Green color blind folks.
@JJ after just listening to ‘The End’ again I have to say it does sound similar. There’s this two note progression in there that is the same, having said that, the guitars sound more modern than The Doors... 🙂
Great review (so far, still watching) as always! This may sound off, but I love the voice over portions of your videos when you discuss the qualities of the watch, the history of the brand, etc. it’d very therapeutic, and I love learning something new about the brands we love through your presentations. A perfect work day morning for me is to catch one of your quality videos with a cup of coffee before I start the day.
That blue dial limited edition is top shelf and that dash of yellow gold makes it. Being aesthetically driven in the watch sphere, I would happily wear this in place of many higher priced (and more "sophisticated") divers if I had not already filled the diver slot in my collection.
Awesome 25 minutes put together cinema and Seiko goodness.. I went on an errand this morning and parked right in front of Security Jewelry in Duluth Mn. Went in afterwards and bought the Willard. Green. Busy store. A customer was wearing the Willard senior. One of your best reviews! And my wife loves the new watch.
I was a little disappointed with the black one; my Merkur 6105 replica actually had more of the iconic look. I love the green one, however, so I put the bracelet from the black one onto my green and flipped the black. In spite of what you say, the finishing and feel of the bracelet is top notch.
Splendid review, this. I like the amount of background you go through on these, like in the Superman review. Well done, and by all means take your time producing these. To the ownership question: I have had an Uemura for some time now, and I love it. I wrote an exceedingly lengthy review of it on a Dutch forum, but the one thing you don't go into as exhaustively as it deserves is DiaShield and the toughness of the whole thing. This thing rocks. I accidentally dropped it on the tile floor of my bathroom, and all that happened was that I now have a crater in the tile it fell on. I jest about the crater, but the watch is bomb proof. The second thing is comfort. I've sold off all my other diver's watches except for the Squale 1521Azure, the Mini Turtle in Black and the Uemura in green. The Uemura and Mini Turtle alike are supremely comfortable. This is due to the short lug to lug, but also the fact that the sides of the case slant away from the wrist diagonally. This means you can flex your wrist, work, move, do sports without you ever noticing the watch is there. As much as I enjoyed two SKX (007/171 mod and 009), the Baby Tuna and the Stargate watches, I sold them all because nothing compares to these case shapes from Seiko. The Squale isn't as comfortable, but that is such a uniquely summery piece that it will never leave. :) A watch which I have since 2016, in large part because of your enthusiasm at the time.
I went to my local AD with my wife to purchase the MM300 SLA047 LE green. In the display case we also saw the SPB265, which is the new ice diver US release in greenish/blue of the same Willard style. We could not believe how nice the SPB265 was in real. There was the Willard Uemura 80th Anniversary SLA051 in display case too. I purchased the SPB265!
While I get that it’s a reissue, that price ... that’s more in the realm of President Jed Bartlett than Captain Willard. The Chinese homage company Steeldive makes an homage version with the Seiko NH35 movement, sapphire glass and a ceramic fully lumed bezel, for under $250US. While it’s not ISO-6425 rated, I think it’s more in the spirit of the original 6105 because it’s at a price point that an army captain could afford comfortably.
I've just posted the same thing , I'd love to see him review some chinese watches as there quality is outstanding for the price and makes you wonder if seiko are taking the piss with the pricing .
I must admit this has been on my mind. If I was to spend $1500 on a watch it would not be on a Seiko. But I love the look of this watch so I went and got myself the steeldive. Great daily watch.
Your comparing a company the makes”homage” (a.k.a replica copies) watches in China and sells direct to the customer. Seiko has brand heritage and history, everything is in-house, it’s an actual ISO6425 compliant dive watch, and Seiko has design, production, marketing/advertising costs. But I do agree Seiko no longer has much value with their current prices.
I have own the Green SPB153 for a year but my bag got stolen at LAX this summer and in it was my Willard. I have been researching which Willard to buy since then because not having a Willard is not an option for me. Though there are so many new versions out there, special editions, limited editions I think I'm leaning towards rebuying the SPB153, I just love that green and on that rubber strap, it is the perfect tool watch in my opinion. Great video as always TGV!
I only have the Steeldive homage version but I love it. It’s one of my absolute favorites and it’s so comfortable. Putting it on a vintage tropics strap really brings it all home.
I too bought the Steeldive homage, used from eBay. I loved it so much I then bought the green Seiko Willard. I like the Seiko but tbh am quite disappointed with it, the anti reflective coating on the inside of the sapphire makes it less easy to read. The Steeldive is a great, great watch (for the money). The Seiko Willard is good but at 8x the price of the Steeldive, I wish I hadn't bought it.
Great vid, TGV. I just got my blue Willard and love it. I had held off until the prices came down a bit and also because so many reviewers had commented on the unwieldy size of the case. Now that I have it on my wrist, it wears much smaller than I had anticipated. My daily has been a King Turtle and that case is actually BIGGER than this Willard. So, if you can wear a Turtle, the Willard should be no problem. The bracelet is not as nice as the one on the King Turtle (both have solid end links but the KT has polished sections that go nicely with the brushed and polished case) and the clasp is too cheap for a $1,200-$1,400 watch. The Willards and the Turtles look very nice with a heavy-duty H-bar bracelet from Uncle Seiko. It is substantial enough for the large case and has a cool, early seventies vibe. You are spot on in that the diver’s extension is silly and poorly executed. However, the rubber strap is attractive and extremely soft and comfortable. Time will tell how durable it is. I too, believe that Seiko is missing an opportunity to help segment it’s specials from the cheaper 5s and other run-of-the-mill Seikos by not signing the crowns on these limited editions. I will wear this a LOT, but IMO for this price, the watch should have a better clasp and the bezel should be ceramic, like the King Turtle (which is less than half the price, BTW). Thanks for your review, I found it very helpful.
I got my green one in Japan (rubber strap). I couldn’t be happier. The quality of the strap is superb. Power reserve also really handy. I use it when sailing, hiking, traveling, work, etc.
@@PierooriginalItaly I got it on sale in yodobashi akihabara branch. It was a very nice discount. Was their last unit at that time. I think price was 100 and something thousand yen and I got it for 75k or 85k yen. Somewhere around that amount. The staff was great and the selections wasn’t bad
First time I have commented on one of your reviews, which I do watch from time to time. Firstly, the video is a work of art, both the screen captures, clips, music, your dulcet tones and especially the production and editing. Including of course your concentration on the look, feel and experience of the watch. I think this is a benchmark for watch reviews. Congratulations!. I did like your comment "whether some other reviewers experience the watch". That is so true. For example, the 4R's are quite consistent out of the box with their long term performance, but the 6Rs, for some reason, take time to bed in. One needs to measure the amplitude and timing after at least a few weeks. For me, after the purchase of many divers and sports watches (best not to go there :) ), this is one of, if not, the best I have had. A kind of grail watch. I used to have the King Turtle, which is an upgraded turtle. It is unique, iconic and very practical, as well as wearing well on small wrists (I am 6.7"). The willard takes it to a new level, the size reduction (from 48mm to 46mm lug to lug, from 45mm to 42mm horizontally) and increase in finishing quality is just superb. I am guilty of buying the mystic blue boutique special edition, which adds an exquisite level of beauty to a tool watch that will surely annoy aficionados ;) One thing I would disagree with slightly, is that the bracelet is lovely with a milled clasp, is a significant uplift over cheaper Seiko bracelets. The drawbacks are the pressed clasp and the hollow end links as you mentioned. However it is very comfortable and the 20m width looks very cool and vintage. Keep up the good work!
I immediately pulled the trigger on this watch when i saw it in store. Coming out of the lockdowns in august of 2020, it must have been cabin fever, as I was just out looking to get a Casio-oak at the moment. The sales person kindly brought it out of the display cabinet for me just to try, and after 3 minutes, already had the metal clasp adjusted and walked out with 2 watches that day. I changed the steel strap of the black version to an uncle seiko chocolate bar strap, and the comfort was greatly improved.
It and all of its turtle family still look badass. BUT in an age of incredibly precise machining quite slim and lite cases also offer high water resistance, while the Willard still wears like a steel ingot. It's just so heavy, and on a rubber, top-heavy. I wonder if there are any turtle-homages made of titanium?
I watched this review because it was so extremely well done and entertaining, but I could probably not actually wear the watches. I get contact dermatitis from any stainless watches or backs that have nickel in them. A good reason anyway to go for the lighter titanium! ;-)
Great to see you back TGV. The black on that bracelet is fantastic. Nice to see you with a perlon strap as well I find them much more comfortable in hot climates than a nato.
I love the smell of Seiko in the morning....⌚....great film and stunning watches. I do love the shape. Great video sir and glad to see all is well with you 👍
Thank you Chris, I am glad to hear from you too, I hope all is well. I am so glad you appreciate the Willard too, it's really changed my perception, I feel kinda late to the party, oh well, I'm here now! ;-) Best regards, TGV
Well TGV, I caved and pulled the trigger on the Green version yesterday from my local Seiko AD.. In fact my Wife insisted I pick it up due to a nice promotion I've just received at work. This is about the fourth time I've watched this video but this time whilst I'm wearing my own SPB153. It's only recently I've seen Apocalypse Now 'Final Cut', for the first time, on a 4K disc and what a cracking movie. It's just one of those movies that's always passed me by and I love the screen time the Seiko 6105 gets which, Wife aside, helped push me towards the purchase of the SPB153. After purchasing the watch yesterday, by pure luck I came across some info that just heightened the appeal of this watch to me no end. It just so happens that the original Seiko 6105 was also worn by Richard Harris as Capt. Rafer Janders in the classic action movie, and all time favourite of mine, The Wild Geese. Therefore my SPB153 is now known to me as The Seiko Rafer. Cheers TVG and as always thanks for the great content.
After watching the TGV review and the movie (again) I had to go with the green version. I absolutely love it. It is a design masterpiece and being a hunter, I just had to have the green! I usually don't like rubber straps but this one is super comfortable. Great review TGV!
Great video. On my 1975 6105 the hour markers are embossed, but it's so well realised that they look applied. This case is a modern art sculpture, and is the proof that thickness and lug to lug distance are more important than diameter in wearability
Love the versatility of your channel’s horological selection. Have been considering the Willard for a long time. Happy to see it get some coverage. Regards.
What a superbly made video - especially the visual montage and music from Apocalypse Now and the new Seiko Willard. Better than any commercial from Seiko and seriously cool. I would like take off my Steeldive homage and buy this gorgeous genuine Seiko watch. If only it was a little more affordable...
TGV, Very much appreciate these reviews after years of saving, just bought by first grails (Rolex sub - Ref.168000, year of my birth & JL Reverso Grande Taille 270.8.36). as ever, watching your videos after a long pursuit. The realisation and taking a step back form saving on a grail tour is so beneficial. Long have i been saving but just to get back to the roots of the horological passion and to find enjoyment without aim is true watch enjoyment. the quality of the production is off the scale. looking forward to the next one, always.
That's a beautiful piece it's very tempting however. I just returned home from a vacation at the Venetian in Las Vegas where I picked up the longines hydroconquest. I was blown away by its quality and value for money.
I loved my Hydroconquest - until it fell off my wrist in the grocery store after a pin fell out of the bracelet. Now, I own a SLA033 and wear it every day; it, like the Willards you reviewed so well here, is truly a fantastic watch. Great video, sir.
It should have a signed crown , applied logo and a quality bracelet.... it’s like seiko is close but doesnt want to give us the total package . I on the fence about this one and I waited a long time for this release .
I love seiko, so it pains me to agree with you whole heartedly. I'm fine with seiko trying to go upmarket but there is so much fierce competition at these price points...any short comings really aren't acceptable.
I got a steel dive captain Willard, it’s outstanding my every day watch only problem I have I don’t want to wear my more expensive watches... have it on a silicone woful strap....
I, like you have favored the green over all the options. I've been wanting one for a while and think I'll have to jump in and get one soon. The green is exceptional on this watch. I know it would make a nice addition to my collection. The good thing is I'll never have to make the choice to wear it at a black tie event. Have never been a black tie type of guy.. LOL Love the video and I must say you did an excellent job from start to finish. That 25 and a half minutes flew by! Thanks and keep the great reviews coming.
I keep trying to talk myself into buying a Seiko because it makes so much sense. History, value, function, etc. but when I look at Seiko designs I don't get the same excitement that I do with other watches for some reason. I've recently been in the market for an automatic diver in the $800 to $1400 price range. The watch that caught my eye was the Christopher Ward C60 Lympstone. A non-homage Swiss Made Automatic, COSC certified, 600 meter diver for $1000 or less with discount. Sure it doesn't have the horologic history of this watch or a Tudor, etc. but with those specs and that price I'll happily make my own history with it. Just like Naomi Uemura did with this Seiko. Thanks for the history lesson TGV, I always learn something new watching your vids.
Just gave my brother a Willard black dial with a mod of the lume bezel insert and gold hands. Looks great and he immediately took his Tag Heuer off and put it on.
I know your views on Homage Watches. But when the Willard homages have Seiko Movements and have Sapphire crystal and 200m etc? Indeed a better Seiko movement in the Seiko homage than the original Seiko. And when some of the manufacturers have a sense of humour. One UK seller says "99% of dive watches are never used for diving, but we may all one day find ourselves knee deep in a rice paddy" Bonus points What watch did Colonel Kurtz ( Marlon Brando ) wear.?
Always enjoy your reviews. My SPB183 Willard arrived yesterday. I love the look and it wears well on my 7 1/4 " wrist. The bracelet feels great , no complaints.
Just got mine two days ago! Love it. Sapphire crystal...ceramic bezel...terrific luminous dial and bezel. Fits well on the wrist and looks terrific in green dial/green bezel. What more to ask? Oh, I know...price/value. Mine is from SteelDive and is powered by the SII NH-35. I did spend another $17 on a chocolate-brown leather strap from MAIKES (AliExpress), which inflated the Steel Dive's $112 purchase price (delivered) by a whopping 15%! Of course, the wait was horrendous...a drawn out TWO WEEKS! Sadly, I will have to be careful swimming, as this watch is only rated to 200M. PS: Crown signing was included in the price.
I was really looking forward to this one, your reviews are by far the best in my opinion. I'd love to see a review of the SPB143, this has quickly become by favourite watch.
A great watch and a great story to go with it. I was very tempted, but I didn't pull the trigger. The deal breaker for me is the price. It has the same movement as the 2020 iterations of the Alpinist, which are about half the price for a lot more than half the watch.
Fantastic video, thank you so much for making it. I've been looking at the Willard for a while now, can't yet make up my mind between it and the most basic Turtle (SRPE93K1), which has a no-nonsense kind of allure, at one third of the price. I love my SKX with all its flaws, and my very sensible sized mini Turtle PADI, even though I wish the crown on that one was at four instead of three. I guess there's always room in the collection for one more Seiko...
I own the 6105 San Martin homage bronze with a green sunburst dial on an uncle seiko rubber. Absolutely one of my favorites super comfortable, double dome sapphire, bronze, signed crown. For $200, can’t go wrong. I think seiko took the piss with this one, while I think it’s a good watch there were shortcuts made, suffering from success and whatnot now they know they can squeeze more for less. That bracelet is a monstrosity wondered why they even bothered to give it a milled clasp. 6105 should and always be worn on anything but a metal bracelet
I should add that the intro to this video is about as cool as it gets! It must have been a lot of work putting it together. I have watched the intro several times out of sheer appreciation for its quality and the tribute it pays to what is a masterpiece of film and a masterpiece of watch making.
I just got into Seiko automatics and microbrands (mainly Zelos, LIW, Phoibos, Signum so far) in the past 3 months, and clearly you and others haven't helped my cause....lol... Anyway, I've been eyeing the green Captain Willard and may make it my 12th Seiko so I can fill the 12 spot watch box with only Seikos, but I'm having a hard time to pull that $1495 cad less my AD discount when I see the offerings of homage brands. Of all the Seikos I've so far purchased (3 Sumo's, 2 Turtles, 3 MM 200's, 2 Samurai's and 1 Monster) the Sumo case is my favorite. Both green versions of the Sumo and MM200 are outstanding, and the green Captain Willard looks even better.... I would love to see a PADI version of the Willard. Anyway, great footage sir.....
I picked up the blue LE SPB183 last month and it’s well worth the money, much superior in every way than my PADI Turtle which I’ve passed on to my nephew. Very comfortable new steel bracelet that is much improved over the standard Prospex bracelet, and an extra blue rubber strap included which I’ve switched to. The case and bezel are also polished exquisitely like the Zaratsu finish on a GS, and the 70hr power reserve really comes in handy for me not needing to buy another winder👍🏻
It seems weird to me that only the blue dial /bezel version is limited edition but the others aren't despite being exactly the same watch. With the blue you get a presentation box and spare strap but the others come in your standard small box but all are the same price except the green dial model which comes with a fabric strap. It's all very strange but today I picked up my metal bracelet non limited black dial and bezel model and I love its understated class. I've heard some complaints that the bezel doesn't line up at 12 o'clock but mines fine. All in all I'm very happy with my purchase.
Love the design but the price puts them beyond what many people can afford. I have bought Turtles for less than $300 but I went with a San Martin and a Steeldive for the cost of a Turtle. We will likely never see any new Seikos with the bang for the buck value we had with SKX divers. Love the background history we get with reviews like this one.
After all your great intros, this is one of the best if not the best. I am a big fan of the movie. If you see my comment from 3 years ago, my sediments have changed. I am really starting to like this watch and am actively beginning to save for a Captain Willard.
I would buy the green one right now if it had a ceramic bezel insert. I'm not paying 1000+ for an aluminum insert. Brands should do upgrades when they do reissues. I mean you don't see Rolex still making subs with aluminum inserts to "stay faithful to the original". Man if it was just ceramic. On a more positive note, as always great review!
Finally, a proper Willard review! The pros and cons are spot on. If I may add something, the level of finishing of this reissue lags behind the original. The framing of indices and date window in the original Willard shows quality and refinement. As you have so eloquently put, corners had been cut but the spirit remains.
In my earlier comment I was somewhere else. I brought 2 Seiko's at the PX one was a gold chrono, the dial and bracelet are the color of the Pouge. The other was the Willard to replace the plastic issue. I still have the Chrono but someone relieved me of the Willard when I was medivac out. Recently I brought a Seiko SRPE93 but I'm on the lookout for the reissue. I seem to remember didn't it come on a rubber waffle strap?
I bought my Willard green version two days ago. The dial, bezel and glass look luxurious. Captain has good shape and size, it is really light and comfortable (different than my two other watches). Willard is my first Seiko watch and I really enjoy it. Perfect watch for the summer outfits. Right now I’m watching Apocalypse Now, together with my new friend.
TGV, I hope you don't tire of reading compliments on your videos because I'm going to do it again! But seriously, your style is just hypnotic. I don't say that lightly. The openings are extremely compelling and always evocative. They help to set the tone for the education which follows.
Ah. Apocalypse Now. Saw it on opening night at the Zigfeld Theater in NYC. Had to get tickets 1 month in advance. Was great. Still one of my favorite movies of all time. when this video opened I said that watch case looks like my Doxa sub 300 T and then you mentioned that. Your attention to detail is impeccable sir!
Just got my Dad the 2019 Seiko SRPD21, Save the Ocean Turtle, the "Great White" edition, for his birthday! He loves it while I wear my 2018 Save the Ocean edition, SRPC91.
Great intro! I really liked the balanced review. It's always of value to hear honest dislikes, even if it's not necessarily popular with the brand. Great job TGV!
Love the smell of new watches in the morning. 😉😉
Comment of the video
😂 So do I ...
Smells like victory!!
He Aint gonna smell anything with that mask on.
@@hartleytown1 Ha ha
And to think...I actually owned one of these back in the day when I served. Lost it waterskiing, 1986. I'll never forget that.
As always, top notch material, TGV.
I wonder how many small treasures lie lost at the bottom of the sea somewhere...
I have the original 6105, i inherited it, i feel blessed
I lost an expensive dive camera while taking a picture of the Rock of Gibraltar when I was in the Navy. Still breaks my heart all these years later. I can still see it dropping to the bottom of the ocean fighting the temptation to jump off the Teddy Roosevelt to retrieve it lol
everyone gave some, some gave everything
My favorite Seiko. Ever. Always thought it looked weird and I didn’t think I would like it until I wore one… Now I’m obsessed
Me too, I went to the AD to check out the cappuccino faced 62 mas and walked out with the spb183 and am obsessed LOL
I didn't like it at first now it's the only watch I want to wear. I ordered the green spb153 and matching watch dives clone as a beater for rough construction jobs.
It's so weird, I hated the green one when I first saw photos of it. Now I think it's perfect. I love how my taste in watch designs change so much over time. The hobby never gets old! Thanks TGV
I bought the watch last night and just finished rewatching the movie two hours ago. As always The Urban Gent arrives precisely when he intends to. Thank you for displaying the history on the watch. As always your editing is top notch.
How is the watch wearing for you? And if you don't mind me asking: what is your wrist size. Because I'm seriously considering getting one. Thanks in advance.
@@blubbloob3164 the watch wears excellent. The case shape fits the top of your wrist very comfortably. The strap is nice and it has the extra diving piece on it to give you more room if you have to strap it over clothing. The bezel is smooth and so far the timing has been great. To tell you the truth I've never measured my wrist, but the clasp has 4 holes for adjustment. I moved it a couple of spaces and it fits like a glove. The strap doesn't pull hair or anything like that. The watch has a decent weight, just by holding it you know you got a quality watch. I'm still in the honeymoon phase with it but this watch is going to get alot of wrist time. The crown works excellent and you don't have to guess how far its pulled out. The crown screws back down easy as well. I would highly recommend it. The drilled lugs will give you alot of options for straps as well. I'm partial to pepsi bezels, but they have the limited edition save the ocean version of this watch that comes with a blue dial and black bezel. Thanks for the comment and let me know how it goes.
@@David-cn6nq I can't speak for the re-issue but the OG IS huge but wears tiny. I will regularly wear things in the mid to upper 30s and don't normally do anything north of 40. (5'10" 130 and a wrist a touch smaller than TGVs) My biggest watch is a SKX, and that's pushing it for me. I'd say it wears almost like a 36-38.
You noticed that as well the urban Gentry always arrives almost like a dream I had the evening before
Who says Colonel Kurtz was insane?
I read Captain Willard and immediately thought that this would mean a fantastic intro - I was not disappointed, it is absolutely amazing!
It's almost as good as moist push video
What's the track used in the intro?
Loved this one. I’m with you I’m drawn to the military feeling green dial/bezel. I would 100% have this on the rubber strap or immediately find an aftermarket tropic/waffle strap!!!! Like the SPB143 no signed crown (bit lazy) but I love Seiko reissues!!!!;) . Looked good on you!
Say, why are you not on tv, cable and all that? You produce stuff that people on tv should be taking notes!
Very kind Mike, I am humbled and flattered.
A million thank yous,
Best regards,
TGV
TV is dead. That is why we have Netflix for topnotch shows and documentaries nowadays
@@nemeninemeni Netflix is overratted if you are not interested in drugs and crime stuff. I still watch most of documentaries directly from tv.
Honestly, he seems good enough with the video editing lately to be doing intros and trailers for movies.
TGV, you've grown seriously skilled at video editing and composition. This intro was pro level.
Good evening TGV! Your Intro ist absolutely top notch and a great tribute to the Willard! Best regards!
Heiko! If feels like donkeys since we last exchanged comments.
Thank you so much my friend, have a great night!
Best regards,
TGV
I absolutely love the design of the Captain Willard!
It's got a very iconic look to it
I had a feeling you would, it is totally you.
Thank you Steve, I hope you are well.
Talk soon.
Best regards,
T.
P.s. Now I am making videos again so I can schedule next month.
Actually don't mind the pips there lol
@@theurbangentry you know I'm a sucker for divers! Talk to you soon T!
Amazing intro, I just have to say speaking of Vietnam I just bought a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical I must’ve watched you’re video on it 20 times before settling on it, it’s the first traditional I really like and am goin to keep, also my grandpa was in Vietnam 67-69 and he said it looks like the ones they had so it’s sentimental to me
I wonder what the actual water resistance is of those issued field watches
I just picked one up too! I love it!
I am the proud owner of the green and it's an absolute dream on the wrist! The strap is Uber comfortable and despite being relatively flat it ventilates very well.
I do a LOT of ropework on sailing dingies and yachts. I absolutely agree with TGV on the safety aspect of the 'turtle' style case. I used to wear an Elliot Brown Bloxworth as my water beater, a large chunk of super armoured slab sided steel. However, last year I got my arm caught in a capsize where the watch got hooked on a 5mm steel cable (stay). ENs are designed to support your body weight and have super thick screw in spring bars. Now, had these been conventional spring bars the pressure would have pinged them. But the bars held and had I not had assistance I could have drowned.
I have since started wearing a Steeldive Willard as my water beater, the indigenous design of the case hugs your wrist in low profile and lines and ropes just don't get snagged in the first place. If it did get caught then the spring bar would eventually break and if Im not using a NATO then the watch simply sinks and Im out of pocket by £80.
No disrespect to EB, their watches are awesome but water and ropes are a dangerous combo and the less you have that could snag, the better.
I have the Steeldive Willard too and the quality is amazing for the price. I would love the Seiko but not enough more to pay the price.
Had walked into a Seiko store just to check out, and eventually walked out of the store with Capt Willard limited addition blue dial, ended up convincing myself that i needed a strong weekend and holiday watch😅, once i tried it, it was simply difficult to resist - the outworldish shape, the dial, the history, it all comes together in such a strange and charming way. Lets put it this way my will to resist did not stand a chance against Willard 😂
I like how Seiko makes the Rolex Submariner conventional :-)
Nice video TGV!
Diver watch probably is one of the most exciting genre of watches. So many diverse unique designs!
I could not agree more.
Thank you Jeremy, excellent point.
Best regards,
TGV
Including the amphibias
I love my Green Willard on the OEM rubber, the factory bracelet and the Nick Mankey hook strap, but now you’ve made me love it even more. It wears so much smaller than its dimensions. Just when I think you’ve hit your peak, you drop a new video and take it up another notch! Well done, TGV!
If the case shape is just too much, you might check out the Seiko SPB317J1. That watch is also based on the 6105, but it pulls its inspiration from the 6105-8000. The 317 has very little to no polishing with the sides and top being brushed. And it places the date in a minuscule date window at the 4:30 position. It’s a tad bit more elegant.
I do find it somewhat off-putting when we say that something is too utilitarian to be “dressy” especially when so much of men’s clothing has been inspired both historically and recently from military clothing.
The wristwatch itself was an adaptation to modern warfare. The trench coat, leather boot, and most mens jackets (being based on either the M41 and M43) all take their cues from military clothing.
My dad fought in WWII, and when he taught me to tie a tie, he showed me how to tuck the tie into the shirt since soldiers in garrison were expected to dress appropriately. In fact, the Quatermaster designed the M43 field jacket with lapels, so a wool shirt and tie could be worn under the jacket.
Gotta love jackets you can use in parade and during an amphibious invasion of Festung Europa
This video is a reference example of how a watch review must be done! Thank you for your effort and work.
I used to subscribe to this channel when it was brand new on an old email of mine from University that got shutdown. Just resubscribed and cannot believe how much it’s changed. Fantastic and insightful as always. What is even funnier is that I recall that TGV moved to NY from the UK way before I did but I watched this channel at the very beginning of my journey to the states. Huge nod to you, TGV.
All the details around, the ammunition, the books… especially the selected locations, like the Vietnam Memorial, very much appreciated!
Thank you from far Germany, Thomas 🙂
Just rewatched Apocalypse Now and I had forgotten how amazing the film truly is.
I’ll never get rid of my 1976 6105. Bought it at the base exchange when I was in the USAF. I bought the re-issue SPB 237 to keep it company. Love them both.
As someone who just recently became a watch nut and today googled "Seiko Willard", I could not praise your video more. Excellent touch, high quality material, basics and background well explained with nice details. Good work.
Your intros are head and shoulders above anything Hollywood is making. Simply amazing.
Your music choice is outstanding. What was the song during the intro? It sounds like a Godspeed You! Black Emperor piece.
PS: The red on the seconds hand on the green Willard is hell for Red/Green color blind folks.
The song is called ‘We only come out at night’ by Ghst Mdrn.
@JJ wrong!
@JJ after just listening to ‘The End’ again I have to say it does sound similar. There’s this two note progression in there that is the same, having said that, the guitars sound more modern than The Doors... 🙂
@JJ yeah, should’ve been a dead giveaway for you! 😜
I own the SPB143 (which uses the same bracelet), and I’m 100% certain that the endlinks aren‘t hollow. Even the $400 Mini Turtle has solid endlinks.
You’re 100% correct. Since the jingly jangly comment he made on Watchbox, he seems to be compensating by bashing Seiko bracelets.
The green one is gorgeous.
Great review (so far, still watching) as always! This may sound off, but I love the voice over portions of your videos when you discuss the qualities of the watch, the history of the brand, etc. it’d very therapeutic, and I love learning something new about the brands we love through your presentations. A perfect work day morning for me is to catch one of your quality videos with a cup of coffee before I start the day.
That blue dial limited edition is top shelf and that dash of yellow gold makes it. Being aesthetically driven in the watch sphere, I would happily wear this in place of many higher priced (and more "sophisticated") divers if I had not already filled the diver slot in my collection.
Awesome 25 minutes put together cinema and Seiko goodness.. I went on an errand this morning and parked right in front of Security Jewelry in Duluth Mn. Went in afterwards and bought the Willard. Green. Busy store. A customer was wearing the Willard senior. One of your best reviews! And my wife loves the new watch.
Got my SPB151 yesterday. I’m loving it. Took it off the bracelet immediately!
I was a little disappointed with the black one; my Merkur 6105 replica actually had more of the iconic look. I love the green one, however, so I put the bracelet from the black one onto my green and flipped the black. In spite of what you say, the finishing and feel of the bracelet is top notch.
Splendid review, this. I like the amount of background you go through on these, like in the Superman review. Well done, and by all means take your time producing these. To the ownership question: I have had an Uemura for some time now, and I love it. I wrote an exceedingly lengthy review of it on a Dutch forum, but the one thing you don't go into as exhaustively as it deserves is DiaShield and the toughness of the whole thing. This thing rocks. I accidentally dropped it on the tile floor of my bathroom, and all that happened was that I now have a crater in the tile it fell on. I jest about the crater, but the watch is bomb proof.
The second thing is comfort. I've sold off all my other diver's watches except for the Squale 1521Azure, the Mini Turtle in Black and the Uemura in green. The Uemura and Mini Turtle alike are supremely comfortable. This is due to the short lug to lug, but also the fact that the sides of the case slant away from the wrist diagonally. This means you can flex your wrist, work, move, do sports without you ever noticing the watch is there.
As much as I enjoyed two SKX (007/171 mod and 009), the Baby Tuna and the Stargate watches, I sold them all because nothing compares to these case shapes from Seiko. The Squale isn't as comfortable, but that is such a uniquely summery piece that it will never leave. :) A watch which I have since 2016, in large part because of your enthusiasm at the time.
I went to my local AD with my wife to purchase the MM300 SLA047 LE green. In the display case we also saw the SPB265, which is the new ice diver US release in greenish/blue of the same Willard style. We could not believe how nice the SPB265 was in real. There was the Willard Uemura 80th Anniversary SLA051 in display case too. I purchased the SPB265!
Good to hear your impression of the 265. I've just purchased this and am waiting for it to arrive 😀
While I get that it’s a reissue, that price ... that’s more in the realm of President Jed Bartlett than Captain Willard.
The Chinese homage company Steeldive makes an homage version with the Seiko NH35 movement, sapphire glass and a ceramic fully lumed bezel, for under $250US. While it’s not ISO-6425 rated, I think it’s more in the spirit of the original 6105 because it’s at a price point that an army captain could afford comfortably.
I've just posted the same thing , I'd love to see him review some chinese watches as there quality is outstanding for the price and makes you wonder if seiko are taking the piss with the pricing .
I must admit this has been on my mind. If I was to spend $1500 on a watch it would not be on a Seiko. But I love the look of this watch so I went and got myself the steeldive. Great daily watch.
I bought the steeldive. Best lume of any watch I have ever owned
Your comparing a company the makes”homage” (a.k.a replica copies) watches in China and sells direct to the customer. Seiko has brand heritage and history, everything is in-house, it’s an actual ISO6425 compliant dive watch, and Seiko has design, production, marketing/advertising costs. But I do agree Seiko no longer has much value with their current prices.
I have the Steel Dive as well. I love it.
I have own the Green SPB153 for a year but my bag got stolen at LAX this summer and in it was my Willard. I have been researching which Willard to buy since then because not having a Willard is not an option for me. Though there are so many new versions out there, special editions, limited editions I think I'm leaning towards rebuying the SPB153, I just love that green and on that rubber strap, it is the perfect tool watch in my opinion. Great video as always TGV!
I only have the Steeldive homage version but I love it. It’s one of my absolute favorites and it’s so comfortable. Putting it on a vintage tropics strap really brings it all home.
I have the same on a brown leather strap. Pure class. Will get the one in the video one day 🤞
@@kirklobo3880 Class? With a chinese knock off?
I too bought the Steeldive homage, used from eBay. I loved it so much I then bought the green Seiko Willard. I like the Seiko but tbh am quite disappointed with it, the anti reflective coating on the inside of the sapphire makes it less easy to read.
The Steeldive is a great, great watch (for the money). The Seiko Willard is good but at 8x the price of the Steeldive, I wish I hadn't bought it.
@@camarocarl7130homage
Great vid, TGV. I just got my blue Willard and love it. I had held off until the prices came down a bit and also because so many reviewers had commented on the unwieldy size of the case. Now that I have it on my wrist, it wears much smaller than I had anticipated. My daily has been a King Turtle and that case is actually BIGGER than this Willard. So, if you can wear a Turtle, the Willard should be no problem.
The bracelet is not as nice as the one on the King Turtle (both have solid end links but the KT has polished sections that go nicely with the brushed and polished case) and the clasp is too cheap for a $1,200-$1,400 watch. The Willards and the Turtles look very nice with a heavy-duty H-bar bracelet from Uncle Seiko. It is substantial enough for the large case and has a cool, early seventies vibe.
You are spot on in that the diver’s extension is silly and poorly executed. However, the rubber strap is attractive and extremely soft and comfortable. Time will tell how durable it is.
I too, believe that Seiko is missing an opportunity to help segment it’s specials from the cheaper 5s and other run-of-the-mill Seikos by not signing the crowns on these limited editions.
I will wear this a LOT, but IMO for this price, the watch should have a better clasp and the bezel should be ceramic, like the King Turtle (which is less than half the price, BTW). Thanks for your review, I found it very helpful.
I got my green one in Japan (rubber strap). I couldn’t be happier. The quality of the strap is superb. Power reserve also really handy. I use it when sailing, hiking, traveling, work, etc.
Can I ask you how much it cost you? 🤔
@@PierooriginalItaly I got it on sale in yodobashi akihabara branch. It was a very nice discount. Was their last unit at that time. I think price was 100 and something thousand yen and I got it for 75k or 85k yen. Somewhere around that amount. The staff was great and the selections wasn’t bad
First time I have commented on one of your reviews, which I do watch from time to time. Firstly, the video is a work of art, both the screen captures, clips, music, your dulcet tones and especially the production and editing. Including of course your concentration on the look, feel and experience of the watch. I think this is a benchmark for watch reviews. Congratulations!. I did like your comment "whether some other reviewers experience the watch". That is so true. For example, the 4R's are quite consistent out of the box with their long term performance, but the 6Rs, for some reason, take time to bed in. One needs to measure the amplitude and timing after at least a few weeks. For me, after the purchase of many divers and sports watches (best not to go there :) ), this is one of, if not, the best I have had. A kind of grail watch. I used to have the King Turtle, which is an upgraded turtle. It is unique, iconic and very practical, as well as wearing well on small wrists (I am 6.7"). The willard takes it to a new level, the size reduction (from 48mm to 46mm lug to lug, from 45mm to 42mm horizontally) and increase in finishing quality is just superb. I am guilty of buying the mystic blue boutique special edition, which adds an exquisite level of beauty to a tool watch that will surely annoy aficionados ;) One thing I would disagree with slightly, is that the bracelet is lovely with a milled clasp, is a significant uplift over cheaper Seiko bracelets. The drawbacks are the pressed clasp and the hollow end links as you mentioned. However it is very comfortable and the 20m width looks very cool and vintage. Keep up the good work!
Your editing and story telling rocks! Kudos!
Thank you so much Christian,
Best regards,
TGV
Glad you're back TGV.
I immediately pulled the trigger on this watch when i saw it in store. Coming out of the lockdowns in august of 2020, it must have been cabin fever, as I was just out looking to get a Casio-oak at the moment. The sales person kindly brought it out of the display cabinet for me just to try, and after 3 minutes, already had the metal clasp adjusted and walked out with 2 watches that day. I changed the steel strap of the black version to an uncle seiko chocolate bar strap, and the comfort was greatly improved.
It and all of its turtle family still look badass. BUT in an age of incredibly precise machining quite slim and lite cases also offer high water resistance, while the Willard still wears like a steel ingot. It's just so heavy, and on a rubber, top-heavy. I wonder if there are any turtle-homages made of titanium?
I watched this review because it was so extremely well done and entertaining, but I could probably not actually wear the watches. I get contact dermatitis from any stainless watches or backs that have nickel in them. A good reason anyway to go for the lighter titanium! ;-)
Heimdallr makes a homage to this watch in titanium.
Great to see you back TGV. The black on that bracelet is fantastic. Nice to see you with a perlon strap as well I find them much more comfortable in hot climates than a nato.
I love the smell of Seiko in the morning....⌚....great film and stunning watches. I do love the shape. Great video sir and glad to see all is well with you 👍
Thank you Chris, I am glad to hear from you too, I hope all is well. I am so glad you appreciate the Willard too, it's really changed my perception, I feel kinda late to the party, oh well, I'm here now! ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Well TGV, I caved and pulled the trigger on the Green version yesterday from my local Seiko AD.. In fact my Wife insisted I pick it up due to a nice promotion I've just received at work. This is about the fourth time I've watched this video but this time whilst I'm wearing my own SPB153. It's only recently I've seen Apocalypse Now 'Final Cut', for the first time, on a 4K disc and what a cracking movie. It's just one of those movies that's always passed me by and I love the screen time the Seiko 6105 gets which, Wife aside, helped push me towards the purchase of the SPB153. After purchasing the watch yesterday, by pure luck I came across some info that just heightened the appeal of this watch to me no end. It just so happens that the original Seiko 6105 was also worn by Richard Harris as Capt. Rafer Janders in the classic action movie, and all time favourite of mine, The Wild Geese. Therefore my SPB153 is now known to me as The Seiko Rafer. Cheers TVG and as always thanks for the great content.
After watching the TGV review and the movie (again) I had to go with the green version. I absolutely love it. It is a design masterpiece and being a hunter, I just had to have the green! I usually don't like rubber straps but this one is super comfortable. Great review TGV!
That intro was legit! And the Hugo stuff is great also. Thanks man. Great work and so on and such
Well done TGV! I own the Blue Willard and I adore it!
Great video. On my 1975 6105 the hour markers are embossed, but it's so well realised that they look applied. This case is a modern art sculpture, and is the proof that thickness and lug to lug distance are more important than diameter in wearability
Love the versatility of your channel’s horological selection. Have been considering the Willard for a long time. Happy to see it get some coverage. Regards.
What a superbly made video - especially the visual montage and music from Apocalypse Now and the new Seiko Willard. Better than any commercial from Seiko and seriously cool. I would like take off my Steeldive homage and buy this gorgeous genuine Seiko watch. If only it was a little more affordable...
This is a tremendous contribution to the historical and cultural canons of the Willard Seiko. Well done.!
TGV,
Very much appreciate these reviews after years of saving, just bought by first grails (Rolex sub - Ref.168000, year of my birth & JL Reverso Grande Taille 270.8.36).
as ever, watching your videos after a long pursuit. The realisation and taking a step back form saving on a grail tour is so beneficial. Long have i been saving but just to get back to the roots of the horological passion and to find enjoyment without aim is true watch enjoyment.
the quality of the production is off the scale.
looking forward to the next one, always.
Holy Toledo! Outstanding Review and Video. Great Work :-)👍
That's a beautiful piece it's very tempting however. I just returned home from a vacation at the Venetian in Las Vegas where I picked up the longines hydroconquest. I was blown away by its quality and value for money.
I loved my Hydroconquest - until it fell off my wrist in the grocery store after a pin fell out of the bracelet. Now, I own a SLA033 and wear it every day; it, like the Willards you reviewed so well here, is truly a fantastic watch. Great video, sir.
The green is my only Seiko, my beater. It's cool
I also have the green one. If I had to get rid of all my watches and just keep one, this would be it.
@@varanid9 wow
@@MTbone7 fortunately, I don't have to keep just one.
Great intro. The green one is tempting. I'm leaning towards the green Longines Hydroconquest though.
You are the original and best watch reviewer on You Tube, in fact anywhere.
The green in the rubber strap looked the best of the 3 for me. Thanks for the review.
It should have a signed crown , applied logo and a quality bracelet.... it’s like seiko is close but doesnt want to give us the total package . I on the fence about this one and I waited a long time for this release .
I love seiko, so it pains me to agree with you whole heartedly.
I'm fine with seiko trying to go upmarket but there is so much fierce competition at these price points...any short comings really aren't acceptable.
I got a steel dive captain Willard, it’s outstanding my every day watch only problem I have I don’t want to wear my more expensive watches... have it on a silicone woful strap....
I have the Bronze version on a tan single pass NATO. Love it.
I, like you have favored the green over all the options. I've been wanting one for a while and think I'll have to jump in and get one soon. The green is exceptional on this watch. I know it would make a nice addition to my collection.
The good thing is I'll never have to make the choice to wear it at a black tie event. Have never been a black tie type of guy.. LOL
Love the video and I must say you did an excellent job from start to finish. That 25 and a half minutes flew by! Thanks and keep the great reviews coming.
Great video as always 👍 Made me go put mine on!!!
I keep trying to talk myself into buying a Seiko because it makes so much sense. History, value, function, etc. but when I look at Seiko designs I don't get the same excitement that I do with other watches for some reason. I've recently been in the market for an automatic diver in the $800 to $1400 price range. The watch that caught my eye was the Christopher Ward C60 Lympstone. A non-homage Swiss Made Automatic, COSC certified, 600 meter diver for $1000 or less with discount. Sure it doesn't have the horologic history of this watch or a Tudor, etc. but with those specs and that price I'll happily make my own history with it. Just like Naomi Uemura did with this Seiko. Thanks for the history lesson TGV, I always learn something new watching your vids.
Just gave my brother a Willard black dial with a mod of the lume bezel insert and gold hands. Looks great and he immediately took his Tag Heuer off and put it on.
I know your views on Homage Watches. But when the Willard homages have Seiko Movements and have Sapphire crystal and 200m etc? Indeed a better Seiko movement in the Seiko homage than the original Seiko. And when some of the manufacturers have a sense of humour.
One UK seller says "99% of dive watches are never used for diving, but we may all one day find ourselves knee deep in a rice paddy"
Bonus points What watch did Colonel Kurtz ( Marlon Brando ) wear.?
Always enjoy your reviews. My SPB183 Willard arrived yesterday. I love the look and it wears well on my 7 1/4 " wrist. The bracelet feels great , no complaints.
Just got mine two days ago! Love it. Sapphire crystal...ceramic bezel...terrific luminous dial and bezel. Fits well on the wrist and looks terrific in green dial/green bezel. What more to ask? Oh, I know...price/value. Mine is from SteelDive and is powered by the SII NH-35. I did spend another $17 on a chocolate-brown leather strap from MAIKES (AliExpress), which inflated the Steel Dive's $112 purchase price (delivered) by a whopping 15%! Of course, the wait was horrendous...a drawn out TWO WEEKS!
Sadly, I will have to be careful swimming, as this watch is only rated to 200M.
PS: Crown signing was included in the price.
I was really looking forward to this one, your reviews are by far the best in my opinion. I'd love to see a review of the SPB143, this has quickly become by favourite watch.
Thank you so much Huw, you are an absolute gent for saying so.
I will certainly consider the SPB143, great suggestion btw!
Best regards,
TGV
A great watch and a great story to go with it. I was very tempted, but I didn't pull the trigger. The deal breaker for me is the price. It has the same movement as the 2020 iterations of the Alpinist, which are about half the price for a lot more than half the watch.
Fantastic video, thank you so much for making it. I've been looking at the Willard for a while now, can't yet make up my mind between it and the most basic Turtle (SRPE93K1), which has a no-nonsense kind of allure, at one third of the price. I love my SKX with all its flaws, and my very sensible sized mini Turtle PADI, even though I wish the crown on that one was at four instead of three. I guess there's always room in the collection for one more Seiko...
This epic green model just became my 4th Seiko in my collection
I own the 6105 San Martin homage bronze with a green sunburst dial on an uncle seiko rubber. Absolutely one of my favorites super comfortable, double dome sapphire, bronze, signed crown. For $200, can’t go wrong.
I think seiko took the piss with this one, while I think it’s a good watch there were shortcuts made, suffering from success and whatnot now they know they can squeeze more for less. That bracelet is a monstrosity wondered why they even bothered to give it a milled clasp. 6105 should and always be worn on anything but a metal bracelet
Good to be having you back TGV darling, loving the video as always. Hoping to see more video with HUGO in it. Toddle pip !
I should add that the intro to this video is about as cool as it gets! It must have been a lot of work putting it together. I have watched the intro several times out of sheer appreciation for its quality and the tribute it pays to what is a masterpiece of film and a masterpiece of watch making.
I just got into Seiko automatics and microbrands (mainly Zelos, LIW, Phoibos, Signum so far) in the past 3 months, and clearly you and others haven't helped my cause....lol... Anyway, I've been eyeing the green Captain Willard and may make it my 12th Seiko so I can fill the 12 spot watch box with only Seikos, but I'm having a hard time to pull that $1495 cad less my AD discount when I see the offerings of homage brands. Of all the Seikos I've so far purchased (3 Sumo's, 2 Turtles, 3 MM 200's, 2 Samurai's and 1 Monster) the Sumo case is my favorite. Both green versions of the Sumo and MM200 are outstanding, and the green Captain Willard looks even better.... I would love to see a PADI version of the Willard. Anyway, great footage sir.....
I picked up the blue LE SPB183 last month and it’s well worth the money, much superior in every way than my PADI Turtle which I’ve passed on to my nephew. Very comfortable new steel bracelet that is much improved over the standard Prospex bracelet, and an extra blue rubber strap included which I’ve switched to. The case and bezel are also polished exquisitely like the Zaratsu finish on a GS, and the 70hr power reserve really comes in handy for me not needing to buy another winder👍🏻
Feel like I get so much more than a watch review on your channel. Thanks TGV!
It seems weird to me that only the blue dial /bezel version is limited edition but the others aren't despite being exactly the same watch. With the blue you get a presentation box and spare strap but the others come in your standard small box but all are the same price except the green dial model which comes with a fabric strap. It's all very strange but today I picked up my metal bracelet non limited black dial and bezel model and I love its understated class. I've heard some complaints that the bezel doesn't line up at 12 o'clock but mines fine. All in all I'm very happy with my purchase.
Thank you TGV for the great video! Stay healthy and well!
That green is outstanding.
My friend that intro was just amazing .. love your videos / reviews .. and now love this watch
Love the design but the price puts them beyond what many people can afford. I have bought Turtles for less than $300 but I went with a San Martin and a Steeldive for the cost of a Turtle. We will likely never see any new Seikos with the bang for the buck value we had with SKX divers. Love the background history we get with reviews like this one.
I truly enjoy your videos, they’re so well made and the commentary is bar none some of the best on UA-cam.
Thank you so much, very kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
After all your great intros, this is one of the best if not the best. I am a big fan of the movie.
If you see my comment from 3 years ago, my sediments have changed. I am really starting to like this watch and am actively beginning to save for a Captain Willard.
I would buy the green one right now if it had a ceramic bezel insert. I'm not paying 1000+ for an aluminum insert. Brands should do upgrades when they do reissues. I mean you don't see Rolex still making subs with aluminum inserts to "stay faithful to the original". Man if it was just ceramic. On a more positive note, as always great review!
Finally, a proper Willard review! The pros and cons are spot on. If I may add something, the level of finishing of this reissue lags behind the original. The framing of indices and date window in the original Willard shows quality and refinement. As you have so eloquently put, corners had been cut but the spirit remains.
In my earlier comment I was somewhere else. I brought 2 Seiko's at the PX one was a gold chrono, the dial and bracelet are the color of the Pouge. The other was the Willard to replace the plastic issue. I still have the Chrono but someone relieved me of the Willard when I was medivac out. Recently I brought a Seiko SRPE93 but I'm on the lookout for the reissue. I seem to remember didn't it come on a rubber waffle strap?
I bought my Willard green version two days ago. The dial, bezel and glass look luxurious. Captain has good shape and size, it is really light and comfortable (different than my two other watches). Willard is my first Seiko watch and I really enjoy it. Perfect watch for the summer outfits. Right now I’m watching Apocalypse Now, together with my new friend.
TGV, I hope you don't tire of reading compliments on your videos because I'm going to do it again! But seriously, your style is just hypnotic. I don't say that lightly. The openings are extremely compelling and always evocative. They help to set the tone for the education which follows.
Ah. Apocalypse Now. Saw it on opening night at the Zigfeld Theater in NYC. Had to get tickets 1 month in advance. Was great. Still one of my favorite movies of all time. when this video opened I said that watch case looks like my Doxa sub 300 T and then you mentioned that. Your attention to detail is impeccable sir!
I love seeing the USS Olympia in the background shots.
I called Moyer last week trying to buy that watch and they let me know it was "out on loan" and I should have known it was you! Great review.
Great work TGV. You continue to offer interesting history and wisdom with a splash of humor. Brilliant!
Just got my Dad the 2019 Seiko SRPD21, Save the Ocean Turtle, the "Great White" edition, for his birthday! He loves it while I wear my 2018 Save the Ocean edition, SRPC91.
I got my Dad the SRPC91 and picked up the King Turtle SRPE39K for myself. We both wear our turtles daily.
Great intro!
I really liked the balanced review. It's always of value to hear honest dislikes, even if it's not necessarily popular with the brand. Great job TGV!
Boom! Smashed it on that intro. Had to pause it to write this so I don’t miss anything