Seiko SPB153 Review

Procrastinating Watch Reviews

I just passed the 1 year mark of ownership for the Seiko Willard. I remember being intrigued when this model dropped in 2020. I'd watched/read every review before pulling the trigger. The watch gets its name from the Seiko 6105 worn by Martin Sheen's character, Captain Willard, in the film, Apocalypse Now.

This watch is sublime. I grew up in the 80's, in a trailer, with a Chesterfield which was the exact green of that olive sunburst dial. My late uncle drove a Chevy Nova that was also this same shade of green. It screams Ruth Langmore and that's what makes it so special to me.....Zero Fs when I wear this watch.

The Willard is a 42mm case, which fits like a 40mm. I have 6.75-7inch wrists depending on my salt intake. I find that this Seiko cushion case fits me the best. It hugs the wrist and seems to curve naturally....I don't have any other watch that fits me like this Willard does.

The 6R35 movement is keeping +2 seconds a day which is fine by me. The date window is not obtrusive, and there's no cyclops (thank god).....its a clean look with that slightly raised sapphire crystal.

The combination of the olive green aluminium bezel and sunburst dial makes for a unique look. I've never seen any other watch with this shade of green.....The Harrods Tudor Black Bay comes very close. The minute plots are bone white and raised. The hands are 1/2 brushed and 1/2 polished making for some interesting light play. The stoplight second hand is the cherry on top. I would have preferred no Prospex logo, but i'm nitpicking at this point.

The stock rubber strap is decent. Its better than what came with the Turtles, Monsters etc. of old. But I found it too long and swapped it out for a black tropical as soon as it arrived. Drilled lugs make changing straps a breeze.

For me...this watch entered KEEPER STATUS when I paired it with an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet. It took this watch to the next level and I found myself really enjoying the experience. 

I sold my Seiko Mini-Alpinist because I found myself reaching for this Willard every time. I've owned Turtles, Mini-Turtles, Mini-Tunas, multiple Monsters, Alpinists etc. Of all the variants....this is the best Seiko I've ever owned.

The bezel action is awesome! I find myself playing with it all the time. Its stiffer than what I'm used to, very satisfying. Does the bezel line up?......nope.....a hair to the right......but so does my Tudor Pelagos LHD which costs 5 times as much.....I'll live.

If I could sum up this Seiko Willard it would be to say. This is a watch you can wear comfortably and respectably in a sea of Swiss Heavyweights. This is a watch you can wear on vacation, outdoors, and on any adventure. Its a tool watch for the unapologetic man....its my Green Watch.

AG