A Week with the ‘Captain Willard’. Seiko’s SPB151 review.

The Seiko Prospex SPB151 isn't afraid of the spotlight. Since its debut in 2020, it's been lauded across the watch community as a worthy heir to the iconic Seiko 6105-8110. The Seiko 6105 was worn by Martin Sheen’s character, Captain Benjamin Willard in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, ‘Apocalypse Now’. While the movie connection adds a captivating layer of history, It mainly serves as a fixation point for watch enthusiasts. At least for me, It was something to covet over the last couple of years. The first thing that caught my eye was the unique case. The tonneau/cushion case shape flows smoothly and becomes protruding, smooth crown guards at the 4 o'clock position. The ‘Captain Willard’ wears like a 39mm on your wrist despite its 42mm measurement. Despite its visual impact and wide case, the watch wears quite comfortably on my 7.5-inch wrist. It's a design that is very similar to the turtle line but wears very differently on my wrist than my SRPE99. The Diashield coating on the case and bracelet gives the watch a slight grey sheen that to me, is reminiscent of titanium. Although I dislike the pins and collar system., I can turn a blind eye because of the decent build and the greatly improved clasp. I even like the dive extension! Beneath the greatly appreciated sapphire crystal, the deep matte black dial is a beauty. Bold indices and broad hands, generously coated with Lumibrite, offer effortless legibility in any light. Although I prefer Day and Date complications, I appreciate the lack of additional distraction of just a date window. There's no clutter, no distractions. It’s just an elegant rugged legible timepiece. As someone who values both accuracy and consistency, I was happy to find that the SPB151's bezel insert and dial markers line up seamlessly and the bezel action is smooth, tight, reassuring and satisfying. The heart of the SPB151 beats with the quiet confidence of the 6R35 automatic movement, a workhorse caliber, renowned for its reliability and impressive 70-hour power reserve. This isn't a movement that demands attention; it simply gets the job done, day in and day out, like a steadfast companion on your wrist. Its steady hum is a subtle reminder that true excellence often lies in quiet competence. For a week, the SPB151 has been my daily companion. It won't make any treks downriver or cut through any jungles but it will do its fair share of desk diving and email replying. Lastly, price. At $1300, the SPB151 is priced among Seiko’s other pricier watches, though you might find it slightly cheaper or dearer depending on condition. but I believe that $1300.00, although a high price, is understandable if not acceptable or justified. If you can snag one for cheaper, more power to you. Fate intervened and delivered this Captain Willard to me at a slightly lower cost. Whatever the price point, though, the SPB151, to me, isn't just about dollars and cents; it's about a watch on my wrist that reflects my own values – resilience, quiet consistency, and unwavering precision. A watch that reminds me that strength lies not in showy displays, but in quiet confidence and unwavering precision And that, my friends, is priceless.