This case design with a black dial by the original Seiko 6105 watch (1968 - 1970) gained immense popularity with the film 'Apocalypse Now' in 1979, starring Martin Sheen as Captain Willard (wearing the watch), on a secret mission to assassinate Colonel Kurtz (played by Marlon Brando), an allegedly insane, renegade Special Forces officer accused of murder. The watch therefore came to be known as Seiko 'Captain Willard' 6105.
The Steeldive SD1970 Great Wave Turtle Diver iteration of this watch has the same case design with added attributes - it pays tribute to two greats in history:
First, to the Great Wave off Kanagawa, Japan, a concept made immortal by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai who during the Edo period of Japanese history, created a woodblock print in 1831 as a symbolic image of an important change happening to Japanese society through the presence of foreign influences coming from the uncertainty of the sea and opposed to the firmness and stillness of Mount Fuji, the established symbol for the soul of Japan. The print depicted three boats moving through a storm-tossed sea, with a large, cresting wave forming a spiral in the centre and Mount Fuji visible in the background. This painting earned international accolades, was among the most reproduced art images in art history, and inspired several Western artists and musicians to create their own wave-themed works.
Second, to Seiko's watch case silhouette, side view and watch case back resembling a turtle with its curved shell, nicknamed 'King Turtle'.
The case finishing is exactly reproduced as the Captain Willard case with brushed and polished surfaces. I particularly like the screw-down rear cover featuring an etched manufacturer's monogram, raised and polished on a brushed background.
Although it is a large (and heavy : 207 gms.) watch, the solid end-links curve down quite a bit ensuring the watch and bracelet closely follow the curve of your wrist. The solid, three-link stock bracelet features polished sides and a brushed top/bottom surface.
I slapped on the optional silicon belt which being of a perfectly matching shade of green, provides great continuity to the green chapter ring and bezel. I love the port-holes on the belt which accentuate the oceanic theme of this timepiece.
The highlight of this watch and the prime deal-clincher for me is the full-dial lume which not only makes the watch more spectacular than it already is, but will surely be a conversation-initiator.
As always, the 316L stainless steel case and bracelet and that rugged Seiko NH35 automatic movement make the entire package a very sweet deal.
I am a returning customer to Dream Watches chiefly due to their prompt responses and assistance in helping me select the most suitable timepieces from their wide selection. Wishing DW all the very best of luck!