Why This Watch Matters A part of Seiko's second generation of divers, this ref. 6105-8000 is an excellent example of a watch we don't see pop up for sale very often. The Full Story Seiko first dipped its toe into the dive watch world with the 62MAS, released in 1965. As diving became a popular recreational activity through the 1950s and into the 1960s, Seiko was actually a bit behind the curve on creating a dedicated watch for it. What the brand lacked in timing it made up for in unique design. The release was a step outside the comfort zone of the brand but proved to be a success, leading the way for a line of Seiko divers that would come to change the watch world. In 1967 and 1968, Seiko revamped their diver lineup by releasing two watches: One for the everyday customer who might hit the water once in a while, and another for the professional. The ref. 6215-7000 was the professional model, water-resistant to 300 meters, and the ref. 6105-8000 was that casual diver, rated to 150 meters. Both new Seiko divers had an "anti-snag" crown placed at four o'clock and a c-shaped case, making them the first watches to feature these details that ultimately came to be calling cards for the brand's sport watches. The ref. 6105-8000 is the last vintage Seiko diver to have a "SEIKO" signed crown; starting with the ref. 6105-8110 "Willard" that came after, crowns were unsigned. The watch we have today is an example of that everyday diving watch, the ref. 6105-8000. Sitting in between two much more well-known and collectible watches, the 62MAS and the "Willard," this second generation Seiko diver is often overlooked. That being said, interest has been bubbling up more recently for this watch as collectors look for value in vintage Seiko. With the classic Seiko details like a c-shaped stainless steel case, four o'clock crown position, and distinct externally rotating bezel, this is a great iteration of a rich diving watch lineage. We paired this Seiko 6105 with our black kangaroo leather single-piece strap to play into the utilitarian design of details like the "anti-snag" crown and large case shape and size. The Fine Print Maker: SeikoModel: DiverReference: 6105-8000Year: 1970Case No: 062523Material: Stainless steel41mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Seiko, self-winding, caliber 6105ABracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Black Kangaroo Single-Piece Watch StrapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - C-shaped large case- Seiko-signed crown at four o'clock- Quick-set date Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Seiko ref. 6105-8000 is in overall very nice, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches, and the finish is present on the top of the case. The edges on the case are crisp with some light nicks. The numbers and Seiko stampings are clearly visible on the caseback as well as the writing around the edges. Some scratching is seen on the caseback from removal in the past. The dial is in good condition with light patina and has a few light spots throughout. The lume on the dial and on the hands has developed patina and are matching in color, having aged to an off-white cream color. The borders of the hands and hour markers have also developed patina. The bezel is in great overall condition with some scratches. The crystal has a few scratches. The dial, case, crown, and movement are all signed by Seiko. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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