Saving Captain Willard's Seiko 6105-8119 Inspired by Wristwatch Revival & TGV The Urban Gentry

This watch and more, available for purchase at www.thetimekee...
This watch is undoubtedly one of the most impressive timepieces I've ever come across. I now fully understand the excitement surrounding it. I'm absolutely enamored with this watch. The process of restoring it and bringing it back to life was incredibly enjoyable. I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling way to spend my birthday. While my wife prepared a delicious cake for me, getting the Willard to tick again turned out to be the standout moment of the day, a sentiment she wholeheartedly shares.
This watch arrived in quite a sorry state; it was laden with grime, nonfunctional, its bezel stubbornly seized, and the crystal in a deplorable condition. Upon inspecting the inside of the caseback, it became apparent that this timepiece had likely never been serviced or even opened before. My goal was to preserve its originality as much as possible. It required two thorough cycles in the ultrasonic cleaner and a considerable amount of effort to rid it of years' worth of accumulated dirt. Remarkably, beneath the bezel, I discovered traces of what seemed like a time capsule of human DNA and perhaps a hint of algae, suggesting a previous owner with a potential affinity for diving. To breathe new life into it, I replaced the crystal with a resilient sapphire counterpart and fitted it with the appropriate strap.
This video project drew its inspiration from two of my all-time favorite watch-related KZbin channels: Marshall from Wristwatch Revival and TGV, the host of The Urban Gentry. Marshall had previously undertaken a project involving a timepiece similar to the one in this video, and his content was incredibly instrumental. His methodical approach, accompanied by his ability to present close-up views of watch components while explaining the intricate details, made it a valuable resource during the process.
On the other hand, TGV recently released a captivating video in which he discussed the Seiko Willard, a watch I happened to stumble upon just a few days after viewing his content. TGV's videos are consistently a delight, brimming with historical insights and an abundance of horological knowledge. If you're immersed in the world of watch enthusiasts on KZbin, you're likely already well-acquainted with their channels, as they are esteemed figures in the community.
I'm also on Instagram @the_time_keep
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#captainwillard #Seiko6105 #seiko ‪@theurbangentry‬

[@time_keep]

This watch and more, available for purchase at www.thetimekeep.com/

[@theurbangentry]

Wow, amazing video, so sorry I am only just seeing this. Thank you for taking the time to share this. Bloody . You have a new subscriber! Keep up the great work. That last shot, just epic! Best regards, TGV

[@time_keep]

I don't think I can express how happy I am to read this comment. Thank you for your kind words. You have no idea how much this means to me. You literally made my day. I was watching your recent video reacting to watch collections. Thank you for all you do! More videos coming soon. 😎

[@sanooda87]

I just love how the watch comes to life at 14:17 😍 it’s like its heart started beating again! ❤ it’s quite emotional actually. Love your work and dedication to these neglected timepieces.

[@TickBloodyTock]

Take a bow...an amazing effort on an amazing time piece....well done ✌️

[@andrewbarnes5802]

Well done, that is now a stunning looking watch. Fairly rough condition from the get go, surprising how someone can let it get so bad but once you put the new crystal on and case it up, it looks brand new.

[@time_keep]

Thank you for your kind words and thanks for watching!

[@asplashofcitrus]

when the new crystal was installed 🔥🔥 Glad you and captain could make it happen! Can't wait for the next video 👏

[@bert2530]

Nice job man!!! And one of my favorite watches. I sadly just own a “homage” to this watch. Which in fact is unbelievable good in quality. But this one, the original,and made to a state which it should be, so not restored to brand new, is amazing.

[@NelsonDePalo]

wow, excellent job, I wish I had all that skill with my hands, and that wisdom, I have an affinity for mechanical watches, but all of them always end up in my great watchmaker friend, learning all this and having the tools is still a pending task . Thank you!!!

[@time_keep]

Thank you for your kind words. It is not that bad once you get the hang of it. I ruined a good number of movements before I got comfortable working on them. Recording the whole thing and taking pictures is key.

[@gtcih]

Nice job! I have a collection of about 15 6309 and 7s26 divers that I have modded. I learned how to service and regulate them from watching KZbin videos. It is very satisfying to see them perform as well as my high end watches. As a hobbyist I’m always on my hands and knees looking for parts on the floor😀

[@time_keep]

I can't even tell you how many times I have lost parts and spend hours looking for them. Lucky for me, my wife has very good vision and she finds them fast 😄

[@JohnnyKray]

Use a vacuum cleaner with a pair of pantyhose over the tube to act as a filter....might help to pick up small parts. Or even a magnet.

[@scottgastony4544]

Nice. I would use up a year's worth of patience doing one watch. And I would have 5 or 6 spare parts left over when I was done!

[@fw1421]

My 6105 crystal was much worse than that after I wore it for 15 years straight when I put it up. I was watching KZbin videos when Wristwatch Revival came on and Marshall was cleaning a 6105 and I recognized it. I went and dug around the back of my sock drawer and found mine. After watching the video I was motivated to find someone to service it and I wear it frequently now. An Uncle Seiko waffle band and it looks almost new.

[@time_keep]

It is truly an awesome watch and Marshall is indeed an inspiration. Thank you for watching!

[@renatocastelo48]

Amazing!

[@robalexander7348]

Thank you, a wonderful Capt Williard restoration of this nice watch. I have the modern day version which is of nice quality, but a lousey time keeper 👍 Au

[@time_keep]

Thank you!

[@nickjohnson217]

It’s a fantastic hobby, bringing life back to old watches is unmeasurably satisfying, it’s a hobby that grows with your experience as each watch is totally different than the last one, and you never stop learning with watchmaking, keep up with this quality content and you will be rewarded for your efforts, well done from another hobbyist watch paramedic 😉🍻🙏💚

[@time_keep]

I couldn't agree with you any more. Thank you for your kind remarks.

[@Little_Britain74]

What a beautiful job ❤ where did you get the replacement dome glass from?

[@time_keep]

I found the replacement on eBay. Thank you for watching!

[@ShaanOfficial005]

Great video. 🎉

[@speedypaul2314]

Wow, I have a willard in similar state, can you suggest where i might find some replacement hands, even just the seconds hand. Mine has been replaced with another type which has no traffic lights. Any help appreciated and what a wonderful job on the watch !!

[@time_keep]

I suggest checking eBay for replacements. I found some parts available for sale there. Let me know if you have any success in finding what you need.

[@Hialeah1925]

Do you offer this service sir!?

[@time_keep]

Honestly that will depend on the condition of the watch and your location. Please go to my website and send me an email with more details about your watch. Thank you!