Seiko 6105 "Captain Willard" Vintage Watch Restoration

[@G-regular503]

I remember in high school everyone wanted a Seiko. I've always wanted one with the glass back so you can see the movement. Another killer video.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

I love the fact that you don't have music in these videos. Great instructional videos!

[@danmason6116]

Yeah that would totally ruin the video

[@AllanO808]

YES! It's much better for me, as I'm profoundly deaf and rely on the subtitles, but it is still lovely to hear that calm voice, even though I still need subs to fully understand. I absolutely hate the other channels, which are just silent and no subtitles I refuse to waste my time on them

[@tomhill4003]

No music needed! Marshall is an accidental ASMR for gearheads and watch enthusiasts. His voice is so soothing.

[@cartoonsbyjohn]

I bought this exact watch in the Navy also overseas during the Vietnam era in the Pacific exchange for about $45 at the time. I have used this rugged watch high diving and skin diving, maintenance aircraft duty on the flight decks of aircraft carriers and has been through hell and back, dropped and banged up numerous times and just keeps on ticking. It does lose a few minutes a day but I can get that service again. I was curious in watching you doing the disassembly on components this watch to confirm it’s durability. Brings back lots of exciting memories. Glad you also enjoy this watch too and thanks for sharing.

[@zawzawaung6789]

For American GI's in Asia, this watch was known as the "poor man's Rolex Submariner". It started in the early 1960s when Special Forces guys and other troops were serving in small batches in Vietnam and Laos, on an unusual arrangement where they collected a lot of money in per diems. Jewelers in Bangkok and Saigin made a pile selling them Rolexes and star sapphire rings, and these became the 'in' accessories. Later the Seikos became popular with GIs because besides being cheap, they were dependable and not so expensive that losing one would be a major hit. Some guys would sharpen the edge of the bezel to a razor edge for fighting; a backhand across the face with the bezel would cut a face to the bone, allow for lots of dramatic bloodshed. The bezel ring could also be used as a pace counter when doing dead reckoning navigation in the jungle, one click for every hundred meters. Could be used for measuring burn rate on time fuse...a million handle things about the click bezel.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Wow, that really brings these tools into focus for the people who actually used them! Thanks for the info.

[@andysmith1996]

Sharpening the bezel to a razor-edge sounds like an urban myth - first, it's on your wrist, not the back of your hand, so it would be difficult to back-hand someone with the bezel and, second, if it's that sharp, you've just made your bezel unusable for anything except cutting. You'd cut yourself if you tried to use it to time anything and possibly even if you were just adjusting the time. Good story, though.

[@zawzawaung6789]

@@andysmith1996 The first time I bought one of these in the PX in Korea it was $35 all-in. Believe me we had a unit full of absolute nutters; sharpening the bezel was not actually necessary to open up cheeks and forehead in a dust-up, but idiots did it anyway. Another popular use for the bezel was timing time fuse burn for demo. The G-shock kind of unseated the Seiko as the go-to field watch.

[@alanwayte432]

Wow Zaw considering you work at McDonald’s drive thru that’s fairly impressive

[@Jonescan55]

@@alanwayte432 he’s got time on his hands!

[@BrotherClint-eg7vf]

I like how u included showing your mistakes and corrections. It's honest and encouraging for beginners in the hobby that they aren't the only ones messing up occassionally.

[@claudea79]

Great video, Marshall! Certain parts (wheels) are made from special reinforced plastics (Composites) to minimize/eliminate the need for lubricant, thereby reducing the overall lubricant used. Excess lube will find its way where it is detrimental to the movement.

[@nunchaks700]

Seiko definitely does it better than Tissot

[@ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΣΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ]

Thank you for not cutting the scenes when you fail in something. It gives me hope to continue that hobby because i can see that even the best have bad moments. Keep up the great work and thank you for all that excellent videos!!

[@tonyclements3680]

Actually adds a little bit of comedy too :-)

[@retourmoto]

I don't even like watches that much, but this is the 16th video from you that I'm watching, it's such a nice experience with you explaining everything and give like a little tour to the viewer about watchmaking...can't really explain it but it's so nice that I just sit down and watch 2-3 in a row easily. Thank you for such nice content.

[@babist4852]

Hey there. I have been following you for about a month and your videos are awesome. Educative and your narration style makes it easy to go through the 50 odd minutes. I'm an engineer and love these watches. There are engineering marvels. I have read through a couple of pages of comments and didn't see anyone give you an answer regarding the plastic gear, so here it goes :) . Plastic gear ( especially POM-Polyoxymethylene, Polyacteal or plain acetyl or Derlin) are used because this material is self lubricating and strong. Also dampens some vibrations if vibrations are a thing in that particular area and are a lot quieter when running. Also in some cases if thermal expansion is an issue, plastic gears minimize this issue. I know plastic is considered a "cheap" solution, but manufacturing a plastic gear so small with the required dimensional accuracy ( that is required in a mechanism like this) is quite difficult and expensive. Hope this helps. Keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@flyingphotography5770]

@ Pascal G Thank you. I had a hunch the plastic is self-lubricating. Japanese discipline eschews cheap for imagined cost savings. Bean counters in Japan do not enjoy the status nor importance of American and western accountants. The rich history of Seiko, their ability to innovate, and their cultural ideology keeps Seiko as a force to contend with. The 7S26 movement, for example, is decades old, and is a tank in endurance. Yeah, no, plastic is not cost saving, it is ingenious.

[@babist4852]

@@flyingphotography5770 Yes Exactly! Good Engineering and Innovation uses the "best" materials for each situation. An extremity of this is Aerospace and F1 cars! In these two cost is no issue, but in everyday products you innovate to give the best solution within a budget. Cheers!

[@mathete9968]

This is the reply I was waiting for. I wondered about the gear material also. I have a background in both university engineering and much more so, university science, as well as engineering trades.. I remember learning about properties of metal and metal alloy materials and how they interact to enhance minimal wear characteristics, So I an unsurprised by your comments on the use of a polymer for its lubricant properties . Totally agree about his voice and ability as a presenter. He reminds me very much of a Professor of Hebrew named Allan P Ross. Professor Ross has a voice and manner EXACTLY like this man and he is also very rast to listen to and learn from. Very gifted individuals

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Derlin is such a wonder material. It's also less brittle than the hardened metal gears, nobody likes to break a tooth.

[@TOMKATPEDALS]

I believe the plastic was also more forgiving if the quick set date was adjusted too close to midnight and wouldn’t ruin the date mechanism as easily.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

Thanks for sharing! I was given a 6105-8009 which is very similar to this (from c.1970) by my father who's father was career US Navy and bought it originally on the Navy Exchange in Honolulu. He gave it to my dad who wore it half his life and then gave it to me for my 16th birthday. I found the classic "waffle strap" is the way to go if you're not going the NATO strap route. An exceptional watch! My other grandfather was career British Army and I have his Smiths W10 as well which I cherish. It's so neat to have watches from both my grandfathers now they are both gone. I've worn them both through my 20s and plan to keep them forever and pass them to my son one day. I've added a modern seiko diver which I can actually take in the pool and ocean and nice Seiko 6R15-00C1 to complement the collection

[@bigmikeh5827]

As a young airborne soldier stationed in Alaska in the early 80s this seiko was the mark of a professional NCO. Came back from a deployment to Ft Sherman, panama and had one wrapped waiting for me. My wife found out I had been selected for promotion to Sergeant. Wore it daily for about 10 years. The time hack was critical for setting the time on our cryptographic radio sets. My youngest son wears it now. The G-shock was more popular after the 80s. A great watch for an Airborne Ranger. ⛩ Thank you for the video. Great technique on your presentation.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Awesome story Mike, thanks for sharing it. Also really glad to hear your son wears the watch now, that's awesome. Also thanks for your service.

[@calsurflance5598]

I have owned a 6309 “turtle” for 35 years. It has been serviced with new seals and gaskets. It is still my go to watch for diving, though I have several dive watches. These old Seikos are built like a tank.

[@scottfulps2065]

Those older Seiko divers are fantastic watches. Very underrated although lately they’re catching on fire. The Seiko 6105 is a gem. Very collectible. Great video!

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Everything vintage is on fire now

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

It is sad how those who love watches and are not rich can no longer mine the vintage market for gems like we could before

[@CMD_Line]

@@GarrySkipPerkins exactly and the people that buy them now don't necessarily care or have the same passion for them. It's all monies.

[@rehakmate]

I inherited one from my grandfather, he wore it to work for 30 years. I absolutely love it, did a complete internal servicing on it when I got it, and polished the original crystal because it was very very scratched, kept everything original.

[@jimnunn9232]

When I was in Vietnam I purchased two of these one was stainless the other was a goldstone case. they cost under $9.00 each. One of the best watches I have owned. Gave the gold tone watch to my brother in the 80's and it was the show piece of his collection.

[@samrodian919]

I love Seiko watches. I've consistently had them since my early 20's and I'm 68 now. Currently on my second solar powered titanium and I just love it. I've still go two automatics that still work and have never been serviced, one beat up to hell as I worked as a mechanic and never took it off lol

[@gregash7683]

Love your channel! Broad variety of watch examples. Your photography, micro photography, and lighting are exceptional. The BEST part is your voice-over narratives that both teach your craft and share the personal side of your hobby. You don't hide and edit-out your challenges. This transparency reveals your personal character and draws serious viewers. Well done, good and faithful watch restorer - I look forward to many future videos!

[@skauffman74]

Man, I have to say... You are extremely good explaining with your own voice and pace; actually, the video gets alive and is way more better with you as a host and commentator!!! Awesome combination, Sir.

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

Really interesting one and thanks for the background. I really appreciate your honesty in not editing out where it doesn't quite go right. Thanks again.

[@michael4382]

Wow, my watch! Purchased for me by my father when we lived in Fiji in the 70's. Still works but needs a new crystal and a good service. Great video.

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

That is a great watch. Check the eBay pricing! It is a cool model rapidly rising in value

[@medea27]

A truly iconic watch 👌Others have mentioned the benefits of a 4 o'clock crown avoiding catching on clothing, but it's more about _accessibility..._ it enables divers (and soldiers) to easily change/set the time while it's still on your wrist _and_ when using gloves (big fingers can manipulate it without your wrist or the cuff of wetsuits/gloves/shirts/etc getting in the way, like it does with a 3 o'clock crown). And those huge boxes instead of numbers are much easier to see through a facemask at 20m deep, leaving the numbers for the bezel functions. I love watches that are pure function first & form second, and this Seiko is exactly that.

[@philgallagher1]

Nice work with the main spring! I am impressed that you left that in.... Lots of people would've skipped that. I always think it's really important to show any "mistakes". You are further along in the hobby than me, so it's good to see where problems could arise, and to know 1. You're not the only one to make those types of mistakes, 2. There are always ways to get out of any holes you fall down, and 3. It's not "stupidity", just lack of experience! Thank you for sharing that we ALL make mistakes when we are learning!

[@WristwatchRevival]

You bet! And yes, we ALL make those mistakes and I still make a ton of them (fewer and fewer each time I hope!)

[@steveherring8494]

first of all you have to stop calling them mistakes they are not mistakes they are learning experiences so you don't do it again. love the channel. i think i have a baby brother to the captain willard. i got mine in 1971. it has a red face it a dive watch too. i haven't worn it much. it did spend about a week in the bottom of the swimming pool until i remember when and where i took it off. i stop wearing it after that. i was afraid i would lose it. i then took it back home and left it there. other than the red face it looks very similar to the/ your captain.

[@jamesstevenson5631]

Its always nice to come across an early video of Marshall's that I've not seen before, particularly 3 years and under as he and his kit are newer to the game and you get to watch uninterrupted without an ad cutting in every 5 mins. Bigup the horology massive, new project starts this avo 💪🇬🇧⌚

[@margueritejourdan]

Beautiful watch! I love it when you say “we did it”, makes it feel as we were actually there servicing this beauty with you ;-)

[@lawrencelamb9601]

Just found your channel while searching for videos on my Captain Willard 6105. Excellent content. I like the fact that you share what tools you are using. Thanks for doing this. I have dabbled with watches for decades. My father was a watchmaker. He started his training in 1939. I still have his bench and tools and now that I'm retired, I'm starting to do more. I'm also a huge fan of Apocalypse Now, feeling that it really captured the atmosphere of Vietnam. I really appreciate your doing this video and will probably watch it over and over. Thank you.

[@marirrintriagoloo1266]

🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

[@CyberRabid.]

Quickset calendar and hacking in a 1960's watch? Seiko was most definitely ahead of its time. The more I learn about the brand the more I love it!

[@SgtMacska]

And they came out with the first quartz around that time too. They were definitely not slacking. Wonder if the fact that there were two competing Seikos within the umbrella brand (Daini and Suwa) was responsible for that

[@Phaser1x]

“I love the smell of recently serviced watches in the morning. It smells like…precision.”

[@wsawyer2]

Your videos are second to none. The running narrative sets the video apart from the others I have watched. and a heck of much more interesting. I look forward to each new one.

[@m.a.jarrar4103]

Just beautiful, the whole thing, the watches, the pace, the undisputable craftsmanship, thank you for all of it.

[@hasininan5501]

This one was manufactured in November 1974, it's clear from the first 2 digits of the serial number on the caseback.

[@rshumful]

😍😍😍

[@Judah.Rosenthal]

One of the things I love about Seiko is how easy it is to buy based on the year.

[@WEKM]

The end of last year, I just bought my first "high end" watch. A Citizen Eco-Drive Brycen chronograph. I love it, and appreciate it even more, from watching your videos.

[@pauldiplock205]

I couldn’t begin to be able to do this. How on Earth does he remember where each bit goes? Brilliant.

[@dropj3]

Practice makes perfect. When you understand the basic functions of the parts, you'll recognize the different versions. It's like a car engine. A crankshaft may look a little different, but it remains a crankshaft. Same goes all the other parts

[@watchluver]

I learned by purchasing old non working pocket watches for under $25.00 off of eBay, just start one screw at a time and lots of pictures as you go and go slow really slow ... Worse case scenario the watch still doesn't work! It took me about 3 or 4 watches before i started getting a little more comfortable.

[@lol4fun]

He watches the video in reverse

[@drizztdourden5291]

Pretty easy buddy also you can use your vid for memory.

[@drizztdourden5291]

@@lol4fun right I brought the watchtime online class course to learn.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Nice, a bling free watch, no confusing little dials on the main dial, no unneeded thingies happening on the edges... Love those kind of watches :)

[@doicounttoo6861]

That's with the older diver's watches. However, I always wondered why you needed the date underwater :) I bought the titanium 6159-7010 in 1976, served me for 26 years in diving and still wearing it today.

[@richardsinclair9449]

The white plastic part is actually a shock absorber for the watch movement in the case, it was a more pliant piece when new and has now hardened with age, always replace when possible...

[@michaelshuey1614]

I have to say, after a long day of work, it’s so relieving to unwind to your windings.

[@alexcraig8543]

Love the 6105 and 6309. I have a vintage 6309 I'd love to see serviced like that. It's the most comfortable watch I've ever worn, and it's pretty much bullet proof. This was a fantastic video. Cheers!

[@matthewburnham7383]

Love my 6309-7040

[@Banana_Cognac]

My Dad gave me his Seiko chrono Speedmaster that he bought in Japan in the early 80s. It was his daily wear. I remember him having it on all the time. Doesn't run, unfortunately. Watching your videos, makes me want to have someone check it out and get this bad boy telling time again.

[@lazyhominid]

The reason for the 4 o'clock crown is to keep it from digging into your hand when you bend your hand upwards while doing things like diving or being in combat. It's a lot more comfortable for wearing while being active in that way. Some other dive watches put the crown on the left instead. I prefer the 4 o'clock solution.

[@joemoore4027]

Great watch. I bought one when I was in the Navy in 1976 for the high price of $25.00. I passed over the Rolex Stainless Datona for $400.00 ( big mistake !!! ). But I still wear my Seiko just about every day and it still looks and keeps time very well after all these years. I replaced the rubber wrist strap as most of them crack over time with Seiko's stainless steel one. A true classic. People still comment on it, love it.

[@TonyManero88]

Watching this video is so relaxing and educational! I recently had my own 6105-8110 serviced, and videos like this help me better understand what is going on inside. Thanks for sharing

[@ronnied13]

The mainspring snapped as it left the barrel, little bugger. A great job on one of my favourite watches

[@Supercruze]

Nice work. For loading the mainspring into the barrel from the preloaded washer, find a decent wood screw with a flat head about the size of the ID of the MS washer and use that to push the spring into the barrel vs using your tweezers. You will get a much better result without risking the mainspring coming unwound.

[@rodneyadderton1077]

I am partial to Seiko because that used to be my Dad's favorite brand. He would buy himself one every few Christmases. Especially in the 80's. Another great watch and informative video.

[@brantisonfire]

I’ve got an “homage” version of this by Steeldive. I love the unique case shape and the lume is great. It also has a NH35 movement so it’s a decent time keeper.

[@hangtenboy]

I do too. Went with the bronze case and I really love it. It was worn at my wedding and so it’s my Top 1 favorite watch for many reasons!

[@MorellioBenoir]

Built to be serviced is such a wonderful and overlooked thing a lot of times. Anything that you do professionally should be easy for a novice or journeyman to take over. Design can be beautiful and unique, and in that uniqueness, draw the next person in to want to work on it. That's the best message from designer to observer. Love. :)

[@valengreymoon5623]

The mainspring barrel arbor ports are major wear areas, so you might want to check for a wobbly barrel. If it does wobble, the ports will need to be drilled and have jewels installed.

[@chasekemp4982]

Someone has been watching Spencer Klein;)

[@valengreymoon5623]

@@chasekemp4982 Indeed. I wish I had found his channel before I had my 6309-7040 overhauled, and the so-called repairman failed to tell me my watch had the same barrel port issue.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

You make this look way easier than it is. Once I saw the size of the jewels on top of the balance with my own eyes, I had a new level of respect for what you're doing. I was practicing with a junk watch. I got the balance jewel off and back on once, but on the second try, a part went flying. I didn't try looking for it for very long. I was able to laugh because it wasn't one of my good watches.

[@joeskeptical4762]

*_The forerunner of The Turtle, very nice job. Well done!_*

[@scottfulps2065]

I miss the Turtle! My grandfather wore one.

[@f1hotrod527]

The engineering in the watch is awesome. Its like the Swiss watches are well made, but made like they always have been made. This watch is like you got many talented engineers together and said, make a watch, and make it how you want to.

[@martyaguilar6299]

Hey, there, Marshall! Relatively new viewer and subscriber, and I'm totally loving watching you work! I did have one minor request. While you do a fantastic job showing us disassembly and assembly, I was hoping you might show us a bit of calibration with the timing machine when you have a watch that you want to adjust when it's losing time. I presume it has to do with that little fork above the balance that has the little inscribed gradations. Anyhow, just a small thing. Keep up the great work. Loving your thoroughness and willingness to explain what you're doing and why. Love the little historical montages too! Cheers!

[@halfspeaker]

Was thinking the same!

[@scubaseppy]

I have never been into watches ever in my life until watching your videos. I have a machining background so I can appreciate the craftsmanship. All I want is all the tools and start taking watches apart now...

[@johnstyron6543]

Very humble, positive and informative video!

[@bjw4859]

I must have missed this one as I think I would have remembered it, I just did a quick Ebay search & original ' Captain Willards ' go from $1500 to $5000 + but there did seem to be some nice looking lookalikes at about $200, I was unable to find a new version by Seiko & was aboul to ask but you read my mind, good to know they exist, love finding one of your videos that I have not seen before, cheers.

[@pmill5781]

As usual, great video with simple explanations of movements, parts, etc. Thank You!!!

[@E150GT]

That was really cool. I am having my 6105 serviced for the first time soon. it's from 1972 and my dad got it new.

[@xKold]

Dude, I literally get excited when you post new videos! One of very few watch restoration channels on youtube that not only does it well, but does it right! Please keep them coming! Your videos are awesome!

[@terrygruver3896]

I enjoy your videos because your explicit narrative makes it much easier to understand. Thank you for making my obsession worth my time and engery.

[@brookealexander9728]

Enjoy watching you videos. It’s like watching Bob Ross paint and explain his way through the video , very fun 🤩. You got yourself a new subscriber 👏

[@rutheri]

I don't think I've enjoyed a youtube video more than this. You have such skills. Thankyou for taking time to make this. A favourite model of watch of mine for sure.

[@ssnoc]

I’m mesmerized with these videos ..... I watch them from beginning to end, they are so damn interesting 👍

[@iconartDOTca]

Thank you for leaving the (new) mainspring loading error in this video. A lot of people would’ve cut that out but it’s helpful to see it happen.

[@josephstratti52]

Very clear description of order of disassembly and reassembly even to the point of revising as he figured the correct way on the hop.Great resource for anyone needing to maintain this robust 17 jewel movement for the first time.Needs to be applauded for the effort in making this video.

[@MCMXI1]

Love the Willard and Seiko divers in general. Would love to see more here

[@AudioFlat]

The use of plastic gears is very interesting (to me anyway ;)). Cost will not be the issue as material cost is almost inconsequential for such small parts and producing tiny components from plastic is actually much more difficult than you would think. I suspect the reason it is done is because plastics like Nylon have self lubricating properties.

[@SgtMacska]

That is what I’ve heard too. The plastic parts don’t need publication so the watch can go longer without a service. But I don’t know if the parts that are plastic in this Seiko movement are in particularly high-friction places.

[@Mr2handyandy]

As already mentioned plastic should have a lower coefficient of friction but also won’t tarnish/corrode over time. Also probably lighter which I would think improves efficiency.

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

I think you are dead right.

[@GeorgeNovak]

Great to see a 6105 brought back to working condition. I have a 6309-7050 from 1984 that runs like a champ, though I always loved the 6105 case. Sadly that design got popular and is no longer affordable. Seiko has reissued a similar design, and I may get one! BTW - Years ago, I purchased a new RADO 2836 movement for use in a project. The movement was brand new stock purchased at a time when you could buy Swiss movements without the whole watch. Due to some unfortunate incidents with less than reputable watch makers, I have been unable to do anything with that movement. I believe the keyless works may be jammed or some other misfortune occured in the hands of others. I tried repairing the movement myself, but I'm more comfortable with older more sturdy Seiko movements. In other words, I got it somewhat apart, and gave up. There were a few missing screws, which were a result of the previous people who I mistakenly entrusted with the movement. So, now I have this nice movement, a bunch of other parts (I assume they belong with the movement). I'd like to send it to someone who can give it life again, or a student that can practice with it. I just don't want to see it stay in this condition. Would you like it, or know someone who would want it? I'd be happy to pack it off, and give it another chance. Thanks!

[@bookofjames]

Thank you for all the great content! If I may request u feature more japanese movements like Seiko and Orient etc? I know they are not the most financially worthwhile to service or restore but it would be great to compare japanese and swiss movements and see what are the differences. Love the channel and content!

[@ossian108]

My favourite movie. I saw it at a medium sized cinema when i was 16. My jaw dropped.

[@petercampbell3828]

Another great video. Your "honest" commentary is informative AND entertaining. That Batgirl kept distracting me though😄.

[@matthewbessey681]

A truly iconic watch and piece of design and as you say, made to last !

[@Marx-Lennon]

You’re just putting all he little screws and pieces all in the same place! How do you know where they all go back? Especially after saying this is your first Seiko?!?!? Amazing

[@YourOldDog]

Putting the crown on at 4 o'clock position would prevent the crown from being pulled out when removing you hand from a front pocket, great feature. My Seiko gps watch crown is forever being pulled out when I reach for my car keys. Enjoyed your video very much.

[@ranmoto6741]

Stunning watch! That asymmetric bizarre case really makes it stand out from a collection. What a great watch to have.

[@Ermengrabby]

Hi, Marshall -- drafting on MTG Arena and listening to your watch video voiceover on a quiet Saturday night. Thanks.

[@tedblack2415]

Great stuff ,thoroughly enjoyed it & top results, i can see why the design elements are far more appealing than its miyota counterpart & why its prefered.

[@epyonjan]

In my younger years (around early to late college) I listened to your narration and commentary through the MTG pro scene. and after a few years got into watches and loved watching your videos and narration. When I saw your Nato strap video, I thought you looked familiar. and SOUNDED FAMILIAR. dug a bit, AND IT ALL MAKES SENSE~! love your works~

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

Love horology, love Seikos and I love watching videos like this. Awesome job mate. I am slowly building my watch tools so I can do my own work and videos like this really go a long way to keeping me on track with my passion. Love the "Willard" and just got the reissue from Japan.

[@g.r.isidro938]

I like the way you clearly explain, in detail, what you are doing...what the various parts do...how things come together. Thanks!

[@Bob.martens]

This is one of the last Seiko's where the crown is actually at 4 o'clock. All modern ones are at 3:47 to have the standard date wheel on any movement interchangable between 3 and '4' o'clock cases. The otherwise almost perfect reissue SLA033-crown is at 4:10, for the same reason. Seiko were too cheap to print a custom datewheel for 4K.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Interesting, I never knew that, thanks for sharing!

[@lanesteele240]

Hello marshall. I just “watched” an old 50’s video on how watches work and it helped me understand the mechanics of watches. Im still not going to service a watch but it is awesome to view this anyway

[@TerryLawrence001]

I love the smell of watch oil in the morning. It smells like victory! ;-)

[@WindingDreams]

I always tought wartches were for old boring snobs but this side of it is really fun. An old watch with a story is a lot more interesting than whatever brand is supposed to be luxurious, in my opinion.

[@1ttanker]

One of the best watches I ever owned. Sadly it now sits in some obscure box as I could never get it repaired the nearest repair in the early eighties was three states away and the cost was prohibitive .

[@GarrySkipPerkins]

Check the value of that watch. A service for $400 is reasonable (you could sell it for three times that post-service)

[@woolfy101]

Once again you show a watch I hadn’t seen and now is on my wish list. Super good stuff.

[@jimstanley_49]

I would imagine that they did indeed go searching for parts they could convert to plastic for cost savings, and then only do it to those few parts that were truly non-critical. Some of the calendar parts sound like good candidates. Only have to turn once a day, fine timing isn't needed...

[@greggaieck4808]

Wrist watch Revival I like watching your utube videos on restoreing wrist watchs and pocket watchs

[@21asds]

The plastic parts are to reduce wear on the day/date change.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

Hmmmm, interesting. I don't doubt it by any means but why wouldn't they use plastic parts for other high-wear areas? There has to be other mechanisms of the watch that could benefit from reduced wear. Is there something specific to the date works that predisposes it to higher wear than other areas?

[@21asds]

@@SlapShotRegatta22 I'm not quite sure myself, I read somewhere that those wheels are not under a lot of stress, plastic is more flexible so it could help prevent accidentally damaging the wheel if you change the date at midnight, or maybe it's just a way to reduce production cost.

[@barrymorrow9622]

Hello, loved you video on service of the Seiko 6105, I am lucky enough to have one that my mother gave me on my 21st Birthday back in 1977, I was a bit of a Surfer so wore it a lot in the ocean over here in Sydney Australia. I have had it serviced/restored a few years ago and it is still running well, though loosing a bit of time now. Sadly since the service it is no longer water resistant and after getting some moisture in it after swimming no longer wear it in the water. Once again thank you for the video, keep up the hobby and please keep posting videos of your journey.

[@MMitchellMarmel]

I'm wondering if the plastic bits are either a) self lubricating or b) anti-magnetic?

[@troynasello2085]

So seiko could save a couple pennies per unit. Only thing that needs to be antimagnetic is the balance.

[@RedWolfRedWolfRedWolf]

The first swiss Quartz calibre the 35x series had a Teflon gear and that was definitely not made for cost cutting. I wouldn’t be surprised if that part in this seiko was actually Teflon.

[@ГянджаТойс]

noise reducing

[@Andrew.W75]

I think they were meant to be self lubricating & are not under stress so can be made plastic!

[@MrGrentch]

@@RedWolfRedWolfRedWolf If you're referring to the Girard Perregaux(with input from JLC) calibres, they had teflon bearings instead of jewels, an effort to reduce maintenance. And it worked very well, though people were and are hung up on "jewels" sounding luxurious so it never caught on. I've a few of those watches and a couple were sold as not working and on closer inspection I found someone had oiled those teflon bearings during their lifetime.(the JLC designed "maintenance free" date mech is one of their weak points). Removed the oil and off they ran. It wasn't the first Swiss quartz wristwatch calibre in the wild either. That would be the Beta 21 series and the Longines UltraQuartz(have one of them too. Insane design :) ). The GP 350 series were the first to use the 32768 Hz frequency that the vast majority use down to today(their stepping motor design was superior too, but didn't catch on, likely because of cost).

[@PapaC-o9b]

200 amp give or take 5 is spot on buddy, i have the same watch brought it 40 years ago in Japan new old stock. well done.

[@troynasello2085]

You're not gonna change the gasket in the crown? From what I've seen it's a pain in the ass, gotta disassemble and rebuild the crown assembly. But important for water resistance.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Yeah I didn't find one in time for the video, and I also haven't done that before. I'll try to track a new one down and replace it.

[@t4nkman]

I found this absolutely spellbinding. Wow. Amazing.

[@troynasello2085]

November, 1974 is the manufacture date of this watch. The serial number on the caseback tells that.

[@crbswiss]

The date on the back of the dial is October of the same year

[@troynasello2085]

Was it? It could a been, I may have remembered it wrong. Wait, you said dial. Ok. The dials were commonly made a month before or sometimes even after the case was manufactured in the factory. It's actually rare to see them from the same month. I was going from the caseback at the beginning of the video. It read 4N

[@troynasello2085]

Ok, I just watched it again and the first 2 entries on the serial number are 4N. Just to explain for those who don't know, because I realize you know how to read the dates; So that means 1974 & November. The first digit is the year in the decade and the second is the month, but it's usually a number. 1 is January, 2 is February, 3vis March, etc. But because the last 3 months are represented by 2 digits such as 10 for October, 11 for November And 12 for December, seiko used the first letter of the name of the month for these last 3 months of the calendar to reduce confusion. The serial number on the back of this 6106-8110 clearly started with 4N.

[@crbswiss]

@@troynasello2085 I wasn't trying to say you were wrong, in fact the dial being produced in October would reinforce your comment. From what little i know about this, mostly watching Spencer Klein videos and a little of my own research into my 6309-7040, the dial was often dated from the month before the caseback date.

[@Andrew.W75]

A lot of people here who watch Spencer Klein lol including me!

[@dismaldunc]

thanks Marshall, I really enjoyed that. I'm new to this game and can see me enjoying Seiko watches a lot. I love the tiny push-pull autowind mech.

[@michaeljasminestewart1618]

I like the vids but wow a little overkill on the ads.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Yeah sorry, I went in and trimmed a couple of them out. They were auto-added in. These videos take a ton of time and money to make and I don't currently make anything from them besides the small amount you get from ads, so it's a hard balance to find right now. Hopefully taking a few out helps. Thanks for watching!

[@AhuCJ]

Wristwatch Revival I find mind the ads at all king. Keep it going

[@jimpfitzinger9604]

Marshall, great video, as always. Thanks for showcasing a 6105.

[@nickmorrell385]

you sound like seth rogan... i lvoe it! sub'd!

[@ilyacibotari718]

Hi Marshal! I am a nube here at the watches world, just enjoying the type of work that you do! In this video, you wear asking why they use the plastic wheel in this movement. so what I know - when plastic works together with metal - it gets destroyed over time, because metal is stronger than plastic. So I guess here, the plastic wheel meets another plastic "thing", and that way they would work together smoothly for ages.

[@GhettoCabbage]

Never get out the boat!

[@maytagmark2171]

Been meaning to comment that when I see that cap jewel pulsate after the shock spring is released, It reminds me so much of the movement of a beating heart.

[@nigelmousenz]

Great video thank you. I think I’m addicted to watching you work now. I own one of these Willard’s and was kind of hoping you would be stripping and greasing the bezel. Mine has stopped clicking when rotated so guessing the bearing has falling out. Keep up the great work, you’re inspiring a whole new generation of would be collectors and watchmakers.

[@salvano66]

Hi Marshall Have a 1973 Issue and am Marine Veteran Love Mine .1973 My first year out since leaving the USMC. Very Happy that you love your's Many of us do Semper Fi.

[@WristwatchRevival]

Hey other Marshall! That is amazing, I would love to see a photo of it if you are on Instagram! Also, thank you for your service, it's very much appreciated by people like me who haven't had to face such things because you chose to. Thank you.

[@salvano66]

Hi Marshall you have the same name as myself I just Loved seeing you rebuild your watch itis so treasured Yes I have the re Issue as well. when I wear mine I recall that time and years. I was so moved seeing you repairing your watch in fact most touched . it's a close memory its year being 1973 was my first year since leaving the Marine Corps my time in Nam was 66-68 . I saw the film and recalled all the emotion and feelings I won't mention the others .wearing it in different time and now not the pain Marshall Love seeing your 6105 I know and Hope you will always Treasure it Thank You for Remembering Us.Semper Fidelis Marshall