Seiko Dive Watch

Seiko is a brand that you either know and love... or don't. Walk into any department store and you'll no doubt be confronted with a case full of them, with names like Astron, Coutura, Kinetic, Solar. They're all modestly-priced, perhaps even suspiciously so, because anything that inexpensive couldn't actually be good quality, could it?

That's where you'd be mistaken. From the foundation of its clock-manufacturing arm in 1892, Seiko is one of the only true manufactures out there, rivaling even Rolex in terms of vertical integration. They've manufactured everything from their movements to their cases, right down to the crystals that power their quartz watches. It's that almost total vertical integration that has allowed them to offer their products at all price points, from the department store models all the way up to the high-end Credor timepieces with hand-painted enamel dials and hand-finished movements. Their vintage pieces have certainly earned the respect and admiration of those in the know. 

Their dive watches exemplify their mastery of anything they undertake. Seiko released its first dive watch in 1965, the Ref. 6217, which was soon eclipsed by what would come after: the Ref. 6105. Developed by Seiko in the late 1960s, the ref. 6105 boasted 150 meters of water resistance, a bi-directional bezel for dive timing and large swaths of luminescent material for high visibility underwater. 

The ref. 6105 was released in two different case styles: the 8000/8009 with its svelte cushion case and the asymmetrical behemoth, the 8100/8119, which we have here. At 44mm it can appease even the lovers of Panerai. Like Panerai, the 6105 also has a military heritage: during the Vietnam War, U.S. troops purchased the cushion-cased variety from Post Exchanges. They brought them back stateside, starting a trend for over-sized tool watches which has persisted to this day.

Used extensively in the field by soldiers and frogmen, the 6105 developed a reputation as a no-nonsense timepiece for professional use. This reputation has lasted through to this day and has inspired countless diving watches in the subsequent decades, including many of Seiko's current dive watches. Fans of Apocalypse Now will recognize the 6105 on the wrist of Martin Sheen's character Capt. Willard. Whether you "love the smell of napalm in the morning" or just want a damned dependable dive watch, the 6105 is what you need.  

Further, this piece, coming in completely unmolested condition is a rare bird.  So many of these Seiko divers have been doctored with generic or downright fake parts, or worse yet, been modified by previous owners, making the search for the genuine article very time consuming.  We haven't seen many of these pieces in such fine condition and we're overjoyed to be able to offer it here.  

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.