Prospex 1970 Willard Re-creation SPB413

The SPB413J1 is the current-production Willard, a faithful re-creation of the 1970 ref. 6105-8110 that Steve McQueen wore in Le Mans. It carries the same distinctive cushion case and textured unidirectional bezel as its predecessor the SPB153, but Seiko upgraded the movement to the 6R35 for a 70-hour power reserve. At 42.7mm with 200m water resistance, it is a serious dive watch that happens to carry one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the hobby.

What it is

The original Willard gets its collector nickname from the 1971 film where Martin Sheen wore a 6105-8110, but the watch had already earned a reputation as a rugged professional diver before Hollywood noticed it. The cushion case and sloped, ridged bezel were distinctive departures from the round-case norm of the era. Seiko brought the design back with the SPB153 around 2020 using the 6R15 caliber, then updated the line with the SPB413 in 2023 when they transitioned to the newer 6R35.

The external shape is unchanged between the two modern versions; the upgrade was entirely under the dial. The SPB413 is the current catalog entry, meaning parts support and movement serviceability are at their strongest right now.

Buying notes

The cushion case reads larger than 42.7mm suggests because of how the lugs spread; buyers who rely on the number alone sometimes find it wears bigger than expected on smaller wrists. The black dial can look nearly identical to the SPB153 in photos, so verify the caseback and reference number if buying pre-owned to confirm you have the 6R35 version. The crown at 4 o'clock is correct to the original but takes some adjustment if you are used to 3 o'clock crowns; it is not a defect.

The textured bezel insert is a distinguishing detail but it is also a dust collector and should be rinsed regularly if you actually dive with it. The NATO-style strap Seiko ships is perfectly functional but most buyers swap it quickly, and the 22mm lug width gives you plenty of options without adapters.

Market read

Street price runs just under $600 USD through authorized dealers in most markets, which is a fair entry point for a manufacture movement with 70-hour reserve in a well-finished dive case. Pre-owned examples trail retail closely because supply is steady and the watch is in active production; do not overpay for grey-market "deals" that are only a few percent below MSRP. The SPB153 with the 6R15 sometimes trades for slightly less, which makes sense given the older caliber, but both are legitimate watches depending on what you prioritize.

Service expectations

The 6R35 caliber is a current Seiko production movement with a well-documented 3-year service interval under normal use. Seiko service centers in most regions can handle it without long waits, and a growing number of independent watchmakers stock parts for the 6R35 family. Budget roughly $150 to $250 USD for a full service depending on your market and whether the movement needs any adjustment beyond cleaning and lubrication.