Editorial
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.
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.
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.
