Seiko Caliber 6105-8119 Naomi Uemura History
Vintage

Seiko Caliber 6105-8119 Naomi Uemura History

By hmmmcamu · Mar 31, 2026 · 3 replies
hmmmcamu
WPS member · Seiko forum
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Hmmmcamu presents a detailed look at the vintage Seiko Caliber 6105-8119, highlighting its technical specifications and historical context. The post also shares the legendary story of Japanese explorer Naomi Uemura and how a Seiko 6105 diver proved more reliable than a Rolex Explorer II in extreme Arctic conditions.

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SEIKO caliber 6105 case ref.# 8119 hacking and quick set date function circa: 1973
Crown ref.# 65W02N
Hardlex crystal type 2 Part Number: 320W10GN00 Material: Mineral Glass

NAOMI UEMURA
Japanese Explorer According to multiple sources, Uemura was initially equipped with a Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 1655), gifted to him by Rolex Japan after he received the Explorer Award in 1976. He wore this watch on his 1978 North Pole expedition. The extreme Arctic conditions caused issues: I). He first feared frostbite from the cold metal of the steel bracelet touching his skin. II). He switched the watch to a leather strap, but it broke due to the vibrations from sledding. III). He then wore the watch on his waist, away from body heat. IV). In this position, the lubricants in the movement froze, causing the Rolex to stop functioning.
LIFE SAVING REPLACEMENT - At a supply drop point during the expedition, Uemura encountered Katsuo Sugawara, a journalist from the weekly magazine Bunshun, who was covering his journey. Sugawara offered Uemura his own Seiko 6105-8110, (150-meter water-resistant diver’s watch with an automatic movement.) Uemura accepted the watch, and it successfully functioned throughout the remainder of the expedition. This event became legendary in horological circles, symbolizing the reliability of Seiko’s engineering under extreme conditions.








About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6105

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6105 represents the brand's Bubble Back series from the 1940s. This 32mm timepiece demonstrates Rolex's automatic watchmaking during the decade, featuring the caliber A.10 movement with 42-hour power reserve.

The stainless steel case measures 32mm in diameter and houses an automatic caliber A.10 movement. The watch displays a silver dial beneath an acrylic crystal, framed by a smooth bezel. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the timepiece is fitted with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in mid-20th century Rolex automatic watches and those focusing on the Bubble Back series specifically. The 32mm case size and silver dial configuration place this reference within the smaller format offerings of the Oyster Perpetual range from this production period.

Specifications

Caliber
A.10
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
32 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
QU
quattro
Mar 31, 2026
Nice story for a watch full of character.

And resistance. Best, Emmanuel

CO
Concord
Mar 31, 2026
The red dot on second hand , cherry on top

had a chance to strap the watch on my wrist another day, what a beauty

RA
RabidManatee
Mar 31, 2026
Beauty of a watch and an incredible story to boot.

GR
gregcarraram3
Apr 15, 2026
It is a fantastic piece!

Great story, too!

RD
RDSChicago
May 6, 2026
What a wonderful anecdote! Rolex must have tried to keep that occurrence under the wraps!

KM
KMII
May 14, 2026
A lovely story, this πŸ‘ŒπŸ»πŸ™ŒπŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»

And wonderful watch πŸ¦Ύβ„οΈ

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