“Captain Willard” is the enthusiast nickname commonly used for watches inspired by the cushion-case diver worn by Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now. Modern homage watches borrow that broad 1970s-style case shape, but their movement, crystal, bezel, bracelet and water-resistance specifications can differ substantially.
If you are comparing a Captain Willard homage watch, focus on the complete watch rather than the nickname alone. Case dimensions, lug-to-lug length, movement, crystal, bezel material and the exact strap or bracelet option all affect how the watch wears and what you are buying.
Current Captain Willard-Style Watches at Watchdives
Three current, purchasable 6105 / Captain Willard-style models were rechecked on September 29, 2026. All three use NH35 automatic movements and share similar 43.8mm × 46.8mm case footprints, but bezel, band and dial options differ.
| Model | Current listed price* | Case / fit | Crystal / bezel | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addiesdive H8 1970 | $129–$139 | 43.8mm / 46.8mm L2L / 13.5mm | Sapphire / ceramic | Band choice: steel, rubber or nylon |
| Watchdives WD6105 | $149 | 43.8mm / 46.8mm L2L / 13.5mm | Sapphire / aluminum or luminous ceramic depending on version | Watchdives-branded 6105-style option |
| Addiesdive AD2081 | $149 | 43.8mm / 46.8mm L2L / 13.5mm | Sapphire / ceramic | Blue, black or orange dial choice |
*Listed USD prices were checked on September 29, 2026 and refer to purchasable variants observed at that time. They exclude shipping, taxes, duties and checkout-specific promotions.
Addiesdive H8 1970
The current Addiesdive H8 1970 uses a Japan NH35 automatic movement, 316L stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal with AR coating, a 120-click ceramic bezel and stated 200m water resistance.
The listed dimensions are 43.8mm across the case excluding the crown, 46.8mm lug-to-lug and 13.5mm thick. Current band choices include stainless steel, rubber and nylon. Choose it when band flexibility matters most.
Watchdives WD6105
The Watchdives WD6105 also uses an NH35 automatic movement and the same listed 43.8mm case, 46.8mm lug-to-lug and 13.5mm thickness. Its current listing specifies sapphire crystal and either a non-luminous aluminum or luminous ceramic bezel insert depending on the selected version.
For the material trade-offs behind that choice, read our ceramic versus aluminum bezel guide before selecting a version.
At the latest check, the purchasable configuration was a blue version on a three-link bracelet at $149. Check the live listing because availability is narrower than on the H8 or AD2081.
Addiesdive AD2081
The Addiesdive AD2081 is another current NH35 option with a 43.8mm steel case, 46.8mm lug-to-lug length, 13.5mm thickness, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and stated 200m water resistance.
Blue, black and orange dial variants were purchasable at $149 at the latest check. Choose it when dial-color choice matters more than switching among steel, rubber and nylon band packages.
What Happened to the Steeldive SD1970?
Watchdives also historically cataloged the Steeldive SD1970, another 6105 / Captain Willard-style automatic diver. That product is currently DRAFT in the Watchdives catalog and is not treated here as a current buying recommendation.
Historical specifications can still be useful for owners or comparisons, but a discontinued or unpublished model should not be presented as if it were currently available.
What to Compare in a Captain Willard Homage
1. Case size and lug-to-lug length
Cushion cases often look large on paper but can wear differently from a conventional round case. Compare both diameter and lug-to-lug length. On the Addiesdive H8, the listing gives 43.8mm diameter and 46.8mm lug-to-lug.
2. Movement
The H8 uses the NH35 automatic movement. Movement choice affects winding, date operation and service considerations, but it does not determine the watch's water resistance or overall build quality by itself.
3. Crystal and bezel
The H8 listing specifies sapphire crystal with AR coating and a ceramic bezel insert. Other homage models may use mineral glass, different bezel materials or different coatings, so compare the actual specification rather than assuming all 6105-style watches are built the same way.
4. Water resistance
The H8 is listed at 200m water resistance. A rating belongs to the complete watch construction, not the movement. Follow the manufacturer's care guidance and have seals checked after case-opening or service when water resistance matters.
5. Strap and bracelet choice
The same watch can wear very differently on steel, rubber or nylon. The H8 offers multiple band options, so check the selected configuration rather than assuming every product image represents the same package.
Which Current Captain Willard-Style Watch Should You Choose?
Choose the H8 if you want the widest current band choice. Choose the WD6105 if you specifically want the Watchdives version and its current bezel/bracelet configuration. Choose the AD2081 if you want the same core NH35 / sapphire / ceramic-bezel formula with three current dial colors.
These models share very similar headline dimensions, so do not expect case diameter alone to separate them. Compare the exact bezel insert, dial, supplied band or bracelet and current availability. For more related cushion-case divers, browse our 6105-style and Turtle dive watches collection. For a wider range of current models, see all dive watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Captain Willard homage watch?
It is a modern watch inspired by the distinctive 1970s cushion-case diver associated with the Captain Willard character. “Homage” describes the design inspiration; it does not mean every watch shares the same specifications.
Does the Addiesdive H8 use an NH35?
Yes. The current H8 listing specifies a Japan NH35 automatic movement.
How large is the Addiesdive H8?
The listing specifies a 43.8mm case diameter excluding the crown, 46.8mm lug-to-lug length and 13.5mm thickness.
Is the Steeldive SD1970 currently sold by Watchdives?
It is currently DRAFT in the Watchdives catalog, so this guide does not treat it as a current purchase option.
