Seiko
1969 Seiko Automatic Chronograph 'Pogue' (Ref. 6139-6000) "Notch-Case"
Fresh from the personal collection of style icon, automobile enthusiast, and Urban Outlaw himself, Magnus Walker, comes a 1969 Seiko 'Pogue' in fantastic condition.
The first automatic chronograph is a heavily disputed claim as multiple watch companies debuted what they claimed as "the first" automatic chronograph in the year 1969. However, The Seiko 6139-6000 was the first automatic chronograph that was available for purchase in May of 1969 exclusively to the Japanese market. Not only was the ref. 6139 the first production automatic chronograph but the watch also features a quickset day and date complication that is operated through the pushing of the button style crown.
The Seiko references 6139-600X are commonly nicknamed the “Pogue”. In 1973, NASA Astronaut Col. Pogue wore his personal Seiko 6139-6002 during the NASA Skylab 4 mission, subsequently making Seiko the first automatic chronograph to be used in space. Pogue purchased the Seiko chronograph from a PX for $71 in 1972 to use during his flight training as NASA Astronauts were not issued their Omega Speedmasters until much closer to the launch dates. Due to Pogue's familiarity with the Seiko chronograph over the Omega Speedmaster, he hid his personal Seiko 6139-6002 in his flight suit before launching into space so that he could use his Seiko in conjunction with his Omega Speedmaster for the duration of the Skylab 4 mission.
This rare "notch-case" model is in remarkable condition, with its deep blue dial, rich "Pepsi" bezel, and original stainless steel bracelet. You'd never know it's over 50 years old just by looking at it – so, here's to another 50 with one of the coolest watches Seiko has ever made.
| Stock # | SKO61396000-MW | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Automatic Chronograph | |
| Model | 6139-6000 | |
| Serial | 94XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Gold | |
| Millimeters | 45 | |
| Bracelet | Uncle Seiko "H-Link" Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
This early example 'notch-case' is one of a few produced in 1969. The name refers to the subtle notch in the case that slightly exposes the crown. It was replaced with a more flush design in 1970. The case itself remains very well preserved with only light evidence of previous polishing present, showing crisp original factory lines and finishing with only gentle signs of use. The "Pepsi" tachymeter bezel is in overall excellent condition and remains bright in coloration with only a couple small dents from wear. The case retains its original button crown and pump pushers. The case back shows minor signs of honest wear but its factory markings remain crisp and deep. There are a few small crude engravings, one behind each of the lugs, including an "LA", "D", "VIG", and "NE". The watch will come supplied on an Uncle Seiko "H-Link" stainless steel bracelet that will fit up to an 8 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original gold sunburst dial is in beautiful vintage condition, showing only minimal elements of age and gentle markings. The inner rotating timing ring remains bright yellow in coloration. The original lume plots have taken on a light grey color which is common for Seiko lume in this era and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original luminous hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial and match the overall aesthetic of the watch, under UV light inspection the minute hand exhibits some minor lume loss and remains stable while the lume in the hour hand remains fully intact.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
