1969 Seiko 5-Sports Speedtimer Automatic Chronograph "Blue Pogue" (Ref. 6139-6000) "JDM Version" W/ Notch-Case

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 particular Speedtimer is an especially rare version, made for and initially only available in the Japanese market. Featuring a striking midnight blue dial, notched case and model-specific bracelet, it's a standout example of one of the most beloved Seiko watches ever produced. 

(Col. Pogue during the Skylab 4 mission, wearing his personal Seiko 6139-6002 on his left wrist and his NASA issued Omega Speedmaster on his right)