Seiko
1971 Seiko Automatic Chronograph (Ref. 6139-6005) "True Pogue"
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 refs. 6139 with yellow dials and inner yellow rotating ring are commonly nicknamed as a “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.
(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)
| Stock # | SKO61396005-5 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Chronograph | |
| Model | 6139-6005 | |
| Serial | 12XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Gold | |
| Millimeters | 45 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent and angular case displays minimal signs of previous polishing with the factory geometry fully present and light signs of honest use shown. The original "Pepsi" tachymeter bezel remains bright in color with subtle signs of use present. The original crystal does exhibit some crazing in its center. The case retains its original button crown and pump pushers. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in deep and crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original and very rare "Water 70m Resist" Gold sunburst dial is missing the "Chronograph" text beneath the applied logo and is in beautiful vintage condition, showing gentle elements of age in and around the 6 o'clock subdial. This dial variant is often referred to as the "true Pogue" dial as it is the same rare variant worn by Col. Pogue himself. The inner rotating bezel is bright yellow with no fading present. The original luminous markers show no degradation and remain bright white in coloration. The original luminous hands match the dial perfectly with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is functioning correctly and keeping time, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.