Seiko
1972 Seiko 5 Sports Speedtimer Chronograph "Coke Pogue" (Ref. 6139-6032) Black Dial
While the title of "First Automatic Chronograph" is a heavily disputed claim (multiple watch companies debuted what they claimed as "the first" automatic chronograph in the year 1969), there are many who believe Seiko—and this watch in particular—are the rightful owners of that title. Either way, the Seiko 6139-6000 was indisputably the first automatic chronograph available for purchase in May of 1969 exclusively to the Japanese market.
The Seiko references 6139-600X are commonly nicknamed the “Pogue” in homage to NASA Astronaut Col. Pogue, who wore his personal Seiko 6139-6002 during the NASA Skylab 4 mission in 1974, 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.
Seiko introduced their 5 Sports line in 1968, with the “5” in the collection’s name referring to the five characteristics every watch within the lineup featured: an automatic movement, a day-date display at three o’clock, water resistance, a recessed crown at four o’clock, and highly durable cases and bracelets.
This particular example is a rare variation of the chronographs colloquially known as "pogues", as it's truly a part of the Seiko 5 Sports model line and is sporting a new "coke" color scheme along with it.
SPECS
Stock # | PT61396032 | |
Brand | Seiko | |
Style | Automatic Chronograph | |
Model | 6139-6032 | |
Serial | 209662 | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Black | |
Millimeters | 45 | |
Bracelet | Seiko Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case has been very lightly polished in the past and retains very strong factory dimensions with light signs of honest use. The "Coke" tachymeter bezel exhibits no fading, with the colors remaining rich and fully intact. The case retains its original button crown and pump pushers. The case back features all of its original factory engravings in clear and legible condition. The watch will come supplied on its original Seiko 5 Sports bracelet
DIAL & HANDS
The rare matte black dial is in excellent condition. The black and orange inner rotating ring is in great condition and retains its lume in the 12 o'clock arrow. The lume on the dial all remains fully intact when inspected under UV light with a slight grey patina present.. The original lume hands are much lighter than the dial and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is running and functioning correctly, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.