Seiko
1975 Seiko Chronograph (Ref. 6139-6005) "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 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.
(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 # | SKO61396005-3 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Chronograph | |
| Model | 6139-6005 | |
| Serial | 50XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Gold | |
| Millimeters | 45 | |
| Bracelet | Nylon NATO Strap |
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 "Pepsi" tachymeter bezel is very well preserved, showing no again and only minimal signs of use. 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 a nylon NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The vibrant gold sunburst dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing only light sign of age. The inner rotating ring has evenly aged to a handsome creamy coloration, which is common for this watch and retains its lume in the 12 o'clock arrow. The lume on the dial all remains fully intact when inspected under U.V. light and display a light patina. The original lume hands match the dial nicely and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.