1972 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 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)

This Ref. 6139-6005 shares the same dial and inner ring coloration as the same watch Pogue himself took into space, sans the "Water 70m Resist" text. This example is in exceptional condition and the "non-resist" dial makes for an overall clean presence to the watch. This watch also retains its original H-link Seiko bracelet which can be somewhat difficult to find, especially in excellent condition like the one featured here.