Seiko

1970 Seiko Chronograph (Ref. 6139-6001) "Blue Pogue"

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 6139-6001 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.


Stock # SKO61396001/3
Brand Seiko
Style Automatic Chronograph
Model 6139-6001
Serial 0XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Matte Blue
Millimeters 45
Bracelet Komfit "JB" Mesh Watch Bracelet with Straight Ends

 

CASE & BRACELET

The strong case has been lightly polished in the past and retains strong geometry and dimensions. The "Pepsi" tachymeter bezel is in very well-preserved condition, showing no fading and minimal signs of use. The case back retains all of its factory markings. The watch comes supplied on a Komfit "JB" Mesh Watch Bracelet with Straight Ends.

DIAL & HANDS

The inky blue “Water 70m Resist” dial is in wonderful vintage condition, showing some light age and marks. The grey inner rotating bezel is also in overall excellent vintage condition and retains its lume in the 12 o'clock arrow. The lume plots of the dial all remain fully intact, showing no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands have aged to a darker hue than the dial, with the red sweep seconds and subdial hands adding nice pops of color to the otherwise dark dial.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is functioning correctly and keeping time, backed by 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.