Seiko
1971 Seiko Chronograph (Ref. 6139-6005) "Blue 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 one of 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 references 6139-600X 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 # | SKO61396001 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Automatic Chronograph | |
| Model | 6139-6001 | |
| Serial | 11XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Blue | |
| Millimeters | 45 | |
| Bracelet | Seiko "H-Link" Bracelet |
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 minimal signs of use and remaining bright in coloration. The case back retains all of its factory markings. The original Seiko H-link bracelet is in overall great condition and retains 12 links that show almost no stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The blue metallic “Water 70m Resist” dial is in wonderful vintage condition, showing some light age and marks. The 6 o'clock sub-dial does exhibit some marks as well. The inner rotating bezel is also in overall excellent vintage condition and the lumed triangle at the 12 o'clock position does exhibit some degradation. The lume plots of the dial all remain fully intact, showing no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is functioning and keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.