April 1973 Seiko Pogue 6139-6002 with Bracelet
Ref: 6139-6002

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Seiko box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on an aftermarket Pogue bracelet, but included in the original Seiko Pogue bracelet which is considered quite rare itself. The watch is from Circa. April 1973 and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but overall this is in good condition, with some signs of age and wear as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established making wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) established in 1937. Seiko listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co. Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959).

May 1969 saw Seiko introduce the 6139, one of the world's first automatic chronographs, alongside the Zenith El Primero that launched in the same year. The early 6139 “Speedtimer” watches were made for the Japanese market only. Col. Pogue wore a 6139-6002 during the NASA Skylab 4 mission which took place in 1973. The official watch approved by NASA was the Omega Speedmaster Professional. But due to the fact they were only provided just before the launch, Col. Pogue utilised his 6139-6002 to time engine burns during his training. Col. Pogue launched into space on Nov. 16, 1973, with the watch tucked in his suit leg pocket. He returned with the watch on Feb 8th, 1974. From this day forward the yellow dial with the yellow indicator ring variation of the 6002 is commonly known as the “Pogue”.

This incredible Seiko Pogue dates from this same period, April 1973. Its 40mm stainless steel cushion case has polished sides and brushed top surfaces. On the right side, we have 2 pushers and a crown. The fixed “Pepsi” bezel has the Tachymeter scale. The blue is deep while the red has faded with time giving it a pink tone but still allows the white numerals to pop. The inner rotating yellow bezel measures 60 minutes, this can be rotated by turning the crown in the neutral position. Its characteristic sunburst yellow dial has lume blocks indicating the hours. At 3 o’clock a day/ date window, to change the day you have to push the crown all the way in, to change the date you push the crown in slightly. At 6 o’clock a 30-minute register. Broad baton hands have lume infill along with a red chronograph seconds hand. On the reverse a screw-down case back with the model number and serial number for the watch. The first two digits of the serial number provide you with the year and month the watch was manufactured. Inside an Automatic Seiko 6139-6002, 17 Jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. Fitted on its original straight H-link stainless steel bracelet with a signed folding clasp, as well as an aftermarket stainless steel bracelet.

Personal Note

The Pogue has always been a fan favourite and a personal favourite, the dream would be to find a new old stock full set example, but the chances of that are incredibly low. Thankfully we occasionally get a few great examples like this one come in, it is important to make sure you buy these from someone who does their due diligence or do your homework yourself, there are unfortunately lots of fake parts, aftermarket parts and just incorrect watches out there with these Pogue's.