Pogue responds to David Bruno's questions about his watch.Through the diligence and tenacity of watch fan David Bruno the Pogue Seiko story came to light, and this distinctive yellow dialled chronograph is now recognized as the first automatic chronograph in space. He wore his 6139, (even though he did not have NASA authorization) to time the engine burns, as he had worn the Seiko during training, prior to being issued his Omega – and trusted the capabilities of the Japanese watch.Ĭol. ![]() On this mission he wore the distinctive yellow dialed 6139 along with his Omega Speedmaster. William Pogue, an astronaut and former Thunderbird pilot who was a member of the 1973 Skylab 4 mission. The 6139s came in a range of dial colours and case styles, and where marketed under a range of names, the most significant being the ‘Speed-Timer.’ However in the ranks of 6139 devotees one model is more famous than all the rest the 6139-6002 ‘Pogue.’ It was produced from 1969 until around 1979. It is a single register chronograph, with a 30 minute counter, no continuous seconds and a quickset day-date display. The 6139 is Seiko’s first automatic chronograph movement. I’m going to give you a quick rundown of some of the more significant references from the two major movements, the 6139 and the 6138. That’s ridiculously cheap for an automatic column wheel chronograph. You can pick up a serviceable example in nice condition for around the $150-200 mark. Of course that’s the other aspect to the appeal of vintage Seiko chronographs they are excellent value. Alongside these illustrious and famously storied movements, housed in some of the most desirable vintage watches around, the third automatic chronograph released in 1969 seems a little overshadowed, but the Seiko 6139 movement (and its successor, the 6138) are none the less historically significant, and a helluva lot more obtainable than the other two. The El Primero was developed by Zenith and Movado, and is still in production today. The Calibre 11 movement developed in partnership by a number of brands, but made famous by Heuer. A momentous year in watchmaking that finally saw the development of not just one, but three, automatic chronographs. The story of the Seiko chronograph properly begins in 1969. ![]() It was a golden period for Seiko, when their modern approach to production challenged the tradition bound Swiss, and before the onslaught of quartz technology (another Seiko first by the way), changed telling the time forever. Seiko watches of this era have developed something of a cult following in the watch world, and for good reason. Specifically I'm interested in the value offered by the classic vintage chronographs of the 1970s. The other common refrain heard around Seiko is that their watches offer some of the best 'bang for buck' around.Īnd it's the 'bang for buck' side of things that interests me. ![]() Watch fans know better, citing Grand Seiko and Springdrive as two prime examples of the excellence and innovation coming out of the Japanese marque. However, amongst the general population, it is usually perceived to be an inexpensive, albeit reliable brand, not in the same league as its Swiss counterparts. It is one of the largest watch companies in the world, with a history dating back to 1881, a huge production and a staggeringly diverse range of products. Think of Japanese watches and you think of Seiko.
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