Seiko 6139-6005 Pogue Chronograph

A brilliant automatic Seiko watch, often referred to as the ‘Pogue’ after Colonel William Pogue, who, needing a chronograph, bought himself a Seiko 6139 with a yellow dial. Pogue was part of the Skylab program, and spent 84 days in space with Skylab 4 from late 1973-74, making the Seiko 6139 the first automatic chronograph in space, impressively, it performed flawlessly for the duration of the mission. The dial is a bright gold/yellow, surrounded by a cream internal bezel which is adjusted easily by turning the flush mounted crown at the 3 hour mark, with two round pushers above and below to manage the chronograph functions. The stainless steel lumed hands and hour markers are smart and simple, and white on black day/date display is similarly stylish, with a bevelled steel border. The bright dial contrasts well with the blue and red tachymeter bezel, making for quite a striking design, continued in the bright red central chrono hand and red teardrop-shaped hand on the 30 minute subdial. This model has the applied Seiko logo to the top centre, and just below the centre is the ‘Suwa’ factory symbol. There were several variations in design, dial colour, and markings, during it’s production from 1969-76, and referencing the serial number and movement shows this particular watch was made in July 1974. A nice patina throughout with a wonderful dial. Comes with original Seiko stainless steel H-link bracelet in great condition.