A stainless steel Seiko chronograph "Pogue" automatic watch. This is perhaps one of the best known of all Seiko watches produced, and most sort after. Also known as the "Pepsi" Seiko, due to the distinctive GMT style red and blue bezel inserts. There are two main reasons collectors look to purchasing this model; it is regarded as the first automatic chronograph watch made, and the first chronograph watch to go into space.
The movement that powers this watch is the caliber 6139 automatic chronograph movement which was introduced by Seiko in 1969, the year in which Heuer also introduced their automatic chronograph movement for the Heuer Monaco and other sport model watches. In truth the first company to introduce an automatic chronograph watch was Zenith with the "El Primero". Hence the clue in the name...! The Zenith prototype was launched January 10th 1969. The Heuer/Breitling/Hamilton-Bruen group all launched their versions at the Basel show in April 1969, however Seiko actually have serial number production examples that date to May 1969 for the "Speed Timer" model. Chronomatic and El Primero models were not seen in production until June/July and September of that year, respectively. Therefore it is fair to claim that Seiko beat the to the punch. Making this was a real landmark piece.
There are three dial variations of this watch; yellow, silver and blue. It was the very distinctive yellow dial that was owned by Col. Pogue, and although he was issued a Speedmaster, it was not issued to him until shortly before the launch, so his trusty Seiko also accompanied him on his Sky Lab 4 mission November 16th 1973. This blue version is not therefore the actual version of the watch that went to space with Col. Pogue, but is still the same model.
The dial is the second variation where the "proof" changed to "resist" in the depth rating at the nine o'clock position, and has silver print against the navy background. This reads well, along with the applied hour markers and the original tritium luminous material still glows a peppermint green under UV light. The silver ribbed frame around the date help to brighten the dial and make it pop. The mix of both which and silver printing on the watch and the "Suwa" logo above the date wheel let you know you have a classic Seiko. The red sweep and sub dial hands match well with the blue and red bezel. There is an inner bezel that is rotated via using the crown while it is in the pushed in position, this is also due to the fact that the 6139 caliber movement does not allow for hand winding. This is all protected by a Seiko "Hardlex" toughened crystal.
It is perhaps the case design that is one of the most appealing elements to this watch. Superb beveled edges and angles really provide a superb platform for this very handsome dial. The screw back case is in superb condition throughout, and has not seen a polishing wheel. All of the reference numbers are present on the back of the case; 6139 6005 221970 gives this watch a production year of February 1972. This is one of the finest examples of this watch in the market. The original "H" link bracelet and case are in superb original, untouched condition and the dial and hand set are all without flaws. If this is a watch that you have been looking for, you will be very hard pressed to find an example in better, original condition. These watches are becoming very sought after now, and will go onto to become a future classic.
