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 # | SKO61396009 | |
| Brand | Seiko | |
| Style | Automatic Chronograph | |
| Model | 6139-6009 | |
| Serial | 97XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Blue | |
| Millimeters | 45 | |
| Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The early example notch-cases were only produced in 1969 and refer to the subtle notch in the case that slightly exposes the crown, this was replaced with a more flush design in 1970. The case itself remains very well preserved and is believed to remain unpolished showing crisp factory lines and finishing with only minimal signs of previous use. The "Pepsi" Tachymeter bezel is in excellent condition and remains bright in coloration with no major signs of previous use. The case retains its original button crown and pump-pushers. The case back is believed to remain unpolished as well as it retains its original concentrate brushing with its factory markings remains crisp and deep. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The blue metallic “Water 70m Resist” dial is in lovely vintage condition, showing normal signs of age throughout and some light marks in the 6 o'clock sub-dial. The rotating inner ring has faded to a beautiful powder blue coloration while its silver printing remains visible, the ring does show light signs of age which is common, and it retains its lume triangle at the 12 o'clock position. The lume plots all remain fully intact when inspected under U.V. light and exhibit some dark spots which is normal. 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.
