Vintage Seiko “Pogue” 6139-6002 (1970s) Watch Blue Dial

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Seiko 6139-6002 “Pogue” (1970–1978) Blue Dial

Why It’s Famous

  • First automatic chronograph worn in space

  • Worn by Colonel William R. Pogue on Skylab 4 (1973–74)

  • One of the earliest automatic chronographs ever produced

Seiko, Zenith, and Heuer/Breitling all released automatic chronographs in 1969 — the 6139 was among the very first.

Technical Details

  • Movement: Seiko 6139 automatic chronograph

  • Column wheel (high-quality chronograph architecture)

  • Vertical clutch (advanced for its time)

  • 21 jewels

  • 30-minute chronograph

  • Day/date (bilingual wheels common)

  • ~41mm case

The 6139 movement is historically important — it set the foundation for Seiko’s future chronograph development.

Dial Variations

Yellow Dial (Most Iconic)

  • Bright “sunburst” yellow

  • Blue Pepsi-style tachymeter bezel

  • Red chronograph seconds hand

  • The version most collectors call “Pogue”

Blue Dial

  • Less famous but equally attractive

  • Sometimes called “Blue Pogue”

The Space Story

Colonel Pogue bought his Seiko PX (military base exchange) watch before the mission.
He smuggled it into space as a personal backup chronograph.

It became:

The first automatic chronograph worn in space.

The actual flown watch later sold at auction for a significant premium.

 Reference Numbers

  • 6139-6002 (U.S. market)

  • 6139-6005

  • 6139-6009 (JDM variants)

  • Early models have “Proof/Proof” caseback & dial markings (more collectible)

Collector Market (2026 Rough Range)

  • Good original example: $700 – $1,200

  • Excellent, all-original: $1,500 – $2,500

  • Early “Proof” models: Higher premium

  • Fully restored or aftermarket parts: Much less desirable

Original bezel, dial, and handset are critical for value.

 What to Watch Out For

The Pogue is heavily modified and “franken-watched.”

Check for:

  • Correct inner tachymeter bezel (many replacements exist)

  • Proper dial text layout

  • Correct 6139 movement

  • Original bracelet (H-link bracelet preferred)

Why Collectors Love It

  • Space history

  • True early automatic chronograph

  • Bold 70s design

  • Still relatively affordable compared to Swiss counterparts






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