A personal Pogue

Lots of history and heritage on this one.

Just collected this serviced vintage piece from the horologist. This is the Seiko 6139 Chrono, or better known as the “Pogue” after the NASA astronaut, Colonel William R. Pogue, who wore a similar watch during a NASA Skylab mission in 1973. In testing, Pogue did not have access to a standard-issue Omega Speedmaster as these weren’t supplied to astronauts until nearer launch. As an alternative, he bought a Seiko 6139 – the brand’s first automatic chronograph. Pogue liked it so much that in November 1973, when his time came to blast off for Skylab, he packed his new Speedmaster but also took his beloved Seiko without seeking NASA approval. The 6139 thus became the first automatic chronograph in space.

Importantly, it belonged to my late dad. It has been sitting in the cabinet for the longest time. I haven’t been paying much attention to it until last week. The last time I properly looked at it was perhaps in 2004 when he passed on. He gifted many things to his children and I got this one. I wasn’t into heirlooms much so kept it safely and out of my sight. Last week while spring cleaning I took out the watch and Googled it. If you are into vintage watches you’ll probably know the value of this time piece - it’s place in evolution of time pieces. Hearsay when it first came out, the “Pepsi bezel” was so popular that Rolex adapted it on it’s watches. Bad move. It was a “looks like Seiko” on the streets and Rolex was not having any of it, thus removing the “Pepsi bezel” from its designs altogether.

Cool story.

Anyways back to this watch - I’m glad I rediscovered it after all these years. It may not be a Rolex or AP but hey, value is subjective. This vintage Seiko belonged to my late dad, I got it to work again and take his memory with me. Due to the watch being too old, many service centers refused the watch (even its official service center). I found this place Bonfield Pte Ltd that was willing to take it in. Thanks to the funny craftsman Mr Eric Ong.

Moral of the story is never overlook those “old things” you found at the back of the cabinet. Maybe I’ll make a story about this on one of my future films.