Vintage Watch Review: Seiko 6139 "Pogue" - A Brief History of Seiko's First Automatic Chronograph

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Hello and welcome to Take Time! A Channel for watch enthusiasts by watch enthusiasts. Thanks for joining me today on another video.
Read that Article I mentioned here: thespringbar.com/blogs/guides...

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

So... Vintage Watches. Do you guys want to see more reviews on "Vintage" Timepieces? Let me know. I didn't think there was an audience for this sort of stuff, but I figured I liked them so at least *one other person* had to. Let's find out.

[@mikeq2416]

I love vintage - especially Seiko! Obviously there are some other great obscure brands that are so much more interesting than modern ones.

[@JK-qn6nx]

Yeah would love to, don’t really get to see too much on Vintage time piece

[@toughsolar7966]

I like all the types of watches. Reviews like this are just interesting and I learn cool stuff. --Michael

[@Rosay__]

Yes...but no need to commit to one over the other. Meaning, some vintage reviews are cool...some current/new models as well. Mix it up! I think some will like this review cause it’s vintage...others cause it’s a Pogue (which are just inherently cool even though I’m not really into vintage Seiko). Nice video!

[@danielt.muller7009]

Take Time, w/Patrick Marlett Yes, please!

[@arthurscargill8010]

HEY SEIKO!! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN THINKING? RERELEASE THIS WATCH ALREADY! Great video, thanks Patrick.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

So... They kinda brought this back; but not really... Look up *Seiko SSA333* ... You'll notice the similarity immediately, but boy is it just not the same.

[@eddalbey2731]

I bought one. Arrived today. The SSA333 is a must buy for any Seiko collector. Great watch for the money. I'm hoping to find a Pogue-style dial to fit into it. Seiko really needs to re-release the 6139

[@RandomRobReviews]

Agree, easily the coolest looking watch in its segment. Would love to see another dial in that color.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Right? Come on Seiko, bring the *honey home!*

[@bentlyist]

So glad I found your channel through the 6139. Great review and information! When I was a kid, my dad had one that a friend of his picked up for him overseas. My dad wore that watch every single day and even in the water. It was my first exposure to an automatic watch during an era of awful quartz watches everywhere. I fell in love with mechanical watches at that point and years later he gave the watch to me. I had it restored by a 6139 expert last year and I absolutely love wearing it every other week or so. Well done!

[@gregorybledsoe5324]

Have this same watch and am original owner! Had it in a drawer for the last 40 years or so and just found it! It is in very good shape and still working so I will be wearing it again! Hope my other newer Seikos won’t be too jealous lol! Cheers!

[@jeffreybowden9835]

Hey Patrick, so enjoying your new Take Time over the past LS&B. Keep up the great unassuming work on your own!

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Thank you* Jeffrey, much appreciated!

[@amathew711]

Awesome review Patrick, keep up the great work.

[@onthewrist5006]

Subscribed!. I just recived my 6139 yesterday. Im over the moon with it. I buy and flip. But this one will always be in my personal collection. Thank you for a great review.

[@mb-watches]

Yeeeeesssssss, thanks so much Pat, what a review, I didn’t know half of the history of this piece, and what a beauty it is. Need one😳😍 Will have to check your other vids as well but just going to be back from la Paz next Sunday, thanks again for this vid, cheers, Konstantin

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Of course! Glad you liked it, it was a fun one to research and shoot. I learned a lot there as well.

[@mb-watches]

The research really is fun, to me too, seriously man, I am happy you’re back 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

Amazing review, all the information was really interesting !

[@edteach3r]

Fantastic review, thanks Patrick. Prices on the 6139 have increased significantly since you made the video. I was very fortunate to pick one up today... it has been maintained by a vintage Seiko specialist, and everything works as it should. I love, love, love it!

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah, this model is such a treat. Vintage Seiko in general I do enjoy, but the yellow dial featured here was barely replicated and sadly never used since. Need more honey yellow dials, Seiko!

[@edteach3r]

@@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett Absolutely! I would be all over a 6139 re-issue. Also, please let me know in the unlikely event that you want to sell Charles's 6139 to the next loving caretaker :) . Thanks again for a great channel, Patrick.

[@khronokraze]

Another great review, plenty of wonderful information, and personal insight into this particular oh very cool retro funky watch. Congrats on the vine. I imagine it's a keeper for you. Looking forward to next video.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Oh, definitely a keeper. I also just picked up a complete - and I mean complete - Bell-Matic... Very excited for this one.

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Well done video. Love the history behind it. Definitely on the buy list for me. That dial is killer. Cheers:)

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Nothing like it,* that dial is King. Love it.

[@whoopslee]

Wow, didn't expect it to be so informative going into this video. That date/day change is wild to look at. Really nice video. Can't wait for the review of your "land tuna". Since your last video it's been torturous (in a fun way) trying to see how I can get one of my own.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah man, I don't know how I came upon it: the stars must have been in their proper alignment for the Field Tuna and I to meet.

[@rogersposts818]

Great review as always. Well done on doing your homework. Thank you!!!

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Thank you brother!

[@MrAstroshot]

Great video and superb article by the folks at spring bar.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yes, their website is fantastic... I'd *love to chat* with the guys over there, they are clearly passionate about this hobby.

[@bradyreid9270]

congrats on 1000+ subs...keep up the good work.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

+Brady Reid Heyyy, *thank you man!* Will do. 🤝

[@bernardofernandez6138]

I love vintage Seiko's, I'm trying to learn all I can about them please keep the information coming, I'm just starting my collection and I just bought a 1996 SKX031 from Spencer Klein all in original condition with a very unique original strap 22Z.

[@TyroneBeiron]

Accurate recounting of history... thank you👍🏼...

[@allandenman9387]

Hi Patrick. I have had a 6139 since the early 70s. An absolutely beautiful piece. However, like a lot of these, the pushers did become stuck. Easy fix is to remove the back and the movement retaining ring that holds the pushers. They can then be withdrawn and cleaned as reqd. However, the tiny rubber gaskets will be in need of replacement. I did this and replaced the springs as well then lubricated with the proper grease. All parts from eBay and not expensive. This fully restored operation. Very satisfying. Kind regards Allan from the UK.

[@paulmcgugan4994]

Nice re review Patrick , you’re a proper watch enthusiast. I wonder if Seiko Time Corp. can be persuaded to re release their classic chronographs (even with a VK movement). They did this with the Gagaro chronographs - the Riply and Bishop models.

[@MrBacchus18]

Wow very informative review. I always dismissed this watch but now like it a lot more knowing some history

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Likewise... Like I said, this one did nothing for me until I had it in hand. Blew me away, the level of quality and impressive movement (even by today's standards). Very content with this one.

[@jimmyang]

Great review. Have been looking at this piece for quite a while. Hope to pull the trigger soon though.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Thank you. It's totally worth it... Such a spectacular piece. In hand, you really feel like you're holding something special. It's a keeper for me, definitely.

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Another great episode, mate. Out of the 1118 views (at the time of this comment) dollars to donuts 1118 of them checked out Seiko 6139 Pogue on eBay!

[@logiepoop]

Great video on one of my favorite watches. I have one of the same reference as yours. As to your uncertainty over whether the 6139 was the first watch with a Pepsi bezel - I believe the first was the Rolex 6542 which started being produced in 1955, predating the 6139 by quite a bit. Both beautiful watches.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Thank you for that knowledge nugget, *duly noted.*

[@toughsolar7966]

I don't think I have ever since that day-date changing method before in a watch. Very interesting. --Michael

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah, Seiko added this feature to a few pieces. First time I saw it was in their "Presmatic" Series. Check those out, if you want a *dress watch,* haha.

[@aaroncostello8812]

Fun fact: Sam J. Jones wore one of these in "Flash Gordon" (1980).

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

That. Is dope. I’ve been meaning to watch that again.

[@martinmoore8216]

Really enjoyed the review and backstory. Thanks. M

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

+Martin Moore The 6139 is a true classic. Love mine.

[@capecodcuda]

👍 enjoyed watching ⌚

[@Eric_Nielsen]

Very good, researched video. Easy to find a Frankenwatch Speedtimer, *very* hard to find a working authentic version - good job! Thanks for getting the facts right on the space program, but dude - it's BRIGHT-ling.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

+Eric Nielsen Ohhh boy, haha. *Thanks,* duly noted. I’ve heard both, maybe it’s my accent, but I doubt Breitling cares. Who owns that company now?

[@Eric_Nielsen]

Breitling was purchased by CVC Capital Partners, an Asian investment group. Good news if you don't want the watches to be dumbed down (such as if Fossil had won the bid) but maybe bad news if you work in a Breitling Boutique - those might get slashed.

[@setter55]

Great review, own a 6002 from 1972. Regarding production if the 6139, on seiko groups I've seen ones manufactured as early as January 1969 which pre date the el primero.

[@Lee_K_5555]

Like you Patrick, I was not initially a fan of this vintage Seiko watch I have to say that over the years of being in the hobby they have grown on me a little. Your video was very informative, and your enthusiasm for the timepiece comes through loud and clear. Will I ever be tempted to get one? I don't know -- I haven't had the vintage bug catch up with me yet. But one never knows, do they?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

That vintage bug bit me hard... I mentioned to someone else, but now that I have decided to collect *within a theme,* this hobby has become so much more enjoyable and rewarding. That theme being vintage Seiko, mainly Iconic pieces and Chronographs. Vintage Seiko is a great way to go: the overall quality of these pieces is above and beyond your typical modern watch.

[@LukeFromUranus]

In love with this time piece but afraid to pick one up..so many aftermarket frankenwathces out there..thanks for the vid, Patrick. Figured out I should be following you on instagram

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yup, I'm there too, I'm a lazy Instagram'er, admittedly, but KZbin is the best way to Chat/Catch Up with me. It is a shame... I turned down offers that looked "franken," but lucked out on this one. Very happy. Had to pass up a beautiful 6138 last night, too many watches were purchased this month already. Taking a nice step back.

[@LukeFromUranus]

the hunt goes on for me, but still really afraid to bloop it

[@margeplas]

This video is awesome! I have a 6139-6005 in great shape, but the bottom pusher's not working (stuck). This was my uncle's special occasion watch. Do you have any recommendations for repair? I want to eventually sell it and don't want it wrecked. (After your video, I have a new appreciation. Thanks!)

[@stevenuk]

Excellent.

[@galaga8834]

The Pogue and the Seiko 6105 (Willard) are the two Seiko reissues that I am waiting for.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah, I need to speak to their PR... A reissue Pogue? I can only imagine - if done right - how popular it would be.

[@edwinardhian5862]

Willard already reissued right now. Still wait for the pogue reissue

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

Dated price$300-$400..Now in 2022 for good shape $700-$800. Just purchased one, freshly serviced all original for $750.

[@syedhasnainahmed9097]

Just love u ,for this valuable information

[@MrJamesDuffy]

Damn, son! Bringing us the knowledge on your channel! Digging the more focused reviews. Keep it up!

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Thanks brother. Yeahhh, some pieces don't need (deserve) this treatment, but boy... The 6139 has such a rich history, it didn't feel right proceeding without at least talking about it's heritage a little.

[@phmwu7368]

Between November 73 & February 1974, during Skylab-4 space station mission both astronaut William Pogue (Seiko 6139) and astronaut Gerald Carr (Movado Datron) wore an automatic chronograph. So both the "Seiko Pogue" and "Movado Carr" can wear the title of first automatic chronographs to be worn in space! #MoonwatchUniverse

[@kellynorco]

I have a Seiko chromograph automatic it looks exactly like that one except the arm band is like a metal mesh with small squares linked together

[@0rcface]

Vault Boy shirt . . . I knew there was a reason I liked you.

[@mikeq2416]

Great review as always Patrick! I have a love for vintage Seiko - as both my Father and Father-in-law wore Seikos. (which I have in my collection) I am looking for a good example of the 6139 now.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Best of luck on the hunt! Great offers crop up every now and then, so be on the lookout.

[@robcolorado]

Patrick, quick question. I have a 6139-6005 (made in Feb 1971) with a tapered H-link bracelet. Yours is identical to mine. I've read online that tapered H-links only came on 6139-600X starting in the mid-70s. Is that true? What year is yours? Thanks.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I’ll have to get back to you on this... I forget when they transitioned from straight link to tapered bracelets. I’m traveling currently, so cannot check at the moment my model year (unless it’s stated here. The case back can help discern that for you).

[@robcolorado]

Ah! I full-screened your video and was able to read the serial number "873667" July of 1978 So that's probably original to your watch. Looks like mine is not original. Spencer Klein (a Seiko expert) verified that my watch came with a straight linked bracelet and was probably replaced due to wear or damage.

[@watchiologist8918]

Does it has a handwinding function ? Because who needs a automatic watch on space?

[@maxx_vdv4960]

No it doesn't

[@christopherjefferson3561]

You really should let that chrono seconds run all the time until u need out because of how they are made. Holding it speed puts more stress on the mechanism. Fwiw

[@christopherjefferson3561]

I got this from Spencer Klein's channel btw....fwiw

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I also know this from *Spencer Klein,* however there's more to that issue than I mentioned. I run all my 6138/39's, but I need to take a hard look at this one... It tends to stop running *while* the chrono hand is operating. I glance at it and it's an hour behind some days, and others it's just fine. Like I said, probably never serviced.

[@jonathanlim-bentley977]

This is five months later, but my 6139 has / had the same issue, I found on mine it has to do with the sub second hand dragging along the dial, once I opened it up and straightened (lifted?) the hand it operated fine

[@deegz]

Hey Patrick. You mentioned you were going to change the crystal and do some cleaning. Any tips on changing the crystal? Removing the bezel? So on. Thank you!! Best, Carlos

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yes, pop the bezel and push the crystal out from behind. You’ll need a need l-shape gasket, keep the retainer ring. Crystal first then bezel, that order when replacing.

[@deegz]

Take Time, w/Patrick Marlett thanks Patrick but what’s an l-shaped gasket?

[@geneangelos8406]

I recently just bought a 6139, if I should need to service it , should I send it to a Seiko dealer or do you know some one who knows how to work on them . Especially on the dial and or buttons that dirt gets trapped in.

[@pault8470]

I have a 6002 what country was it intended for ? Thank you

[@elekn711]

I like inscriptions too

[@amandathompson5097]

I have a Seiko 6139 dating to Feb of 69

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Really? No kidding. Good find, that's about as early as they come if I'm not mistaken.

[@FlyingEriksen]

Please keep the chrono secondshand active at all time. Allways having the secondshand reset at 12 o'clock could damage the clutch inside the watch as the clutch allways has constant pressure on it, and none when its going.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Ever vigilant. ⌚️

[@hermanrivera3721]

I have a 6139-6005, yellow face, with a missing crown. Does anyone know where i can get it repaired?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Repaired? A competent, local repairmen should be able to help with a fix, but you may need to help source parts... World’s a small place. I know my repairman asked around to get the parts he needed for my repair (of this watch). Best of luck with your repair!

I still have mine,

[@wizboy6508]

Hey, I have a 6139-6002 (1971/ Blue Dial / Middle East). It is slightly damaged. But everything works properly and runs well. How much could I quote for the watch?

[@ZedEnd83]

I love this watch...and I paid a pretty goddamn penny for my "True" Pogue

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Yeah, those true Pogue's and notch cases go up there, as well as the early "Speed Timer's." I'm so happy with this one, although I'd love to see a little notch in the case...

[@gruntabro1]

I have one of these the 6139/6002

[@ahmedabdelsalam9195]

Where can I buy that watch roll?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I love this thing... A group on Etsy called "HbarNCraftworks" made it. They make awesome roll bags for knives, tools and jewelry. Definitely recommended.

[@johnsmith-dm2tq]

Is there an actual webstore that isn't ebay where you could find a good vintage Seiko?

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

All the brands curating vintage watches... Use eBay. Wipe the watch off and double/triple the price. I use eBay and Buyee Japan. Just, research everything before you make the purchase.

[@EvilUnderTone]

Pogues. Mine field comes to mind. I'm a watchmaker who specialises in vintage Seiko watches. Out of all the pogues people bring me to service I must see 1 out of 50 that is a genuine watch "not" cobbled together from spare or aftermarket parts. I went through ebay the other day. 10 pages of Pogues. Not a single one was correct. Not one! and some had bids going into hundreds of $. People are getting ripped off left, right and center with these 6139-6000s.

[@key2theuniverse713]

Dude, this is seriously intresting, I've been looking at the market for 6139s, and I genuinely can't wrap my head around it, at the moment I see polished and unserviced 6139s go for £300-500 with aftermarket parts galore, but then you see other unpolished honest watches selling for £150-300 it's a a strange strange market, I'm glad mine is all correct (apart from gaskets and crystal)

[@adamesquivel2534]

I believe I have an original 6139-6005. How could i verify this and also do you have any idea what the price range would be if I were to sell it? It's so hard to get an accurate gauge because as you stated, they all seem to be franken watches. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[@carlopatriarca5896]

Can you please say something about the Seiko 6139-6010 thankyou

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Huh? How do you mean?

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

As you say some very stringent Seiko fans wouldn't call the watch you have in this video a "Pogue" as it doesn't have the dial text. It's damn close, and in my eyes any 6139 is desirable. I'm going for a different dial myself something a bit less "period" and without a yellow dial.

[@bobtheknifeguy]

I own one I purchased in 1973 so I'm the original owner.

[@williamsmith3169]

I have one. Yes nice but the cost of servicing is very high compared to s standard Seiko watch.

[@shaybuziashvili269]

I love your taste and to tell you the truth, you were the better part of the duo.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

*Thanks Shay,* glad you like the content brother.

[@paulsteele6120]

It must be very annoying that the dial has the all important " 70 m Water resistance " at the 9 o'clock position missing.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Not at all.

[@German-lw1wn]

Sooo let me know when you add your next seiko maybe you have to let this go (one in, one out) hahaha I still don't have any chronograph and one of this is at the top of my list followed by the brown bullhead and the sunrise...

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Ahhh, a brown bullhead... I would still love one myself. Haha, I'll let you know if I plan to sell it.

[@JohnLeeDraws]

Fellow Pinoy dodging Pinoy watches on ebay lol. I hate that that's the stigma too--there's a legit watch enthusiast community there, as well as several microbrands.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

I know, I know... It is upsetting the stigma exist. I'm certainly not saying, "Don't buy from the Philippines," but man... Some of these vendors on eBay are painting a bad picture for their market. Be well John!

[@coldshadow3480]

Nice Fallout shirt

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Thanks for noticing brother! Everyone loves the *Pip-Boy*

[@coldshadow3480]

Haha yeah, that's the ultimate GADA watch right there

[@skyfairy1959]

Pan AM- GMT

[@underpar3250]

I was one of the first to use "Wabi" on the 6105 series. It was actually used to describe the lume, not nicks and dings. It's short for "Wasabi".

[@jaysterling26]

Sir, me thinks you mean, ' wabi sabi'?

[@michealsmith292]

You're showing a 6139-6002... Pogue wore the 6139-6005... Someone probably commented on that already...

[@j8sdx]

This one looks a good example but there are too many franken and unoriginal examples out there so even vintage Seiko a minefield these days.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

It's only getting worse too, yeah... I mean, we're talking about watches that are 40+ years old. Finding originals isn't quite "needle in a haystack" difficult, but it's fast getting there.

[@phmwu7368]

3:38 Discovered in 2007 ? LOL this must be a millennial thing ? Those National Geographic pages date from the 1970s and there's a bunch of official Skylab-4 photos showing William Pogue wearing the chronograph... #MoonwatchUniverse

[@Leo-Crespi]

This is not a Pogue. Quite.

[@Martin_Hunac]

This is not POGUE sir. This is very very similar version, but it is not pogue.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

Literally... 4:07 in, haha

[@tRa1nEiRaZ]

has a chronograph... refuses to use it as a chronograph

[@2008wrx]

Look at this guy making a video about a vintage model, but presenting a watch with an aftermarket dial... 🤣

[@user-oe8sm4ts8w]

That's not a Pogue. The Pogue has the 'Water Resist' text on the left of the dial.

[@TakeTimewPatrickMarlett]

+K (I state this in the video). Watch 4:07 in.

[@aditama4770]

Хронометраж, так у них и не запустил! Дизлайк! Timing, so they did not run! Disco!

[@walteralvarado7090]

The bezel is not original.

[@hamshackleton]

Waffle waffle. Almost no content.