Seiko Speedtimer

Subexplorer · 2025-04-05T01:54:25Z

Subexplorer reviews the new Seiko Speedtimer 'Pogue' reissue, comparing it to the vintage 6139. Solar movement, golden dial, Pepsi bezel.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Seiko forum

52 replies6089 views13 photos

Subexplorer shares his recent acquisition of a Seiko Speedtimer, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Seiko 6139 "Pogue." His post provides a detailed comparison between the new solar-powered chronograph and its vintage mechanical predecessor, highlighting design cues and technical differences. This offers collectors a valuable perspective on Seiko's approach to heritage reissues.

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Hello dear friends:

Just a few days ago I was taking a stroll in a mall with my wife when I spottted a watch which called my attention in a jewlery window. I had seen it some weeks ago in pictures in different web sites when it was launched.

It is a Seiko Speedtimer in an special version inspired by the legendary Seiko vintage model 6139 known among collectors as the "Pogue" model because an example of this watch was worn by Astronaut Col. William Pogue during his Skylab 4 mission in 1973. That watch is considered to be the first automatic chronograph used in space.

The modern Speedtimer has been offered in a more traditional white dial with three black subdials "Panda" version but somehow Seiko decided to "dress" the watch in this new version which though far from the original 6139 dial configuration imediately reminds us of the famous Col. Pogue watch as soon as we view it.

As a fan of the original 6139 I loved at first sight the sunburst gold dial of the new Speedtimer and its "Pepsi" bezel which was also a feature of the original "Pogue". I couldn´t resist to taking it home to make company to my 6139 (which I regret to say is not the best of conditions example but it is the best I could find in my hunting fields here).

The new "Pogue" has three subdials: a permanent seconds marker at "9", a 24 hours indication at "3" and a curious subdial at "6" which serves both as a power reserve indicator when the chronograph is at rest and a sixty minutes accumulator when the chronograph is working. The little red hand automatically returns to the power reserve function some seconds after the chrono is stopped.

As it shows in my pictures of the 6139 it only had one subdial, a 30 minutes accumulator at "6" and a day date indicator at "3". The new Speedtimer has a day window between "4" and "5". Also there is a big difference in the case shapes of both watches: the 6139 is a cushion type and the Speedtimer a tonneau shape type.

I have included pictures of both watches to show their differences.

Last but not least we should talk about the movements: As told the 6139 was equipped with an automatic mechanical movement and the present Speedtimer is equipped with the V-192 Solar powered Seiko movement with a 6 month power reserve with a full charge which I confess was one of the things which intrigued me so much and made me wish to own a watch with this kind of movements in my collection.

I find this watch very attractive and fun presence on my wrist and I´m enjoying so much wearing during the last week since I bought it (and at a very attractive price I must add).

The gold dial shines beautifully specially under natural sunlight and has proved to deliver a very precise timekeeping and everything adds to the pleasure of wearing.

Thank you so much for reading!! Best cordial regards, Abel

Next shot shows the original 6139 at left and the new Speedtimer at right. Differences are evident but the new watch keeps the spirit of the original I feel.

Col. William Pogue was wearing his official Omega Speedmaster on his right wrist and his 6139 on his left wrist during his 1973 Skylab mission.

He passed away on March 2014 and his own historical and famous Seiko 6139 had been previously auctioned in 2008 at the surprising low sum of US$ 5.975.- !!! I surely would have loved to buy it!!

My own 6139 which regrettably is not in the best condition I would like but anyway I enjoy wearing from time to time:

About the Seiko Seiko Chronograph Ref. 6139

The Seiko 6139 chronograph movement, introduced in 1969, was a significant development in automatic chronograph technology. It was one of the world's first automatic chronographs to feature both a column wheel and a vertical clutch mechanism, innovations that contributed to its precise operation and smooth chronograph engagement. This movement was designed for robustness and reliability, reflecting Seiko's engineering capabilities during that era.

The 6139 caliber powered a variety of Seiko chronographs, often housed in distinctively styled cases that became popular among collectors. Its integrated design meant that the chronograph functions were built directly into the movement, rather than being modular additions. The movement typically featured a single sub-dial for chronograph minutes and a day/date complication.

For collectors, the Seiko 6139 series represents a pivotal moment in chronograph history, offering advanced technical features at an accessible price point. Its historical significance as an early automatic column wheel chronograph, combined with its diverse range of case and dial variations, makes it a sought-after vintage reference.

Specifications

Caliber: 6139

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Various

Water Resist.: 70m

Crystal: Hardlex

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Speedtimer reissue, with its golden sunburst dial and 'Pepsi' bezel, effectively evokes the spirit of the original 6139 'Pogue' despite differences in dial configuration and case shape.
The modern Speedtimer features a V-192 Solar powered movement with a 6-month power reserve, a significant departure from the original 6139's automatic mechanical caliber.
The new Speedtimer's subdial at 6 o'clock innovatively functions as both a power reserve indicator when at rest and a 60-minute chronograph accumulator when active.
The post inspired a reader to purchase the Pogue reissue, driven by fond childhood memories of a friend's father wearing the original 6139 with its distinctive yellow sunburst dial.
A restored vintage 6139 'Pogue' was shared, demonstrating that older pieces can be brought back to excellent condition, offering hope for other collectors' vintage finds.
The new Speedtimer is praised for its vibrant, warm golden dial and red-blue bezel, which evoke feelings of joy and warmth for wearers.

The Discussion

Larrykelley11

Apr 5, 2025

Abel, I have to say I love the new Pogue, it looks great on your wrist.

Is it comfortable?

Subexplorer

Apr 5, 2025

Hello Larry! Thanks a lot for your kind comments. Yes, it is very comfortable on the wrist. Even is my wrist is rather thin at 7-1/2" the 41,5 mm case seats very nicely.

As usual best thing is to try any watch on your own wrist as not only case size is important but also your wrist shape and your personal taste when you view it strapped on your wrist. Thank you so much again for viewing and commenting! Hagwe! Abel

Larrykelley11

Apr 5, 2025

I’m not surprised by your answer, the dimensions are really good. Congratulations and enjoy!

Subexplorer

Apr 5, 2025

Thank you Larry again! Appreciate your message so much. Best, Abel

orahu

Apr 5, 2025

Great! The photos have emerged! What a colorful dial — nice find — in a storefront window!!

Subexplorer

Apr 5, 2025

Thank you so much orahu! A colorful find indeed. Hagwe! Abel