One To Watch | NEW Seiko Prospex ‘Pogue’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph 1969 Watch
If you’re someone who keeps up-to-date with the most highly anticipated watch releases, chances are you’ve heard of the new Seiko Pogue, a watch that’s making a name for itself amongst avid collectors right now. From Japanese watch brand Seiko, we’re going to take you through what we’re loving about the Seiko Prospex ‘Pogue’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph 1969 Watch.
“The Seiko Prospex Pogue watch is a reinterpretation of one of Seiko’s most memorable models. Famed for being the revived version of a watch that’s journeyed into space, it’s no surprise that this timepiece has gained so much attention. The watch’s statement aesthetics, fascinating legacy and originality make it nothing short of an icon.” – Bruce, Head of Watches.
As Seiko have an impressive catalogue of milestones to their name, such as inventors of the quartz wristwatch, manufacturers of multiple award-winning models, and creators of the world’s first GPS Solar watch, you can expect signature innovation from this watchmaker. Join us as we unpack this already highly demanded timepiece. It’s been worth the wait…
Let’s hit rewind to 1969
The year is 1969, and Seiko has just released the world’s first automatic chronograph watch equipped with both a vertical clutch and column wheel. Known as the Seiko Speedtimer collection, there’s one watch that stands out from the original 6139 Speedtimer series. It has a striking yellow dial, a blue and red tachymeter bezel, and a chronometer second scale on the inside dial ring.
But what made this Seiko Speedtimer so popular? Fast forward to 4 years after its release to 1973, and the vibrant model is seen strapped to the wrist of none other than William R. Pogue, an astronaut who voyaged on a Saturn IB rocket during NASA’s Skylab 4 mission. And, with that, the Seiko 6139 Speedtimer completes another mission – to be the first automatic chronograph watch in space.
The eagerly awaited Seiko Pogue revives this legendary model, named after William R. Pogue, the astronaut responsible for giving this watch its out-of-this-world status. In 2024, get ready to meet Seiko’s recreation, a faithful take on an important moment in the watch brand’s history.
The new Seiko Prospex ‘Pogue’ Speedtimer Solar Chronograph 1969 Watch
The new version pays homage to the original Seiko 6139 Pogue, with its yellow dial, aluminium bezel and chronometer second scale. The second hand and 6 o’clock sub-dial hand are in bright red, a design aspect also directly taken from the first watch. The stainless steel case is accompanied by a matching bracelet, and is tapered from the lugs all the way to the buckle.
Crafted to explore, the adventurous spirit of the Seiko Pogue lives on in its wide, vintage-style indices, with 12 spots of Lumibrite upon each one. For enhanced legibility in dark environments, it’s not just the Seiko Pogue’s looks that make it uncompromising. Powering the modern model is an updated and upgraded movement, the V192 solar chronograph calibre, which charges in both natural and artificial light. It has a power reserve of 6 months at full charge – that’s more than enough to take you to the moon and back!
As a member of Seiko’s Prospex collection, the Seiko Pogue is designed to be practical, reliable and durable. This adventurer’s watch is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month, and belonging to a family of high performance sports watches, it’s built to handle the extreme. After all, if this timepiece can handle journeying to space in style, what can’t it do?
Our verdict
Things we like
✔ The Seiko Pogue history and iconic story
✔ The vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic
✔ The innovative solar chronograph movement
Perfect for
✔ Those who love an adventure
✔ Watch enthusiasts and collectors
✔ Long power reserve, accuracy and statement style
Want to discover more of our favourite stylish watches? Visit our Our Favourite Limited Edition Watches, or if you’re looking for advice when choosing the right timepiece, read our Watch Buying Guide.
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