Seiko Chronograph Automatic

Seiko
Chronograph
Day & Date
Stainless steel   
1974  
Automatic
17 Jewels  
Movement cal. 6139B
Japan
± 40 x 41.5 mm

New in store is this Seiko Chronograph Automatic from the 1970’s. It carries the ‘Made in Japan’, 17 jewels, legendary 6139B caliber automatic movement “Pogue”. Named after Colonel William Pogue, a NASA astronaut who presumably wore it to space in 1973. Presumably, because claims were made it wasn’t the case, but an eagle eye Seiko fan, sought out the truth and proved them wrong. The 6139 caliber was launched in 1969. The 6139B (dates from 1972-1979) is the same as the 6139A but with a modified switching mechanism. The day & date can be quick-set by pushing in the crown either one or two detents.  The movement has a so-called ‘Diashock’ anti-shock system, which consists of a three-prong clover shaped retainer (see close-up photo). The period in which this watch was developed, was bold and colorful, things where either cool, chill or groovy. Frases as; catch my drift and right on, where used. Hippies where in, so where jeans with bellbottoms, bikes with banana shapes seats and fringes, you hitched a ride wearing your platform shoes to the disco, or bare feet to the beach… anyhow it was an explosive time in so many ways, watches were produced in odd, weird shapes, there was a limitless range to choose from, and with the most striking outrageous color schemes. I associated, like many others I presume that Seiko watches where a thing of the 1970’s, but nothing could be further from the truth. Seiko started out in 1881 when the then 21-year-old Kintaro Hattori opened his watch shop in Tokyo. He teamed up with Tsuruhiko Yoshikawa. Together they started out producing wall clocks, followed by pocket watches, old examples of Seiko pocket watches wore the name ‘Time Keeper’. And as with many watch companies they too soon realized that the future was to be found in wristwatches. Seiko was to become one of the most important watch brands of the seventies…  
This Seiko Chronograph Automatic dates from 1974, and it still has its original rally style stainless steel bracelet attached. I have a soft spot when it comes to these bracelets, some have cut out circles like this one, others have filled inserts that match the color of the dial, personally I prefer the open ones.
Truth be said, I wasn’t a Seiko fan, this is actually the very first Seiko to enter out webstore. But I have learned to appreciate their bold, daring, out of the box quirky looks, so they too deserve a space.