Superhero Sunday · Watch Lover

Superhero Sunday

Wearing my Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph "Pogue" today. My Multiverse Superman joined me for a visit to a World's Fair exhibit with my wife and her family relatives. Then on to her sister's to help finish the leftovers from Thanksgiving.

The "Seiko Pogue" is the nickname for the Seiko 6139 automatic chronograph, named after NASA astronaut Colonel William Pogue, who wore one on the Skylab 4 mission in 1973. The watch earned its fame by becoming the first automatic chronograph in space, a distinction it achieved because Pogue wore his personal watch during the mission. Pogue had purchased the watch in 1972 for his training and took it to space despite NASA's standard-issue Omega Speedmaster, which he received later.

Origin of the nickname: Colonel William Pogue, an astronaut on the Skylab 4 mission (November 1973 to February 1974), wore his personal Seiko 6139-6005 watch.
The first automatic chronograph in space: While NASA astronauts were issued Omega Speedmasters, Pogue wore his Seiko for training and then took it into space, making it the first automatic chronograph to be used in orbit.
Historical significance: Pogue's decision to bring and use the watch during the mission made the Seiko 6139 an icon in watch history.
The watch's fate: Pogue's space-flown Seiko was later auctioned for charity in 2008, raising funds for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Collector's item: Today, all variations of the Seiko 6139 are affectionately called the "Pogue" by collectors, especially those with the gold dial.

Have a great finish to your weekend

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