It’s almost unbelievable that in a watch industry seemingly flooded with vintage reissues and reproductions, Seiko has yet to make a somewhat representative recreation of its “Pogue” model (ref. 6139-6002) from 1973. Not only was the 6139 Speedtimer one of the first automatic chronographs in the game when it hit the market back in 1969 but the variant with the Pepsi-style bezel and mustard yellow dial has become an absolute icon due to its NASA pedigree (more on that in a moment).
Fortunately, the Japanese watchmaker has heard our cries (sort of) and has come out with a model — the Prospex Speedtimer SSC947 — that’s close to the original Pogue.
What’s So Special About the Pogue?
There have been many watches affixed to astronauts’ wrists as they head into space — most of them from Omega if we’re talking NASA spacemen — but the first-ever automatic chronograph to travel through our atmosphere was Col. William Pogue’s personal 6139-6002 Speedtimer, accompanying him on his Skylab 4 mission. It was the third and final trip to the first-ever American space station, where he and two others spent a then-record 84 days in outer space.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC947 “Pogue” Reinterpretation Basics
More of a reinterpretation of the original Pogue watch than it is a full-fledged reissue, the new Prospex Speedtimer is, more or less, a reissue. But why isn’t it called a reissue? Well, for one, there’s the addition of the solar movement. While the original had an automatic chronograph caliber — again, it was the first of its kind in space — this new version bucks tradition a bit with the utilization of the solar movement (i.e., it’s not a mechanical watch).
Not only that but this new model simply recycles the typical template of the (admittedly impressive) Prospex Solar Chronograph Speedtimer that already exists, equipped with the trio of subdials and 41.4mm stainless steel case and bracelet. Rather than the single subdial in yellow of the ‘73 watch, this one has three black subdials. Likewise, the day-date display at the 3 spot has turned into a simple date window between the 4 and 5.
Regardless of its differences, this is the closest Seiko has ever come to an actual Pogue reissue and, color-wise, is pretty darn close to the original. It’s safe to say that few brands would have the gall to release a mustard-yellow dial watch surrounded by a red-and-blue bezel in 2024 so there’s that. However, it would have been amazing if Seiko had chosen to release an entirely new model as a 1-to-1 reissue. But seeing that last year was the 50th anniversary of Col. Pogue’s launch, it seems like the moment may have passed…for now.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 41.4mm
Lug-to-Lug: 45.9mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Seiko solar-powered Cal. V192 chronograph
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Not limited in edition size, the Prospex Speedtimer SSC947 “Pogue” Reinterpretation is priced at $700 and available from Seiko’s website now.
Recap
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC947 “Pogue” Reinterpretation
Seiko reinterprets the iconic Pogue Speedtimer that was worn to space in 1973. However, this new watch is more of an aesthetic recreation than it is a reissue, with a new dial configuration and solar movement.
