Spotter's Guide - how to buy a Seiko 6139-6005 True Pogue - what is and isn't a 'Pogue'

Col. William Pogue's watch was a Seiko 6139-6005 with dial marking "Water 70m Resist", the N. American version, with Spanish / English daywheel. Shout out to TGV / The Urban Gentry for his support.

[Antiqueexcavator]

I just won a 1977 6139-6005 blue “pogue” at auction. Although not a true pogue I love it and can’t wait to service and wear it! That’s for the education! It’s one of the things I love about watch collecting. I’m a naturally very mechanic ally inclined and recently was lucky enough to find a complete watchmakers desk loaded with high end tools (Bergeron, etc). I’ve been watching a lot of videos and really getting a knack at repair. It will definitely be my hobby when I finally retire in a few years! Well, that’s my plan. Of course, “men plan, god laughs!” So you never know. My grandma used to say that in Yiddish when I was a young boy. I now have it tattooed on my back. Anyway, love your stuff!

[paulwright]

Okay so mine has 6139-6005 stamped on the back, and every other attribute cited of a "Pogue" except the face text indicating resistance depth (which is stamped onto the back). I'm having it restored, wearing it proudly and calling it a "Pogue".

[peter-pgyc]

had mine since high school still have owners manuel and sales receipt 88 dollars.. it still works.

[drticzon]

My Seiko is not a true Pogue since it is missing water resistance on the face. It has the English and Spanish dial. It was manufactured in December 1975. My parents gave it to me in June 1976 for a 8th grade graduation gift. I worn the watch ever since up to the first 20 years of my dental practice (I’m a dentist) The last 10 years I started using a Citizen Eco drive H145 and a 1st gen AppleWatch. I pulled out my Seiko and wearing it again (stored in the original Seiko box). Thank you for all your videos.

[gtpkent]

Thanks for the video. I recently found someone to work on mine (March 72) and can't wait to get it back... Belonged to my father who died 30+ years ago so it's got insane history on both global and personal levels. You're video is helping me to understand what a gem it is to the world and not just me.

[cmb]

From what I have read online, Colonel Pogue sneaked his Seiko on board as he preferred it over the Issued Omega for timing engine burns, I love them too, I have four yellow, two silver and two blue "Pogues", my favourite has to be the silver dialed ones.

[alastairwatson]

Yeah, I get what you’re saying but I’m happy with my yellow faced, suwa symbol bearing, non-“resist” dial version. I could’ve instead bought a Pepsi coloured example - available at the same time - but it’s all about that amazing yellow for me. It’s changed my entire relationship with Seiko; my appreciation has skyrocketed with the beauty of this watch.

[josephp]

I've loved watches since I was a kid looking at my dads old times diver, your videos have made me love them even more especially my seikos

[xjsteve]

Thanks for sharing your expertise on these vintage 6139 Seiko's Spencer, this is truly informative. I always considered my July '71 6139-6002 'Resist' text dial to be a true Pogue but I guess it's not due to lacking the 17J but having the Chronograph Automatic text. It's the actual watch TGV features in his video after lending it to him for the review. You live and learn!

[GXSP]

Thank you so much! I know we talked at length about my blunder, and how much I've appreciated your help, but this is pure excellence!

[stevegrant]

My comment might go unseen as this is a very old YT but here goes anyway.
I have a 6139-6005 and I'm in the UK.
I got this from a watch shop owner who took it in the day before my dropping in on him.
I am assuming the reason it's a 6005 is because as we are just a few miles from Upper Heyford I guess it was here from near new and owned by a USAF guy.
It must have stayed on UK soil for whatever reason.
It's in nice condition and still has strong yellow to the dial ring, serviced but with a new crystal though and the serial is also September 71, I wonder what Pogue's actual number was and how far from it mine might be.

[pault]

I've just purchased the Seiko Alpanist . Superb watch

[jsnyder]

I remember back in 2007 when the Story of the Pogue broke on SCWF. It was very exciting while we waited for him to respond and watching it play out.

[samd.]

Great video but I still love my non-true pogue 6139-6002.  Great work and please keep the great videos coming.

[mr_glasses]

I think what many seem to confuse is the difference between a true Pogue and a genuine 6139 600X. There were other variations of the dial released at different times and for different regions etc. They are authentic/genuine Seiko, just not Pogues.
Thanks for the video though. I'm late to the party but I'm gradually learning the differences.

[KayvanKhiabani]

A very well done video. Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify this matter. Mr. Klein, I understand that you lovingly restore these and other vintage Seiko timepieces however, I was wondering if you also offer serviced vintage Seiko for sale? I truly appreciate buying from a well regarded and reliable source such as yourself.

[fivedogsranch]

At 8:05 you lay both watches on the table. Yours, on left has a different bracelet and the other, on right has the correct bracelet. Mine is a serial 121***. All original. I’d like to send it in to Seiko for service, but I’m afraid they’ll open it and loose or break something. Especially after they’ve already said they do not have parts for these watches and will not use non Seiko parts. It runs and keeps time perfectly, the only issue is the setting and crown functions feel a little “gummy.” Thanks for the post.

[mr.smitty]

Great video Spencer as usual extremely informational....

[bmassche]

nice and informative. got my eye on an estate auction right now for a 6139-6005 plain dial. hope i win it!

[jsnyder]

Pouge! I finally got it right. Great video.