Seiko has released a solar chronograph that pays tribute to a classic space watch.
In 1969, Seiko released one of the world’s first automatic chronographs, the Speedtimer.
Colonel William Pogue, who had become an astronaut in 1966, bought one and wore it during his training.
Although Seiko watches were not officially approved by NASA, when his training started, the official Omega Speedmasters had not yet been distributed to astronauts.
On his mission to the first US space station in 1973, Col. Pogue decided to wear the NASA-issued Speedmaster on his right wrist, and the Seiko on his left.
As the Speedmasters were manually wound, this makes the Seiko reportedly the first automatic chronograph in space.
The late Col. Pogue continued to wear the watch for years after his return until it was auctioned to raise funds for the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, selling for just under $6,000 in 2008. Col. Pogue died in 2104 at the age of 84.
This modern recreation of the watch has a V192 solar chronograph movement that is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month and has a power reserve of 6 months at full charge.
The second hand, and subdial minute hand at 6 o’clock are in a bright red in a nod to the original.
The 41.4mm stainless steel case is water resistant to 100m.
The stainless-steel bracelet has a three-fold clasp with push button release.
The chronograph times up to 60 minutes in 1/5 second intervals.
The Prospex ‘Pogue’ Solar Chronograph 1969 Re-interpretation costs $600.
www.seikousa.com