Though no official partnership was ever forged, Seiko and NASA had something of a shared history spanning nearly three decades. In the late 60’s, while serving as flight director for the Apollo program, Gene Kranz was almost never seen without his 6119-8460 70m Sport Diver. In the mid 1970’s, Col. William Pogue would go so far as to sneak his trusted 6139-6005 Automatic Chronograph aboard Sky Lab while serving as mission pilot. He’d come to heavily rely on it for timing critical missions during simulations, and preferred it to his issued Omega Speedmaster. It was a decision that would inadvertently make history as Seiko could now claim ownership of the first automatic chronograph in space. With the arrival of the 1980’s and the shuttle program, Seiko would once again be a favorite among NASA astronauts as Dr. Owen Garriott wore not one, but both versions of the A829 through subsequent orbiter missions. His watch choice would influence countless other STS astronauts to choose the A829-60XX, including Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, as well as the heroes who perished aboard “Challenger.” So synonymous was the Seiko A829 with the NASA shuttle missions, that Lea Thompson can be seen sporting one in the 1986 film ’Space Camp.’ We’ve been able to offer many “Pogue” models over the years, and even gotten our hands on a few “Gene Kranz” references, but until now, a top notch “Astronaut” has eluded us. An HCV first, this early A829-6019 from March of ’82 is a notch so far at the top, it’s not even on the stick. In unworn condition, it’s virtually perfect. It’s unpolished and completely original, including the unblemished Hardlex crystal. The five link bracelet has retained its clean original finishes, and the delicate sandblasting on the clasp is complete. The bezel and insert are spotless and free from color fade, and I carefully removed the actuator pins under the bezel for new gaskets and lubrication. I also pulled the pushers for cleaning, gaskets, and silicone lubricant. The LCD display is crisp with no bleeding, and all functions accessed by rotating the bezel are operating correctly and with no lag or hesitation. The movement has been carefully cleaned, and a new lithium battery installed. It is keeping perfect time, and the alarm and chime tones are crisp and bright. In addition, it comes with the original inner and outer box in navy and gold, and the original hang tag and retailer’s price tag are included. The hang tag insert and instruction/warranty booklets are not present. While the “Pogue” and “Kranz” are heralded for the contributions of those men to NASA’s many accomplishments, the “Astronaut” was worn by an entire generation of brave American pioneers. With too many to name, simply referring to it as the “Astronaut” is probably best. Though it was never officially issued by NASA, it was the choice of so many, and can be seen in endless official photos on the wrists of nearly every team from that era. An important and historic reference for both Seiko and NASA, this rarest of opportunities would be an absolute highlight in any collection.

Original Seiko Rolled Five Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel (Inner/Outer Box, Cuff, Hang Tag)

Serviced- 3/25

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 20mm