If you own a Seiko Pogue, congratulations — you have one of the most historically significant vintage Japanese watches ever made. The Seiko 6139-6002, nicknamed "Pogue" after astronaut William Pogue who wore it aboard the Skylab 4 mission in 1973, was the world's first automatic chronograph worn in space. It's a genuine piece of horological history.
But like any vintage watch over 50 years old, the original strap may be worn out, broken, or you simply want a fresh look. The problem? Not all straps fit the Pogue correctly — and getting it wrong is surprisingly easy. At Watchura, we get asked about this almost every day, so we've put together this definitive guide.
What Size Strap Does the Seiko Pogue Take?
This is the most important detail — and the one that causes the most mistakes:
- Lug width: 19 mm (on references 6139-6002 and 6139-6005, the most common variants)
- End shape: The Pogue's lugs curve slightly downward, which means the strap ends must be curved (not straight). A generic flat 19 mm strap will fit loosely and leave an unsightly gap between the case and strap.
- Strap length: 115 mm (long side) / 75 mm (short side) — fits wrists between 16 and 20 cm
- Buckle width: 18 mm (slightly narrower than the lug width, as is standard for Japanese watches of this era)
💡 Important note: Some less common 6139 variants (such as the 6139-7010 or the "Baby Jumbo" 6139-7030) may have different lug widths. If in doubt, send us your full reference number and we'll confirm the exact size.
The 5 Best Strap Styles for the Seiko Pogue
1. Steel Oyster-Style Bracelet — The Authentic Original Look
The Seiko Pogue came from the factory in many variants fitted with a classic Oyster-style steel link bracelet, very typical of 1970s Japanese watchmaking. If you want the most historically faithful look, this is your option. At Watchura, our bracelets are made from 316L stainless steel (the same grade used by Rolex and Omega) with a mixed polished/brushed finish that perfectly captures the spirit of the original 1970s Pogue.
Best for: daily wear, classic look, collectors who want historical authenticity.
2. Brown Vintage Leather — The Collectors' Favourite
For the iconic yellow canary dial of the 6139-6002 — the "yellow Pogue" — aged brown leather is the combination that collectors worldwide rave about. It delivers that genuine 1970s tool-watch character that's so sought after today. The contrast between brown leather, orange or beige stitching and the yellow dial is simply spectacular in photographs.
Best for: collectors, watch meets and events, watch photography.
3. Black Leather — Elegant and Versatile
For darker dial variants (navy blue, black or grey), a black leather strap with subtle stitching gives the Pogue a more formal, elegant appearance. This is the most versatile option if you wear the watch in different environments.
Best for: office wear, formal occasions, dark-dial variants.
4. NATO Nylon Strap — Simple, Tough and Vintage
A double-pass NATO in black/grey or navy blue gives the Pogue a highly sought-after tool-watch look. It also has the practical advantage that if a spring bar breaks, the watch won't fall to the ground. It's the most affordable option and the easiest to swap depending on your outfit.
Best for: daily wear without worry, travel, outdoor activities.
5. Rubber/FKM Strap — For the Everyday Pogue Wearer
If you wear your Pogue every day and don't want to worry about sweat, water or physical activity, a high-quality FKM rubber strap is the answer. Far more durable than cheap silicone, comfortable and with a vintage-style texture. Perfect for summer wear.
Best for: intensive daily use, sport, summer, diver-style aesthetic.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Seiko Pogue Strap
❌ Buying a 20 mm strap because "it's close enough": The Pogue takes 19 mm lugs. A 20 mm strap will fit loosely and never sit correctly — the result looks wrong on the wrist.
❌ Ignoring the curved end requirement: A straight-end strap on the Pogue leaves a visible gap between the case and strap. It looks bad and can scratch the case over time through friction.
❌ Buying cheap quality for a watch worth €500+: An original Seiko Pogue in good condition is worth between €400 and €1,500 depending on the variant and condition. At Watchura our straps start from €20 — a fair price for genuine quality.
❌ Not checking your exact reference: The 6139 calibre was used across many different references. Always confirm your full reference number (engraved on the caseback) before buying.
The History of the Seiko Pogue: Why This Watch Is So Special
On 16 November 1973, Colonel William Reid Pogue launched aboard the Skylab 4 NASA mission. On his wrist was a Seiko 6139-6002 with a yellow dial. It became the first automatic chronograph ever worn in space, and that's how the nickname "Pogue" was born — and it stuck forever.
What makes this watch special beyond its history is the engineering it hides: the 6139 calibre was Seiko's first integrated automatic chronograph movement, featuring a vertical clutch column wheel mechanism that was a genuine technological advance for its time. And all of this in a watch you can still find today for a few hundred euros — making it one of the best value propositions in the entire vintage watch market.
Why Buy Your Seiko Pogue Strap from Watchura?
At Watchura we are not a generalist store selling thousands of references we've never actually touched. We are vintage Seiko collectors who test every single strap on the actual watches before listing them for sale. When you buy a strap for your Pogue from Watchura, you know:
- ✅ The size is exactly correct for your reference
- ✅ The end shape is right — curved or straight as required
- ✅ Certified 316L stainless steel on all metal straps and bracelets
- ✅ Fair pricing: €20–€35 including shipping
- ✅ We ship to Spain, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and France
- ✅ Questions? We reply within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What lug width does the Seiko Pogue 6139-6002 take?
19 mm between the lugs, with an 18 mm buckle width. The strap ends must be curved for a proper fit.
Can I use a 20 mm strap on my Seiko Pogue?
It will physically fit, but there will be visible slack and the fit won't be correct. We always recommend using the exact 19 mm size.
How much should I spend on a Seiko Pogue strap?
At Watchura, Seiko Pogue straps start from €35 including shipping to Europe. This offers far superior quality compared to cheap import alternatives.
What strap did William Pogue wear in space?
Pogue wore the Seiko 6139-6002 with its original factory steel bracelet during the Skylab 4 mission in November 1973.
Is the Seiko Pogue a good investment?
The 6139 is one of the most appreciated vintage Japanese watches of the last decade. A good example can be worth €400–€1,500 depending on variant and condition, making it well worth protecting with a quality strap.
Where is the best place to buy Seiko Pogue straps in Europe?
Watchura is the specialist reference store in Europe for vintage Seiko watch straps, with curated options specifically tested for the Pogue 6139 and shipped across Spain, Germany, Italy, UK and France.
