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.’ This example from May of ’82 checks all the boxes. It’s unpolished and all original aside from a replacement mineral crystal. The bezel insert does show some light wear and fading, but the color and markings are vivid and legible. The knurled bezel rotates smoothly, and seats firmly to access each function. It is keeping perfect time after careful disassembly and cleaning of the module, and the lcd display is crisp with no fade or bleeding.  The alarm and chime tones are crisp and bright, and the incandescent back light allows for low/no light visibility. It comes attached to the original Seiko five link bracelet for a seamless and complete fit and finish. While the “Pogue” and “Kranz” are heralded for the contributions of those particular men to NASA’s many accomplishments, the “Astronaut” was worn and appreciated 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 member from that era. Here’s your opportunity to issue an important and historic reference for both Seiko and NASA to your own collection.

Original Seiko Five Link in Stainless Steel

Serviced- 7/26

Diameter- 37mm

Lugs- 20mm