dasher
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Post by dasher on Apr 3, 2017 12:41:15 GMT -8
A recent purchase has piqued my interest in a Seiko sport diver. The 6119-8460 (with silver dial) is known as the watch NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz wore. Who, you ask is Gene Kranz?
Gene Kranz is an American, born in Toledo, Ohio, who served in the Korean War as a pilot. After his service he joined McDonnell Aircraft Corporation working on missile testing. After working at McDonnell Aircraft, Mr. Kranz then joined NASA and was a major player in the Gemini and Apollo programs. Mr. Kranz is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Gene Kranz's watch was auctioned (along with lots of other NASA/space-oriented stuff, I'm sure) for the sum of $3500. Here is a photo of Gene Kranz's watch:
To the best of my reading, it appears to be a "Proof" dial.
The Seiko 6119-8460 came in a silver dial and a black dial. The dials had the dial text of either "Proof" or "Resist". The extent of my limited research shows these watches were made as early as May of 1970 (051746) and as late as June of 1972 (264091).
The Seiko 6119-8460 was a 21 jewel movement with a tension spring rotating ring (bezel). These rotating rings are, naturally, very hard to find in good condition. The original bracelet is difficult to find too, although I think the 6119-8460 shares a lot of parts with the 6106-8100 sport diver.
Here is a pic of my incoming 6119-8460 with the black dial:
That is how the rotating ring (bezel) looks in a lot of the pictures during my limited research.
Please share a picture of your 6119-8460 in this thread, along with a case back photo, if you don't mind.
Dan |
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longbike
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Post by longbike on Apr 7, 2017 12:48:10 GMT -8
Aloha Sir , Dan, I have this picture for a long time and never thought of the watch he wore. Well now I do and thanks for the posting Sir. I use to follow quite a few Space Study Things before and a big interest in the personnel with it. Louis Appolo 13 ( Control Command Center )  |
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dasher
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Post by dasher on Oct 20, 2017 7:53:25 GMT -8
I recently managed to pick up a nearly "proper" Gene Kranz (his was a "Proof" dial) but seeing as these watches are very hard to find, I have no problem appropriating the name for this "Resist" dial:
With a close-up of the dial:
I'm pretty certain this is the original bracelet too:
Proper bracelet code?
Always love to see a case back shot:
Thanks for looking! Now to find a "Proof" dial...
D.
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Oct 20, 2017 13:03:35 GMT -8
Nice one Dan. Especially with the bracelet.
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Post by peenemunde on Oct 20, 2017 13:50:40 GMT -8
 My black Kranz. Rare reference the silver version. Compliments. |
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Oct 20, 2017 16:47:56 GMT -8
I have several of these in my never ending project line up. The 8460 also came with the blue chevron dial. I have the chevron, black, and silver dial versions. One of these days they'll be back on line...........
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Fergus
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Post by Fergus on Jan 31, 2019 22:49:56 GMT -8
My 6119-8460 recently acquired.   Should the bezel have a click. |
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Feb 1, 2019 4:11:21 GMT -8
No bezel clicks on these. They have a tension ring.
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Post by diverdave on Feb 4, 2019 7:45:56 GMT -8
My pair, both after refurb and service with new crystals. The one on the right has a NOS bezel, as like yours, most of the text had worn away.  |
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Post by edotkim on Jan 11, 2020 2:10:54 GMT -8
I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but, diverdave, would you be willing to share where you sourced the coffin link bracelet shown on your 6119-8460? They seem to be incredibly difficult to find these days.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Post by diverdave on Sept 25, 2020 13:39:43 GMT -8
It was an EBay find and I just had a saved search for 19mm coffin link bracelet and one came up, which I won.
They are not cheap but a great match for the Kranz.
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HiBeat
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Post by HiBeat on Sept 25, 2020 14:35:11 GMT -8
It was an EBay find and I just had a saved search for 19mm coffin link bracelet and one came up, which I won. They are not cheap but a great match for the Kranz. Glad you came back Dave! |
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Post by peterr on Sept 26, 2020 1:47:07 GMT -8
here's my kranz on coffin link bracelet bought a few years ago, had been serviced by hub city vintage. i replaced the original ghost bezel insert with a decent enough 6106-8100 bezel insert because a. i prefer legibility over historical accuracy, and b. the original is saved and receives no more wear and tear. i've tried selling it but couldn't get a bid near what i paid for it, if you're interested start a conversation with me. i love it, but i only wear it once a month and i could let it go. Attachments:
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