Lemania Chronograph

Lemania is a name that's often heard in vintage chronograph collectors' circles, and for very good reason. In 1932, Lemania joined Omega and Tissot to form SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogére SA). It was this relationship--particularly with Omega--that would result in the creation of some of the most iconic calibers in horological history, like the Lemania 1873 (or Omega Caliber .861) found in the legendary Omega Speedmaster. Like many manufacturers, Lemania also equipped watches to the world's militaries, including those of Sweden and the United Kingdom. For many collectors, they encapsulate the essence of "tool watch" in their most elemental form--if for no other reason than that they were built to be issued to sailors, soldiers, and airmen and brought into some of the harshest environments possible. Their stark, no-frills designs were universally practical and rugged, intended for maximum utility. Within the range of military-issued timepieces, aviator's chronographs are among the most desirable. Some--like the Zenith A. Cairelli issued to the Italian Air Force--have become nothing short of legendary. Unfortunately, with notoriety often comes a legendary price tag, so it's fortunate that there are less expensive options with sterling military pedigrees and the same mechanicals to choose from. This piece, issued to the South African Air Force in the 1970s, uses the Calibre 1872, a two register manual winding version of the Calibre 1873.  Keeping with the stark, function-first designs commonly associated with military timekeepers, this pieces uses Bund-style Arabic hour markers and a handset very similar to everyone's favorite Moonwatch.  Showing signs (in the form of contract-replacement components) of a long and distinguished service in the SAAF, this timepiece offers a tremendous value for a legitimate military-issued chronograph.  Don't miss it!