A Very Well Preserved Lemania RAF 6BB/924 Military Issued Single Pusher Chronograph with a Beautiful Black Dial, Issued in 1963

Lemania (named for Lake Geneva - Le Lac Leman in French) is probably the most illustrious of the watch manufacturers that have now ceased to exist. Founded in 1883 by self-taught watchmaker Alfred Lugrin, the company has earned a place in the heart of many a vintage watch enthusiast, specialising from the very beginning in making high-quality chronographs, repeaters, and stopwatches. 

This Lemania chronograph is the quintessence of the pilot watch. Produced during a little more than 20 years, from the 50s to the early 70s, in low quantities, it features a mono-pusher mechanism based on the Lemania 2220 movement. Its black dial and large tritium hands make it very readable and the thick asymmetrical case adds a touch of coolness to the overall aesthetic.

Lemania was a supplier to various militaries and official agencies, their watches (or sometimes movements only) were provided to Czechoslovakia, France, Sweden, Rhodesia, and Australia amongst others, and they were one of the various companies complying with the rigorous post-WWII British requirements for issue. With such a rich military bloodline, Lemania's military chronographs were sure to be exceptional pieces. 

What’s On Offer 

This Lemania is in superb vintage condition, the dial is simply beautiful, especially given it is 60 years old this year! The black of the dial is rich and provides the perfect backdrop for the bold white accents including the subdials, the Arabic numerals and the hands, not forgetting the bold arrow denoting the watch as property of the MoD. The original lume is still present on the dial and it has aged to a beautiful caramel colour which warms the dial-up nicely. The case is also in nice condition with only the normal signs of wear we would expect on a vintage military tool watch such as this. The original military markings are present on the case back and read: 6BB/924-3306 1489/63. These watches look great on the wrist, they are quite meaty and at 38mm have great proportions - it is running well and keeping good time - a great opportunity to acquire a nice piece of authentic British military history and a fantastic addition to any watch collection