A Very Rare Lemania World War 2, Series 1 Chronograph Watch Thought to be a Pathfinder Watch Accompanied by Provenance Including Original Pathfinder Slides, c.1940s

Lemania Watches, a prestigious Swiss watch brand established in 1884, has a rich history interwoven with military precision and innovation. Throughout the 20th century, Lemania distinguished itself not only through its remarkable civilian timepieces but also by its contributions to military horology. The brand's commitment to producing robust, accurate watches met the stringent requirements of various armed forces around the globe.
    
During World War II and the subsequent Cold War era, Lemania's expertise was harnessed to develop timepieces that could withstand extreme conditions while maintaining impeccable timing. These military-issued watches were designed for aircrews and special forces, incorporating features like shock resistance, waterproof cases, and luminous dials for legibility under all circumstances. One of Lemania's most notable contributions was its development of the chronograph movement used in wristwatches provided to the British Royal Navy in the 1940s.
    
These pieces are highly sought after by collectors today for their historical significance and craftsmanship. Lemania's legacy in military watchmaking underscores its wider reputation for durability, precision, and innovation.

What's on Offer

This watch is one of those finds that is more historically valuable than it is attractive as a watch. Although the watch is serviced and running very well and is perfectly wearable, it is, we feel, the documented history it comes with that possibly makes this watch so spectacular!

We acquired it from a gentleman in Australia who inherited it from his father over thirty years ago, (his father was originally from the UK and moved to Australia after the war as prospects seemed better out in Australia). The clients father, in turn, received the watch along with other items and a note, from an 'RAF chap' who had been issued it by mistake, is how the story goes! According to the handwritten note provided with the watch, (photos attached in this listing), it was originally intended for use by WWII pathfinders, whose job it was to locate and mark targets with flares for RAF bombers. Instead, we think this example saw action from the wrist of an RAF pilot who was doing the bombing himself. The watch was also presented to him with a plethora of historical slides, the dates on which coincide with the famous Dam Buster strikes on the 16/17 of May 1943. How incredible! To think this watch could have witnessed such monumental historical events and has survived to almost tell the tale itself.

We have transcribed as best we can the note the watch was discovered with and we have photographed all the slides to illustrate the extensive provenance this watch is accompanied by. It really is remarkable.

Considering this watch’s extensive military provenance, it has remained in good shape. Of course the dial has aged dramatically, but for those who appreciate the ageing process of a watch, and particularly military tool watches which have seen live action, this is a real joy. The case and lugs are still sharp and the watch is paired with a period-correct ladder-style Bonklip bracelet, which can be exchanged for a more contemporary strap should you prefer. 

This package represents one of the rarest collectable military items of historical relevance we have ever sold. Given the note and slides it is sold alongside, it really is a one-off. 

NB: This watch is offered for sale as seen, as its service history is unknown, and as we are selling it on behalf of a watch collector's family who has asked us to help sell an entire collection. As there are quite a few watches to dispose of, the clients do not wish to spend unnecessary money on servicing each watch before it's sold, so we have priced the watches to reflect being sold unserviced and without a warranty, but it can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. Once you have made the purchase, please add a note when placing it in your basket, and we will contact you to discuss this. Once serviced, the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.

Supplied Documentation

A typed transcript of the note we received:

"This was given to me by an ex-RAF chap. It was issued to him he said during his flying training. He tells me that it was originally issued to the Pathfinders in World War 2 and it had been issued to him by mistake. When it became time for him to hand it in he substituted another for it.”

“He handed [it] to me and the house was severely damaged by heat thus the glass is gone and the [calling] spring and wheel stuff. Hoping you will find room for it"

The writing at the bottom appears to be a signature, or because the second word appears to be “Sydney”, it could be a place name. If anyone can decipher what it says, please let us know.

Slide information

Slide Images 1-3 Flyover Images of Eder Dam Germany with Code AMPS/1108/142 (13-10-1943)

Slide Images 4-6 show Flyover of Flooded Village & Water Works Below Eder Dam (17-05-1943) - These slides are of additional significance as they were taken on the day of the famous dam buster strikes against German dams using flying bombs on the 16/17 of May 1943, also known as Operation Chastise

Slide Images 7-9 show flyover images of Sorpe Dam (15/10/1944)

Slide Images 10-12 show flyover images of Nuremberg (9/04/45)

Slide Images 13-15 show flyover images of Berlin (21/12/1943)

Additionally, in total, there are 27 slides depicting bombing sites at different locations and on different dates during  World War 2. 

Please feel free to contact us to discuss the full batch of slides or to receive any other information you may want.

Condition Report:

Crystal: Excellent

Dial: Fair

Bezel: Very Good

Case: Very Good

Bracelet: Excellent

Movement: See Description

Overall: Very Good