1960s Lemania Monopusher Chronograph For The British Royal Navy

Why This Watch Matters

An asymmetrical military chronograph wristwatch with beautifully laid out dial and a trusty movement within.

The Full Story

Like Omega and Hamilton before it, Lemania provided watches to various militaries around the world, beginning in the 1940s. Later Lemania would provide watches for the Swedish, South African, and Israeli Defense Forces; this particular example was produced for the British Royal Navy, as evidenced by the NATO Stock Number engraved on its caseback. This particular reference, with its caliber 2220 movement, is part of the fourth series of Lemania chronographs provided for the British Navy, and the final with the monopusher case. Add to that the utilitarian (and beautiful) syringe hands and contrasting luminous and painted Arabic numerals, and you have an immeasurably wearable and beautiful wristwatch. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Lemania
Model: Monopusher chronograph
Reference: N/A
Year: Circa 1964
Service No: 80008
Nato Stock No: 0552/924-3306
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter; 14mm thickness
Crystal: Acrylic
Lume: Tritium
Caliber: Lemania manually wound caliber 2220 chronograph movement
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Faded Brown Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers: N/A

What we Love and What You Should Know

The monopusher chronograph function works well and resets cleanly. The dial has aged beautifully, and the white printing, including the signature "Broad Arrow" is impeccably preserved. There is some aging to the handset, which has aged to a slightly different tone than the numerals and lume plots. Minimal scratches to the case are no distraction from the beautiful matte black dial and warmly colored indexes.