Why This Watch Matters A classic Lemania single-button, military chronograph, this time for the SAAF – a rarely seen iteration of Lemania's contracted chrono work. 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 (often referred to as the “Viggen” chronograph by collectors), British, and Israeli Defense Forces; this particular example was made in the early 1960s and delivered for use by the South African Air Force. As we can see proudly on the dial here, the relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa is evidenced by the broad arrow logo yet the lack of a "circle T" is correct for the time period and changes up the look a bit. A very well-thought-out dial configuration allows for ample legibility. Condition is excellent, especially for a vintage military chronograph. The caseback engraving reads "AF 9095" in the correct style for other known examples of this same SAAF issued Lemania. That being said, very few examples of this particular single-pusher chronograph have come to market. We paired this Lemania with a distressed leather NATO-style watch strap in a beige color to play off of the lume patina. The Fine Print Maker: LemaniaModel: Single-button chronographReference: 28 ETYear: 1960sCase No: 63Movement No: 1697466Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 11mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Lemania, manually-wound, caliber 2220Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Distressed Beige Leather Single-Piece Watch StrapLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Excellent overall condition with a clean dial- Great lume patina- Classic Lemania single-button layout Things To Know: - Scratches on case, particularly caseback The Lemania chronograph is in overall excellent, honest vintage condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The caseback has some scratches and is crisply stamped with the military serial number "AF 9095." The back of the lugs have some scratches and marks. The dial is in clean condition with a patina to the surface. The black paint on the hands has developed some patina but is mostly clean. The lume on the dial has developed patina and aged to a creamy color. The lume in the hands is matching to that of the dial having developed patina similarly. The inside caseback is marked with the reference number of "28 ET-63." The watch has retained its correct unsigned crown. The crystal has some scratches. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Lemania. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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