1950s steel Military Issue vintage Lemania Single Button Chronograph wristwatch (4605)

Lemania Series II Single Button/Monopusher Chronograph

This Lemania Series II Chronograph is a classic British military watch. The engraving on the case-back denotes that specifically it was issued to the Fleet Air Arm Division of the Royal Navy. Those issued to the Royal Navy were marked “0552/920-3305” and were issued between 1945 and 1976.

There are a few variations of Lemania chronographs that were issued to the Royal Navy, with the popular asymmetric Series III. While they are the most well known, the earlier Series II variant that has a symmetric case is a much rarer.

These watches are powered by robust 17 jewel Lemania èbauches. The movement inside this watch is the famous column wheel Lemania 15 CHT gilded movement, with accents of blue steel, it is very attractive and one can see it is fabulous quality. The 38mm stepped case sits well on the wrist and has a big presence. This was important for the Fleet Air Arm, where legibility was one of the pre-requisites and as a result, this Lemania is very wearable even by today’s modern sizing standards.

Lemania has a rich history of producing pieces for the military and this Series II Single Button Chronograph is one of the more iconic watches, with a black dial!