Lemania 5012 Issued South African Air Force Pilot’s Automatic Chronograph

Lemania South African Air Force pilot’s chronograph with Lemania 5100 automatic movement. Lemania are one of the most famous movement makers alongside Valjoux and ETA. In their heyday, Lemania were making movements for the majority of Swiss watch companies as they were well designed and durable. Lemania movements will still be found in mechanical watches made today. At one time they were producing their own watches. Many of the Lemania designs were very distinctive They were famous for making simple but effective watches. They also made some of the most rugged and durable watches which were chosen by several countries defence forces to be issued to the armed forces. As a result, Lemania have a cult following as they are a reputable company with the name on the dial reflecting that name on the movement – that is a true watch manufacturer, not an outsourcer. This watch is in excellent condition and a military watch collector’s dream. It has the revered and much sought after Lemania 5100 automatic movement. The movement was modified at the Lemania factory to cut out some of the functions deemed unnecessary by the SA Air Force who commissioned it. There is only a one hour chronograph elapsed timer. With two chronograph hands. The sixty second elapsed timer is the sweep second hand with dagger tip, and the sixty minute elapsed timer is the hand beneath the sweep hand with the T bar tip. The subsidiary seconds elapsed timer is at the 9 position. There is a date window at the 3 position. Minimal dial functions for maximum chronograph and time legibility when pilots have a minimal amount of time to glance at their watches. The rotating bezel is a true pilot’s countdown bezel, and it is bi directional, non ratchet. A great classic collectors watch, which will only increase in value. The hands appear to be original, except that the chrono hands have been customized with red tips. The red tips were common on many other watches with this Lemania 5100 configuration. The sub second had looks like a replacement as it should be the same colour as the main hands

Case: Stainless steel, brushed and polished
Case back: Screw down SAAF issue numbers engraved
Movement: Automatic Lemania 5100
Crystal: Acrylic
Crown: Push/pull non screwed
Bezel Bi directional countdown
Lugs: non fixed, fitted with spring bars
Strap: Replacement riveted, new with pin buckle
Dimensions: Width is 41, 43 mm lug to lug, 15 mm thick