Lemania Series 3 Royal Navy Hydrographic Service Chronograph With Provenance

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Lemania boasts a rich history, providing Timepieces for the British Armed Forces, amongst other militaries around the World. These Lemania single pusher chronographs were issued to the Pilots of the RAF and were produced for around 20 years, from the 50s to the early 70s, and in low quantities, they are now much sought after. 

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British Military Lemania Chronographs are generally separated into 3 series by Collectors depending on the Cases: Series 1 (Outer Ring Notches on Caseback), Series 2 (Inner Notches on Caseback) and Series 3 (Asymmetrical Case). 

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This particular Lemania Chronograph has 0552 924-3306 markings, meaning Black Dialled Royal Navy Issue (Fleet Air Arm) Chronograph and is a Series 3, unusually it is fitted with a 15CHT Movement that is commonly found in Series 1 & 2 Lemania's. This Watch has come directly from the Pilot it was issued to in 1980 at HM Naval Base Devonport, who had been transferred to the Hydrographic Service at that time. The Watch had been in his possession for 45 years and he is adamant that there have only ever been two owners of this Watch, the original Fleet Air Arm Pilot, who handed the Watch back, and himself. 

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So obviously, having a 15CHT Movement in this Series 3 Case is highly irregular, they were usually fitted with the 2220 Calibre, so some more investigation was needed before offering the Watch for sale. We consulted to those in the know and we found that there are around 23 known examples of Royal Navy Series 3 Lemania's fitted with the 15CHT:

It sits in a mixed bag of Series 3s noted (23) with 3 and 4 digit issue numbers that appear to not conform to any one particular configuration as follows.

+ 14 units converted from 924-3306 to non-luminous nuclear submarine 924-3312 configuration
+ 6 units issued as 924-3306 chronograph
+ 3 units downgraded from 924-3306 to 924-3305 chronograph

The issue numbers range from 180- 4625 indicating the numbers were likely carried over from Series 2 H.S. 9 watches. All other 0552 issued S3s generally carry a 5 digit 80000 series issue number.

Most of the 23 noted use the 15 CHT likely from earlier H.S. 9 watches. The black Incabloc dial is standard DefStan 924-3306. It appears the RN were not particular about movements, 15 CHT or cal 2220 are often found in 0552 watches. RAF 6BB issues should have a cal 2220 though.

We can classify the Lemania as a MoD rebuild using available parts to service a need at the time and that was to produce a functioning chronograph, probably before the larger batches of Series 3’s were available.

Full Copy of the Provenance will be provided to the Buyer. (as a digital file)

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The Specs