Lemania Chronograph

Why We Love It

Mid-century chronographs are, in a word, awesome. These little machines were witness to some of the most momentous occasions of the 1950s and 1960s. From triumphs at the racetrack to man’s conquest of space, they were there, timing history.

The most famous historical event of all is, of course, the Moon Landing in 1969. When Buzz Aldrin followed Neil Armstrong down the ladder onto the powdery surface of the Sea of Tranquility, the watch that he wore was an Omega Speedmaster Professional. The same movement that powered that watch beats in the watch we offer here, by Lemania.

With a handsome black dial and a compact-but-sturdy 35mm case, the outside of this watch is a perfect match to the insides, a Calibre CH27 manually-wound chronograph movement. Black-dialed mid-century chronographs are rare enough as it is, and when you factor in the fact that this one is signed by Lemania, it makes it even more attractive. For a collector who covets the ever-desirable Caliber .321 but doesn't want to spring for a Speedy, this is an undeniable value.

The Story

Lemania, established in 1884 by Alfred Lugrin, is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the vintage chronograph market. In 1932, strapped by the financial hardships of the Great Depression, Lemania joined Omega and Tissot to form SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogére SA). It was this relationship—particularly with Omega—that would result in the creation of some of the most iconic calibers in horological history.

One of these was the Calibre .321, which saw life as the Lemania Calibre CH27.

The CH27 owes its existence to Albert Piguet, who first conceived of the movement in 1941. Production of the calibre began the following year. For the next 25 years, the Caliber .321 would find its way into watches by brands both within the SSIH/Swatch Group umbrella and without—most notably in the Omega Speedmaster worn by Buzz Aldrin as he stepped foot on the surface of the Moon.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.