Lemania Swedish Air Force Prototype - 40mm

This high quality military chronograph from the 1960s combines exceptional mechanics with bold, purposeful aesthetics and is one of the rarest timepieces of military origin.

According to our information, this watch is a prototype from Lemania that was presented to the Swedish Air Force. It was intended to replace the earlier Lemania Tg 195 and become standard issue for Swedish pilots. Testing and selection took place at a military facility in Malmslätt, near the city of Linköping. Lemania was one of several brands evaluated during this process. Why the Swedish Air Force finally decided against this model remains unknown.

In addition to its unmistakable military look, the Lemania chronograph features a remarkable mechanical sophistication: a hacking seconds function that allows the time to be set to the second. When the pusher at 2 o'clock is pressed, the movement stops immediately and the central seconds hand snaps back to 12 o'clock. The crown automatically moves to the setting position. Once the crown is pushed back in, the movement starts again instantly - an elegant way to synchronize multiple watches, essential in military operations.

The 40 mm asymmetrical stainless steel case reinforces the tool-watch character: the thicker right flank provides additional protection for the crown and pusher. The deep black dial with Arabic numerals ensures excellent legibility - another highlight is the outstanding original condition, including the fully preserved tritium lume, which has now developed a beautiful patina.

Inside is a modified version of the legendary Lemania caliber 2220, whose roots go back to the 1930s. In the version presented here - the 2225 - the chronograph minute counter and the running small seconds have been removed; the movement has been adapted so that the central chronograph seconds hand runs continuously, while retaining the flyback function.

A timepiece full of character, history and rare technical finesse - a true discovery for collectors of exceptional military chronographs.

Condition report
Dial: flawless black dial - original tritium lume in markers and hands - signed "Lemania".

Case: stainless steel case in excellent condition - light signs of wear - crisp lines - screw-down case back - exceptionally well-preserved rotating bakelite bezel with luminous markings.

Movement: manual-winding Lemania caliber 2225 - values on the timegrapher: rate +7s/day, beat error: 0.1 ms, amplitude: 246 degrees.

Serial number: 1317xxx

Int.Exe.: 65245