Lemania Chronograph

Lemania Chronograph 5012 SAAF South African Airforce

While they might be best known for their movements, Lemania also produced their own watches over the years, with one of their models being this chronograph that we have here. Produced for the South African Airforce (the SAAF) in the early 1980s with around 800 units being produced, the ref. 5012 (named after its automatic cal. 5012 movement), is a rare and intriguing chronograph that points at a time when mechanical tool watches were still functional pieces of kit issued to members of the military. While the watch served the SAAF for several years, they were eventually replaced by quartz Seiko chronographs. SAAF pilots were then given the choice of buying the Lemania ref. 5012 for around the equivalent of $5, which many of them did, only to then turn them in for their Seiko replacements. In finding this out, the SAAF destroyed the remaining ref. 5012’s that were in stock, or were turned in, and so very few of the 800 examples originally produced still remain today, making it a rare and unique piece of horological history. With four central hands, two for the time and two for its chronograph functions, the ref. 5012 features a single running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. A large watch at 41mm in diameter, the ref. 5012 benefits from short thick lugs to wear close to the wrist, making it a watch that both wears large, but also wears with a rather elegant poise. Brand : Lemania Dimensions : 41mm Model : Chronograph for the South African Airforce Movement : Automatic Lemania cal. 5012 Reference : 5012 Bracelet : Leather strap Year : Circa 1980s Condition : Very good Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Boasting a unique black dial whereby its only subdial, a running seconds subdial, is at 9 o'clock, the ref. 5012 is clearly a special watch. THE CONSTRUCTION A large watch built to be robust and able to handle the rough and tumble of military tasks, the ref. 5012 features a solid 41mm stainless steel case with thick short lugs that allow the watch to wear close to the wrist. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.