1939 Lemania Majetek Ref. 261 Czech Air Force Pilot's Large Watch - Stainless Steel
Today's offering showcases a very cool and historically significant Lemania Majetek Ref. 261, originally issued to the Czech Air Force just before WWII. Bearing the military inscription “Majetek Vojenské Správy" ("Property of the Military Administration"), this timepiece represents a rare and authentic piece of aviation and horological history. And aviation in 1939 was a rough frontier.
Commissioned during the tense years preceding the outbreak of World War II, these watches were issued to pilots tasked with defending one of Europe's most endangered frontiers. Lemania, already known for crafting rugged and precise chronographs, produced these watches for military aviators whose missions were anything but routine.
One can only imagine the journeys this watch may have endured: strapped to the wrist of a Czech pilot navigating over the Sudetenland under the looming threat of occupation...witnessing the retreat and regrouping of Czech forces... or later perhaps worn in exile by airmen who joined Allied forces after the German occupation. This particular watch, serial number 5386, may well have flown above enemy lines or tracked the hours in a war room during some of history's most decisive years.
Few timepieces offer such direct, tangible links to the world-defining events of the 20th century. It is not only a tool of precision - it is a witness to history.
The ref. 261 was built to exacting standards for reliability, durability, and legibility. Lemania, known for their role in producing movements for Omega, Longines, and other prestigious brands, delivered a fine example of military chronometry of the time.
It features a robust 38mm steel cushion case, original matte black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, and sword-style luminous hands. Inside ticks the Lemania Caliber 3050, a 17-jewel manual-wind movement with early Incabloc shock protectioncrucial for the turbulent environments of aerial combat.
We were fortunate to acquire it in all original condition. It is very honest, and its luminous has a beautiful tone.
Its case does not appear to have ever been polished. It is in excellent condition with fairly mild wear. It untouched original dial shows light aging.
One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running strong and true, keeping accurate time.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new handmade calfskin leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate..
From the collection of renowned wistwatch collector Bruce Shawkey. A must-have for collectors of military and pilot's watches, particularly those with wartime provenance and low production numbers.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Manufacturer: Lemania
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 5386
Year built: Circa 1939
Model: Ref. 261 "Majetek"
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men - military aviators
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (outside): “Majetek Vojenské Správy", issue number
Case condition: Excellent, fairly lightly worn with original engraving strongly intact and unpolished character preserved
Dial: Matte black with luminous Arabic numerals and railroad minute track, luminous sword hands, signed Lemania, original and untouched
Dimensions: 38mm diameter (without crown) by 48mm long lug tip to tip
Hands: Luminous sword style, original
Movement type: Lemania Caliber 3050, rhodium plated, manual-wind, 17 jewels, Incabloc shock protection
Jewels: 17 rubies
Bands: (1.) Calfskin leather, handmade in the US, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn (2.) Black rubber, like new
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Service: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
