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Lemania Vintage Chronograph Cal. 15TL, Stainless Steel, Black Arabic Radium Dial, 1945, Excellent

Lemania is one of the great names in the history of the chronograph, even if many people have never heard of it. The manufacture was founded in 1884 in the Vallée de Joux and became a specialist in chronograph movements. In 1932 it joined Omega and Tissot to form the SSIH group, and its movements later found their way into watches from Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and, most famously, the Omega Speedmaster. Watches signed Lemania on the dial are a way to own a piece of that history in its purest form.

The 38 mm case is made of stainless steel. For a chronograph from the 1940s, when most watches measured around 33 to 35 mm, this is a remarkably generous size, and it wears very comfortably on today’s wrists. Steel chronographs from this period are noticeably rarer than gold ones, because many of them were worn as everyday tools and few survived in good condition.

The black dial is what makes this watch stand out. Black chronograph dials from the 1940s are much rarer than the common silver and white versions, and the Arabic numerals give it a strong, sporty character. The two subdials show the running seconds and the 30-minute counter of the chronograph, a clean and balanced layout typical of the era. The radium dial has been beautifully kept over the decades. Its numerals and hands still carry the original radium luminous material, which was used until the late 1950s and has aged into a warm, even tone. Finding a radium dial in this condition is rare, since many were damaged or refinished over time.

Inside works the manually wound Lemania caliber 15TL, a classic chronograph movement from the period when Lemania was at the height of its craft. Winding it by hand and starting the chronograph with a satisfying click is a pleasure that modern watches rarely offer.

It is worn on a black leather strap.

- In-House Service 2026

The watch dates from 1945 and is in excellent condition. 

"A black dial Lemania chronograph from the 1940s, and a rare find for anyone who loves the history of the chronograph!"