1970s Wakmann Automatic Chronograph Lemania 1341 42mm

Here we have a 1970s Wakmann, a yachting-inspired Regate Chronograph featuring a 42mm Gold-plated tonneau-shaped case. A lug-to-lug length of 47.5mm and a case thickness of 14.5mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. Sitting on the wrist like a cushion for comfort. On the right side, we have the chronograph pushers, and in the centre, a large crown. On the left side, at 10 o’clock, we have a recessed crown for adjusting the inner bezel. The domed crystal sits above a colourful, multifunctional gold coloured dial. An outer Tachymeter scale highlighting the 15-minute Regate countdown with a monthly calendar planner underneath. To operate, rotate the chapter ring until the correct day of the week aligns with 1 at the top of the dial. Thereby, at a glance, you can see which date a particular day falls in the month. Applied gold-plated baton indexes with black painted centres and tritium lume pips mark the hours. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window. At 6 o’clock, a 12-hour register and at 9 o’clock, a continuous seconds register. Gold-plated hands are complemented by a tapered orange chronograph hand and finally, an orange arrow-pointed hand indicating the chronograph minutes. At noon, we have the Wakmann motif with Automatic underneath. At 3 o’clock, 17 Jewels Shockproof completes this colourful tool watch. On the reverse is a screw-down case back, inside an automatic Lemania 1341, 17 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. This cam-lever chronograph movement was produced from 1972 to 1980. It was also used in the Tissot cal. 2170 and Omega cal. 1040/1 movements. The watch comes fitted with a 20mm leather strap and a pin buckle.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no Wakmann box or Wakmann paperwork. The watch comes paired with a 20mm leather strap and a pin buckle. The watch is from Circa. 1970s and is in worn, vintage condition, but overall it is in fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

Its hard to get more unapologetically 1970s and I am here for it. This insanely awesome Wakmann Chronograph comes in a large, but very wearable, 42mm gold-plated case, which only adds to the uniqueness of the design. Powered by the Automatic Lemania calibre 1341, this is a serious piece of kit. It also features a rotating monthly calendar planner. To operate, rotate the chapter ring until the correct day of the week aligns with 1 at the top of the dial. Thereby, at a glance, you can see which date a particular day falls in the month. I would not hesitate to add this vintage gem to your collection today!

Reference : 9804
Movement : Automatic Lemania 1341
Age : Circa. 1970s
Year : Circa. 1970s
Case Size : 42mm
Case Thickness : 14mm
Lug to Lug : 47.5mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Icko Wakmann founded Wakmann Watch Company, running the business out of Portugal in 1943 as a distributor of luxury watch brands. He then moved to the US to avoid the tragedies happening in Europe. Opening at 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, in 1946, they were listed on the US Stock Exchange in 1947. Previously, his company ran. In New York, he ran his own technical workshops where he designed and manufactured his own watches, and he became an important importer and distributor of watches in the US. During the war years, he manufactured aircraft cockpit clocks to US military specifications and was an official US military supplier. In 1947, Wakmann joined forces with Breitling to form the Breitling Watch Corporation of America (BWCA), with Icko Wakmann as its president. Developed their business in importing and from then on co-branded its cock-pit clocks used by the US military and US civilian aircraft. At this time, changes to the Import Act in the US meant Wakmann acted as a US-based “assembler”: he imported incomplete watches and movements through his workshops, assembled them on US soil, and avoided the added tax per unit, which kept their distribution competitive. During the 1950s and 1960s, Wakmann produced chronographs and multi-purpose technical watches for engineers and doctors who needed precise timepieces. Wakmann Watch Company sadly disappeared during the quartz crisis and was incorporated into Breitling by the end of the 1970s.