Rare Lemania Automatic Chronograph Cal. 5100
Ref: Chronograph

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original unsigned bracelet with a folding clasp, the bracelet is full length. The watch is from Circa. 1980s and is sold in worn condition with some signs of wear being seen, but overall it is in very fair condition for its age. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Lemania was founded by watchmaker Alfred Lugrin in 1883. Specialising in high-quality chronographs, stopwatches, and repeaters. Companies like Omega and Patek Philippe have used Lemania based movements among many others. In 1932 they became members of the SSIH Group. In 1946 Albert Piquet developed the movement that became the Omega 321 which powered the first Speedmaster in 1957. Lemania's name comes from the French for Lake Geneva ”Lac Leman”. During the 1970s they developed the Cal. 5100 which was used by Heuer. They broke away from the SSIH Group in 1981 and changed its name to Nouvelle Lemania. In 1992 Lemania was bought by Breguet, who later in 1999 was acquired by the Swatch Group.

Here we have a Rare Lemania Automatic Chronograph Cal. 5100. Inspired by the chronographs of the 1970s such as the Porsche Design, Heuer, and many others. It's 40mm tonneau case has an unusual grey bead blasted finish. On the right side, you find the recessed chronograph pushers and a crown in the center. The flat crystal is recessed above a matte black dial. An outer 12-hour scale with an inner minute track. Tritium-coated baton indexes mark the hours. 

Under the batons, we have 60 minutes printed in white. At 12 o’clock a 24-hour register, at 6 o’clock a 12-hour register, and finally at 9 o'clock a 60 seconds register. The framed day/date window balances the dial. Slender sword hands are complemented by an orange chronograph second hand. Text is minimalist with Lemania Automatic above the da/date window. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside an Automatic Lemania Cal. 5100, 17 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. This workhorse of a movement was also used by Sinn and Heuer amongst others. The movement was quietly discontinued in 2003/4 once Lemania was absorbed by the Swatch Group in 1999. The watch comes fitted on a grey bead-blasted 20mm Lemania signed bracelet and folding clasp.

Personal Note