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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph

Lemania Monopusher Chronograph 6BB

Partially verified

This Lemania monopusher chronograph is a military-issued timepiece produced in 1956. Encased in a 40mm steel asymmetrical case, the watch features a black dial with Arabic numerals and tritium hour markers. It is powered by the Lemania Caliber 2220 manual-wind movement, a monopusher mechanism designed for the start, stop, and reset functions to be engaged via a single pusher. The movement is based on the pocket watch Caliber CHT 15 and incorporates shock protection. The case back is engraved with military identifiers, including the "6BB" designation for Royal Air Force property and the issue number "662/56". The watch is presented on a NATO-style strap. The dial includes the broad arrow symbol, which denotes military property, and the word "INCABLOC" below the center, referencing the shock protection system used within the movement.

Front view of the Lemania Monopusher Chronograph 6BB featuring a black dial, Arabic numerals, and a NATO-style strap.
Front view of the Lemania Monopusher Chronograph 6BB featuring a black dial, Arabic numerals, and a NATO-style strap. — Analog Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
shop.analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph
Maker / attribution
Lemania
Reference
6BB-944-3306
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1956
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
662/56

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an asymmetrical 40mm steel case, a design element intended to protect the monopusher mechanism. The dial is black, featuring a clear layout with large Arabic numerals at the 12, 5, and 6 positions, accompanied by subsidiary chronograph registers at the 3 and 9 o'clock marks.

Tritium-based markers and hour plots provide visibility, a requirement for its intended use in cockpit environments. The dial also displays the broad arrow mark and the term "INCABLOC," identifying the shock-absorbing system utilized in the movement. The entire assembly is attached to a military-issued NATO-style strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “backs of their asymmetrical 40mm steel cases stamped "6BB-944-3306”
  • “has tritium hour plots and markers, easy to read in a darkened cockpit.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece operates on the Lemania Caliber 2220, a manual-wind movement specifically engineered for military applications. This caliber is a development of the earlier pocket watch Caliber CHT 15, modified with shock protection features suitable for field and flight environments.

The chronograph mechanism is controlled exclusively by a single pusher, which manages the start, stop, and reset functions in sequence. The construction of the movement includes a balance with a Breguet overcoil and components fashioned from brushed sheet steel, intended for durability and performance in high-utility scenarios.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 2220, in which all functions of the chronograph mechanism--start, stop, and reset--are engaged by a single pusher.”
  • “Caliber 2220 took the basic design of the CHT 15 and added extra shock protection.”

Military Attribution and Markings

This watch bears specific markings identifying it as property of the United Kingdom's armed forces. The "6BB" prefix on the case back indicates that the timepiece was designated for the Royal Air Force, although the source notes these watches were later utilized by other branches, including the Royal Navy.

The specific unit is identified by the engraved serial number "662/56," which indicates the watch was the 662nd issued in the year 1956.

Evidence for this section
  • “6BB signifying that they were property of the RAF”
  • “Ours, with the case back designation "662/56," was the 662nd issued in 1956.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific date of manufacture for the movement versus the date of assembly and issuance?
  • Does the current movement serial number match the production records for the 662nd issuance of 1956?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Lemania Monopusher Chronograph 6BB
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLemania“Lemania, established in 1884 by Alfred Lugrin”
ModelMonopusher Chronograph 6BB“Lemania issued a monopusher chronograph to the armed forces of the United Kingdom.”
Case reference6BB-944-3306“backs of their asymmetrical 40mm steel cases stamped "6BB-944-3306”
Issue number662/56“Ours, with the case back designation "662/56," was the 662nd issued in 1956.”
MovementCaliber 2220“At the heart of this watch beats the Lemania Caliber 2220”
DesignationRoyal Air Force“6BB signifying that they were property of the RAF”
Movement lineageBased on Caliber CHT 15“the Caliber 2220 was based on an earlier pocket watch movement, the Caliber CHT 15.”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical stainless steel case construction
  • Dial features tritium-lumed hour plots and numerals
  • Broad arrow military property mark on the dial
  • Monopusher control located at the 2 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Condition of internal movement components is not documented
  • Originality of tritium dial markers is not verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی نظامی لمانیا Lemania Monopusher Chronograph 6BB سال ۱۹۵۶

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 57f053e7f4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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