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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Single-button chronograph wristwatch

Lemania Single Button Chronograph Wristwatch for British Hydrographic Survey

Partially verified

This military-issued wristwatch is a stainless steel single-button chronograph produced by the Lemania Watch Co. intended for use by the British Naval Fleet Hydrographic Survey. Dating to approximately 1950, the watch is powered by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement. It is encased in a 38mm stainless steel body featuring fixed bar lugs and a screw-on case back. The silvered dial is marked with black Arabic numerals, hour dots, and outer five-minute divisions. The dial also displays a broad arrow symbol, indicating official military procurement for naval sea bed mapping operations.

Front view of the Lemania single-button chronograph wristwatch showing the silvered dial, Arabic numerals, and the broad arrow military mark.
Front view of the Lemania single-button chronograph wristwatch showing the silvered dial, Arabic numerals, and the broad arrow military mark. — Auction house “Roseberys”, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Single-button chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Lemania Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1950
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Design

These notches are intended to allow for the case back to be removed during servicing or inspection.

The dial is silvered and carries black printed Arabic numerals alongside hour dots and outer five-minute markings. Notable features include the original faded Tritrium luminous finish applied to the hands and markers, and a broad arrow mark positioned on the dial. This mark signifies that the watch was officially procured for the British Naval Fleet Hydrographic Survey for sea bed mapping tasks.

Evidence for this section
  • “38mm stainless steel case with fixed bar lugs”
  • “first-series case variation characterized by inner notches on the case back for removal”
  • “silvered dial is marked with black printed Arabic numerals, hour dots, and outer five-minute divisions”
  • “broad arrow mark on the dial, signifying its official procurement for naval service”

Movement and Chronograph Function

The timepiece is driven by a 17-jewel manual-wind movement. The chronograph mechanism is operated via a single push-button located on the side of the case at the two o'clock position. This button controls the primary chronograph hand, which tracks elapsed time.

As a military-issued instrument, the movement is signed by the Lemania Watch Co., matching the branding found on the dial. The construction is designed to support the specific timing requirements of hydrographic surveyors.

Evidence for this section
  • “17-jewel manual wind movement”
  • “single chronograph button is located on the case band at the two o'clock position”
  • “signed Lemania Watch Co. on dial and movement”

Military Issue and Markings

The watch is documented as having been issued to the British Naval Fleet Hydrographic Survey. This is confirmed by the engraving on the case back, which includes the designation 'HS9' and a NATO stock number. The presence of the broad arrow on the dial further reinforces its status as an official naval instrument.

The listing notes that the watch represents a specific procurement for surveyors engaged in the mapping of sea beds. The combination of the case engravings and the dial markings serves as the primary evidence of its intended role within the British military hierarchy.

Evidence for this section
  • “issued to the British Naval Fleet Hydrographic Survey (HS)”
  • “engraved markings denoting 'HS9' and a NATO stock number”
  • “broad arrow mark on the dial, signifying its official procurement for naval service”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific NATO stock number engraved on this case back?
  • Are there records of the specific serial range assigned to the HS9 hydrographic survey Lemania watches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Lemania Single Button Chronograph Wristwatch for British Hydrographic Survey
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLemania Watch Co.“manufactured by the Lemania Watch Co.”
Movement17-jewel manual wind“17-jewel manual wind movement”
Case diameter38mm“38mm stainless steel case”
Chronograph functionSingle button“single chronograph button is located on the case band at the two o'clock position”

Visible details

  • Single pusher at 2 o'clock position
  • Fixed bar lugs on case
  • Broad arrow military mark on dial
  • Inner notches on case back for removal

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the Tritrium luminous finish not verified
  • Exact production date speculative

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

Consulted source

Lemania stainless steel single button chronograph wristwatch for British Hydrographic Survey, c. 1950

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c1ca780654

Terms in this record

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

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