Lemania HS9A “Series III” Monopusher, circa 1963-64

A rare Lemania HS9A Broad Arrow “Series III” Royal Navy Monopusher Chronograph Military Watch

This Series III Monopusher watch is a later Lemania with the asymmetric case; an improvement over previous iterations as the crown and pusher are better protected from damage.

The HS/|\9 on the case-back indicates Hydrographic Service, the Broad Arrow symbol for military use, and the 9 indicates it is a chronograph. The serial number “80965”, means this Lemania comes from about 1963–64. Nobody really knows what the “A” means within the HS9A engraving. Most of these watches were presented with a black dial; maybe the “A” indicates a white dial?

Who knows, but these “A”-suffixed Lemania’s are really quite rare!

The condition of the dial, hands, case, and movement are superb. The dial is almost certainly original, as are the hands. There is no circle “T” on its face, suggesting it is a radium-finished dial. The lume has blackened with time, as have the hands, but the dial is mellowing beautifully, with a subtle Smokey Cream hue appearing across its face.

At 38.5mm, the stainless-steel asymmetric case shows small dings and scratches, as you would expect from a watch that has been used in extreme conditions. The case back too, is in great order with no unsightly tool-slip marks, and the engraving is deep and legible. The overall dimensions of the watch make it sit comfortably on the wrist, so it’s well suited to modern tastes.

This beauty is powered by a rhodium-plated shock-resistant version of the 15CHT known as the calibre 2220, fitted with a self-compensating Breguet hairspring, pillar wheel chronograph mechanism, and 17 jewels. It was serviced recently, including a new crystal, so it is ready for its next exercise.

The single button on the side of the watch operates the chronograph (stopwatch) function. When the button is pushed, it starts the centre second hand. Pressing the button again stops the hand, and pressing it a third time resets the hand back to the twelve o’clock position. There is an elapsed minute sub-dial, which allows for timing intervals of up to 30 minutes.

It is presented on an “in-period” Prima-Flex elasticated bracelet that just suits it down to the ground. These watches also look amazing when attached to a good-quality 20mm NATO strap, so we will include two NATO’s too, so you can mix it up a little!

Sadly, the Lemania watch company is no longer in existence, but it has become something of a cult brand in recent years, and its watches are very much cherished by collectors. This Lemania HS9A Series III is worthy of being in everyone’s collection; will it be in yours?