An Unexpected Find
So I honestly, no honestly, had zero intention of purchasing a new or vintage watch this past weekend. (Don't we all say that on our #NWA post 😉) Seems fate had other intentions...
This past Saturday we were scheduled to visit my Dad and Grandma at his house for a late Holiday visit. He lives about an hour south of us here in Michigan.
Based on our Saturday morning schedule, we had a couple hours to kill and decided to visit a local Antique shop a few miles from his place. It had been a few years since we have been able to visit this particular store and surprisingly the kids love rummaging through the old collectables, toys and other oddities. So win win, that would soon be a win, win, win...
After taking two steps into the store, I immediately saw a small jewlery case on the left, with 6-7 watches sitting in a tray. Great looking display. My eyes locked onto this Lemania. My wife knew we would be leaving the store with the watch. I also learned the vendor of the watch display has his own watch service shop with many other watches for sale. (Will be visiting my Dad much more often now.)
Anyways, I am familiar with Lemania and their significant history in the industry. However, I have not been able to determine the model and/or year of this particular watch? Any of you fellow Cruchers have any insight? @Aurelian - What say you?
Super pumped to stumble upon the watch and bring home the first addition of 2023. Cheers!
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Levi
@501watches
"I have $2 and ah...ah...a Casio" - Del Griffith By way of introduction my name is Levi, last name not Strauss, and I have been a so called " collector" or "enthusiast" since middle school. (13 years...
Michigan, USA
Member since
Last active: 3 hrs ago
I only have seen that model with the second hand sub dial. Nice watch. Hopefully there's an expert around here to help you out.
Cheers!
I only have seen that model with the second hand sub dial. Nice watch. Hopefully there's an expert around here to help you out.
Cheers!
Thank you! Ya, I have seen the model with the secondhand sub dial as well. Will keep researching too.
Just a guess at this point but it looks like 1950's style, could be early 1960's. Let me see if I can find any proof. It is 100% gorgeous though!
Just a guess at this point but it looks like 1950's style, could be early 1960's. Let me see if I can find any proof. It is 100% gorgeous though!
That would be awesome! Please do share, if you find any relevant post, blogs, forums, etc. I have not yet opened the case back to look at the movement but will share any info and photos that when I do.
Shugart is no help. Dr. Ranfft has a 1948 with a similar dial but with a 17 jewel manual wind movement. I have seen the subseconds that you have seen as well. I put this around 1950, but I can't find more.
It a beautiful watch.
Shugart is no help. Dr. Ranfft has a 1948 with a similar dial but with a 17 jewel manual wind movement. I have seen the subseconds that you have seen as well. I put this around 1950, but I can't find more.
It a beautiful watch.
"Obi-Wan, you were my only hope" 😭
Thank you. I will keep doing some digging. Suppose I can actually take a trip into the sellers store as well..
Really nice find. One of my favorite brands because of their history Enjoy.
Congrats on the find! It appears to have aged beautifully. And what a bonus to also find a watchmaker to keep it serviced. Lucky day!!
This is a beautiful watch. I would have jumped at it to!
Pop the back. Only automatic they made around mid-50s was the 4650/4651.
Here you go. inside case back has 910B K0 1 engraved. Maybe the ref #?? Movement has “098117” or "898117"(I believe) and “Lemania Swiss 21 Jewels”
Yep. Lemania 4650 or 4651. Mid-50s.
Yep. Lemania 4650 or 4651. Mid-50s.
Awesome! Thank you so much!!
Congrats on the find! It appears to have aged beautifully. And what a bonus to also find a watchmaker to keep it serviced. Lucky day!!
Thank you. Ya, the dial has a very cool aged patina.