Lemania chronograph, ref. 9655, cal. 1873/omega 861, 1970s

Lemania Chronograph – Caliber 1873 / Omega 861 – 1970s

A striking vintage Lemania chronograph from the 1970s, featuring one of the most recognizable and attractive dial layouts of the era. With its bold orange chronograph hand, crisp black-and-white "reverse panda" dial, and beautifully proportioned stainless steel case, this watch perfectly captures the spirit of 1970s motorsport-inspired design.

At its heart is the legendary Lemania Caliber 1873, the same movement family as the celebrated Omega Caliber 861. This manually wound chronograph has been professionally serviced and is running as it should. Renowned for its reliability, precision, and ease of maintenance, the 1873 is regarded as one of the finest cam-operated chronograph movements ever produced.

A Piece of Lemania History

Founded in 1884 in Switzerland, Lemania earned an exceptional reputation as one of the world's premier chronograph movement manufacturers. The company supplied movements to prestigious brands including Omega, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Heuer, and many others. Perhaps most famously, the Lemania 1873 formed the basis of the Omega Caliber 861, which powered the Speedmaster Professional worn during NASA's Apollo missions.

While Lemania is best known as a movement manufacturer, the company also produced watches under its own name. These branded chronographs have become increasingly sought after by collectors, offering the same mechanical excellence and vintage charm as their more famous counterparts, often at a fraction of the price.

Attractive Reverse Panda Dial

The watch features a beautifully balanced reverse panda dial, combining a deep black main dial with contrasting silver-white subdials for exceptional legibility. Bright orange accents—including the central chronograph seconds hand and subdial hands—provide a distinctive sporting character that is unmistakably 1970s.

Applied baton hour markers, a printed tachymeter scale, and the clean three-register layout complete a design that remains both functional and timeless.

Specifications

• Brand: Lemania
• Year: 1970s
• Movement: Manual-wind Lemania Caliber 1873 (Omega Caliber 861 family)
• Condition: Professionally serviced movement
• Functions: Chronograph, small seconds
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 37.5 mm (excluding crown) × 43 mm lug-to-lug
• Dial: Reverse panda with orange chronograph accents
• Crystal: Acrylic

A wonderful opportunity to own a genuine piece of Swiss chronograph history, powered by one of the most respected movements ever produced. Combining iconic 1970s styling, mechanical pedigree, and the heritage of the legendary Lemania manufacture, this is an outstanding vintage chronograph for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.