Lemania "Bigen" Chronograph Swedish Air Force Watch

The appeal of Swedish Air Force chronographs

The Lemania model was called "Vigen" and was issued to the Swedish Air Force.

This watch is a true tool watch, yet has a modern look and great presence on the wrist.

Source: https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1970s-lemania-viggen-chronograph-reference-817-for-the-swedish-air-force?variant=13520304209995#

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These military watches, along with Breguet's Type XX and Zenith's Cayeri models, have been gaining attention in recent years.

Lemania has established a solid reputation as a movement manufacturer for many years, and is particularly renowned for its chronograph movements.

This watch has been called "Viggen" (meaning Thunderbird), a nickname derived from the Swedish Air Force's Saab 37 Viggen pilots.

Built for the Swedish Air Force in the 1970s, the total order is estimated to be over 600 units.

Looking at the case back, we can see the engraving "Tre Kronor" which stands for three crowns, a marking typically found on Swedish military watches, confirming its military use.

Source: 1970s Lemania 'Viggen' Chronograph Reference 817 For The Swedish Air F - HODINKEE Shop

Manufacturer: Lemania Model: Viggen Reference: 817
Year: 1970s Case Number: 055 (between lugs), 817 (inside caseback), M3440-051010 (outside caseback)
Movement Number: 2798542
Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: Diameter: 42mm, thickness: 15mm
Crystal: Plexiglas Lumet: Tritium Caliber: Lemania manual winding caliber 1872
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Distressed Grey Leather Watch Strap
Lug width: 20mm
Box/warranty paper: Not included

Things you should know about this watch

The body has some scuffs and light scratches, but overall is in good condition.

The engraving on the caseback was originally faded, resulting in very faded engraving of the three crowns logo and numbers. The cross-hatched crown and pushers are original.

The number "055" is hand engraved between the lugs and looks a little rough, but is finished in a similar way to other watches of this type.

The bezel is in very good condition with only minor surface scratches.

The dial is in very good condition with no noticeable scratches.

The luminous material has deteriorated slightly over time, but the light is uniform throughout.

The paint on the hands has aged a little and there is a chip in the left sub-register.The chronograph function can be started, stopped and reset to the current time.