RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)
RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)

RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)

RAF Lemania 6B/551 (1953)

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This is a rare Royal Air force issued single-button Lemania chronograph. These watches were originally ordered by the Navy for pilots and navigators in the late 1940s and in the early 1950s the RAF also ordered some for themselves. This watch is part of that order, identifiable as such from the engraving on the caseback:

A.M. / 6B / 551

273 / 53

Breaking this down: A.M. stands for "Air Ministry" which was an old fashioned designation for the Royal Air Force; 6B denotes a piece of equipment for use in-flight; 551 is the identifier for this type of chronograph wristwatch with a single button. 273 is the identifier for this particular watch (i.e. it's 273rd watch in the order) and 53 references 1953, which is the year the order was placed. 


The single button operates the chronograph (stop-watch function) - the button in turn starts, stops and resets the chronograph. There is an elapsed minute counter, which allows for timing intervals up to 30 minutes.

The condition of both the dial and movement is excellent - testament how well constructed the case is. The size at 38mm is large for a 1950s watch, but well suited to contemporary tastes. The case is all stainless steel and is in very good order - a few marks from wear but overall very tidy. As with all our vintage watches the case has been ultrasonically cleaned, but not polished.

Lemania supplied many different armed forces around the world - their movements are very solidly constructed and keep excellent time, making them a good fit for a rugged life in the services. Lemania are something of a cult brand - no longer in existence today, but much cherished by aficionados. The company specialised in the production of chronographs (that is watches with a stop-watch function built in). Chronographs are inherently complicated things to manufacture and for this reason many watch companies brought-in movements from specialists like Lemania. They supplied amongst others Omega (the movement that powered the first watch on the moon was made by Lemania), and luxury brands Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Because Lemania often supplied movements to other brands (for which they were uncredited), watches which are signed by Lemania are especially prized.

The watch has been serviced and regulated, the chronograph functions perfectly and the time keeping is of the highest order. It is supplied with what I believe is the original, issued NATO fabric strap.

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 38mm
Case material: stainless steel
strap width: 20mm
time keeping: grade A+

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We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days.

When your order is dispatched, your tracking details will be updated.

If you have opted for a custom engraving please allow an additional 1-2 working days.

If you are purchasing during a sale or a limited edition release - you can expect an email update with an estimated dispatch date if there any changes to the timeframe.

If you are in a hurry for your watch, please email us.

Shipping guide for watches:

United States and Canada: FREE DHL Express shipping, 1-3 working days / FREE UPS shipping, 1-3 working days

Mexico: $13, DHL Express, 2-3 working days

Shipping guide for t-shirts

Our t-shirts are printed by us, made-to-order and shipped from our workshop in London. This means that occasionally, if your order includes a t-shirt there may be a 2-3 day delay in dispatch.

If you place an order for both a watch and t-shirt(s), they will be shipped together via an express service. Delivery times for these can be found here.

If you order a t-shirt without a watch, it will be shipped via a Royal Mail tracked service which usually takes a little longer, or you have the option to pay an additional fee for a courier service (Either DHL or UPS). You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

Shipping guide for bands (unless purchased with a watch):

- FREE Royal Mail tracked, 5-10 working days

- $13 DHL Express, 1-3 working days

- $13 UPS, 1-3 working days

During busy sale periods dispatch may take a little longer (this is quite rare). These delivery times are a guide based on the DHL, UPS and Royal Mail terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch. 

We are happy to exchange unworn watches.

Fastening the watch will cause damage to the leather. If this is the case, we charge for the watch strap (or we can put the worn strap on the exchanged watch for free).

Please email us directly if you think your watch is faulty: info@mrjoneswatches.com

Return for a refund

To return for a full refund, you have 30 days if purchased online.

If you purchased your watch in-store, we can offer an exchange or store credit only. This is because you’ve seen the watch in person and had the opportunity to try it on. Please let us know if you’re purchasing as a gift.

We do not cover shipping costs for unwanted items from outside the UK.

Returning your watch to us

To request a return for an unwanted watch, please follow the instructions below. Our team will process the request and issue your label or contact you directly within 1 working day.

1) Request your return label here.

2) Once issued, print if off and stick it to your original packaging.

3) Take it to your nearest DHL drop off point.

If you no longer have your original packaging, please ensure your watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap / something similar to protect it in transit.


Please note: if you are returning a watch that is faulty we can cover shipping costs if your watch is within warranty, please contact us ahead of sending in this instance.

T-shirt returns and exchanges

We recommend checking the measurements of our t-shirts on our size guide before placing your order, you can also check them here

However, if your t-shirt is faulty, we can offer an exchange or a refund. In this circumstance, please email us within 30 days of placing your order, with a photograph of the problem, as well as your order number.

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