No expert, but I do have more than a bit of interest into these beauties
As mentioned I am quite occupied, so not much time to dig.
Your "best condition" one is identical to one of mine. The 185xxxx serial number of the movement would date it to between 1964 and 1966 in my books. Nothing official to go by unfortunately.
Here is mine:
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The dial has a very interesting structure!
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I assume that the crown should have the Lemania signed cross hatch logo. However I have seen others with "Only" the cross hatch.
It could be a service replacement as the crown should have been replaced every so often to ensure the waterproofness.
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I have seen original Lemania boxes. Been hunting a few, but only own "modern" ones from the 80s and 90s so far.
They did have signed buckles, I own one.... 14mm
Very seldom I see them.
As for straps, I have no clue. Hang tags and the full works have been spotted occasionally, however they are rare in the correct meaning of the term.
Since the "Super Compressor" watches was really waterproof designs, I assume that what ever strap they put on it would be water repellent. Either a synthetic/rubber thing, or treated leather of some sorts perhaps?
It seems that most (all) I find has the case reference 920. Normally (according to Lemania - and Omega) traditions at the time the year of manufacture of the case is printed as a suffix to the case ref.
In extent 920-63 would indicate a watch with a case made in 1963. This again only tells you that it could not have existed earlier, but the case might have been sitting for some time before being merged with a movement and actually sold. (I have seen 4-5 years deviation between case suffix year and the actual sale of the watch).
I own a black dial one with a central second version of the Lemania 3000 (3060). As I have never seen another, I suspect it to be a marriage of parts.
My watchmakers service blog entry on this one is found here:
http://watchguy.co.uk/service-lemania-calibre-3060/
I am constantly seeking catalogues and advertisements on Lemania. I have in my possession a complete distributors (UK) catalogue from 1956 with prices and the works, however the reference 920 is to new to be shown there.
Lemania used EPSA to make several more of their cases as well (not only the Super Compressors). I own at least two other references with EPSA markings on them. Both are goldfilled and "dress" style watches.
Enjoy your lovely Lemania SCs! And do post more images, also of the second one after it returns from the SPA!
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