Military watches have always held a special fascination for most collectors. They combine precision and durability with a history of military service, making them the best collector's items. Two outstanding examples of this are the Chronograph 3H AMI , used by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) , and the LMC of the Ejército del Aire , a chronograph model supplied to the Spanish Air Force . The Italian watch came first and is clearly a Heuer. On the other hand, it is speculated that the Spanish watch was made by Omega, although both are equipped with a Lemania 5100.
The similarity between the two certainly hides a very interesting story that has never been revealed.
Below we present some information and we accept more information from readers who are more informed on the subject. If more precise information is obtained, we will publish a new article on the subject.
Chronograph 3H AMI
Technical Sheet
Manufacturer: Heuer (possibly also Lemania)
Production period: 1980s
Movement: Lemania 5100 (automatic)
Functions: Chronograph with 12-hour, 60-minute and continuous seconds totalizers; date
Case: Stainless steel
Diameter: 41 x 45 mm
Dial: Black with tritium luminescent markers (“3H”)
Crystal: Mineral glass
Water resistance: 50 meters
Bracelet: Steel
Usage: Watch inspired by the Italian Aeronautica Militare
The Chronograph 3H AMI was used by pilots of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) during the 1970s and 1980s and was issued exclusively to military personnel. The “3H” inscription on the dial refers to the use of tritium for luminescence, an essential feature for night missions. The watch uses the legendary Lemania 5100 movement, renowned for its robustness and the functional arrangement of the chronograph totalizers.
These watches were developed to withstand the rigors of the military environment, with robust chronograph pushers and high resistance to shock and vibration. Today, they are highly prized by collectors and military chronograph enthusiasts.
LMC of the Air Army
Technical Sheet
Manufacturer: Possible contract production for the Ejército del Aire
Production period: 1980s and 1990s
Movement: Lemania 5100 (automatic)
Functions: Chronograph with 12-hour, 60-minute and continuous seconds totalizers; date
Case: Stainless steel
Diameter: 40-42mm
Dial: Black with luminescent markers
Crystal: Acrylic
Water Resistance: Rating unknown, but suitable for military use
Strap: NATO or leather
Use: Official pilot allocation of the Spanish Air Force
The LMC watch of the Ejército del Aire was a model supplied to Spanish pilots during the 1980s and 1990s. Only 400 units were purchased and were distributed to military personnel in service, without ownership rights – pilots had to return them when leaving active duty. Many of these watches passed through several hands within the air force, accumulating signs of use associated with their operational function.
Although some speculation has attributed its production to Omega , there is no concrete evidence to confirm this origin. The Lemania 5100 movement, however, reinforces its association with European military chronographs of the period. These watches were used by F-18 pilots of Group 15 and were considered extremely reliable for demanding aerial missions.
Military Marking and Numbering
The LMC watches of the Spanish Air Force have specific military numbers, engraved on the caseback. The serial numbers followed a strict pattern, indicating each watch’s registration within the army. Some units still preserve these original inscriptions, and are highly valued on the collector’s market. The precision and reliability of the Lemania 5100 movement have made this model one of the most respected chronographs used by the Spanish Air Force.
Both models embody the spirit of military watches: robustness, functionality and a strong historical link with the air forces of their respective countries. Today, both the Chronograph 3H AMI and the LMC of the Ejército del Aire are true collector’s pieces, with rare examples highly valued on the market. Knowing their history and provenance adds an extra level of fascination to these iconic pieces of military watchmaking. Given the limited information available, we would be grateful for any information about these watches.
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