Lemania – Regatta Automatic Regate Countdown Sailing Watch – Cal. LWO 1345

In the early 1970s, Albert Piquet — one of Lemania’s principal movement designers — developed the Calibre 1345 for Aquastar, based on their patent for a 10-minute countdown timer intended for sail yacht racing. The concept addressed a specific problem: before the start of a sailboat race, two signal guns are fired at intervals — typically at 10 minutes and 5 minutes — and crews must manoeuvre as close to the start line as possible before the final signal.

A conventional chronograph counts up; what sailors needed was a chronograph that counts down. The Cal. 1345, derived from the Lemania 1341 automatic chronograph already in use across Omega and Tissot, solved this by integrating a reverse-running seconds hand and a colour-coded visual countdown system into the upper arc of the dial — five apertures that change from blue to red to silver as the 10-minute countdown progresses.

After the Aquastar Regate established the concept, the same Cal. 1345 was adopted by Omega, Heuer, Tissot, and eventually Lemania itself, each housing it in their own case design.

This watch is the Lemania own-brand Racing Regatta, produced in the 1980s. The stainless steel case measures 40mm with a screw-down caseback and a screwed-in bezel, and is in good condition with traces of use consistent with a tool watch of this period.

The silvered dial is in very good condition, with the Lemania crown logo at 12 o’clock and “Regatta – Automatic” at 6. The five countdown apertures between 10 and 2 o’clock are intact, and the colour-change mechanism operates correctly.

The Lemania Calibre 1345 inside is a modified version of the Cal. 1341: an automatic chronograph with flyback function, 13¾ lignes, 17 jewels, operating at 28,800 vph.

The movement has been fully serviced by our in-house watchmaker and runs correctly and is fitted with a new leather strap.

It will be delivered with our six-month guarantee and certificate of originality.

Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.