Revue Thommen Airspeed Automatic Chronograph - Lemania 5100 - Full Set

Description: Yellow Never Looked This Good. DESCRIPTION A Revue Thommen Airspeed Press Release from Europa Star's Swiss time in 1997 Not many watch enthusiasts know about Revue Thommen and I really hope that changes soon. They deserve your attention. Especially for a watchmaker who has been around since 1853. They're a company not really known for their watches but for their aviation instruments since their collaboration with the Swiss Air Force in 1936. Hence why, after barely surviving the quartz crisis in the 1990's, they decided to combine their heritage of watchmaking with the expertise of aviation instruments. That is when the Revue Thommen Airspeed was born, some time between 1996-1997, The watches would utilize the legendary Lemania 5100. Which, at the time, was already being replaced by the valjoux 7750. Of course, Revue Thommen knew the undeniable robustness of the Lemania from their experience with the movement since the 1960's. To close this out, I will say this, The Airspeed is more than just a watch; it's a tool built for pros who demand reliability in the sky or on the ground. Its association with aviation solidifies it as a true instrument of precision, built to thrive under pressure. BRAND HISTORY Early Beginnings: 1853-1920s Revue Thommen is one of the oldest and most esteemed Swiss watch brands, with its origins dating back to 1853. The company was founded in Waldenburg, Switzerland, by Gédéon Thommen and Louis Tschopp, who initially established it as a clock and watch movement factory under the name Société d’Horlogerie à Waldenbourg. By the late 19th century, Gédéon Thommen had taken full control of the company and renamed it Gédéon Thommen Watch Factory. Thommen’s vision was to integrate manufacturing processes in-house, allowing the company to control the quality and precision of its movements. The company achieved success through its focus on high-precision watches and watch movements, laying the groundwork for what would later become one of Switzerland’s most respected watchmakers. Early on, Thommen became known for developing high-quality pocket watches, and by the early 1900s, they had begun producing wristwatches as well. Innovation and Expansion: 1920s-1950s The 1920s marked a pivotal period in the brand's evolution as it embraced new innovations in horology, including producing its first chronograph wristwatches. During this time, Revue Thommen introduced in-house calibers under the Revue name. These movements were well-regarded for their precision, further cementing the brand’s place in the Swiss watchmaking industry. A key development in the brand's history came in 1936 when Revue Thommen began manufacturing aviation instruments. Their chronographs and cockpit instruments for the Swiss Air Force gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy. This move into aviation instrumentation would forever link the brand with the field of aviation, an association that remains strong to this day. The precision required for aircraft instruments translated perfectly into their timepieces, making Revue Thommen synonymous with pilot’s watches. The Lemania Era: 1960s-1970s In the 1960s, Revue Thommen expanded its offerings to include professional-grade chronographs, diving watches, and military timepieces. The brand became particularly famous for its chronographs powered by high-quality movements, such as the Lemania 5100. This movement, known for its durability, shock resistance, and precise chronograph function, was widely used in military watches. The Lemania 5100 remains a coveted movement among collectors and is emblematic of Revue Thommen’s strong ties to the military and aviation industries. During this era, the company's commitment to innovation continued with the production of automatic movements and the development of new features such as anti-magnetic properties and water resistance. These advancements catered to professionals, including pilots, divers, and military personnel, further strengthening Revue Thommen's association with robust, tool-oriented watches. The Quartz Crisis and Reinvention: 1970s-1980s The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s posed significant challenges to Swiss mechanical watchmakers, including Revue Thommen. The surge of cheaper, more accurate quartz watches from Japan led many Swiss brands to struggle or fold. However, Revue Thommen adapted by diversifying its offerings and continuing to produce high-quality mechanical watches while introducing quartz models to meet market demand. In 1987, Revue Thommen entered into a strategic partnership with Swiss luxury brand Airborne, which specialized in the production of high-end pilot watches. This partnership marked the beginning of the brand’s modern era, where aviation once again took center stage in its watch designs. Their line of Airspeed watches, launched during this period, was particularly popular among pilots and aviation enthusiasts due to their precision and reliability. Return to Mechanical Movements: 1990s-2000s In the 1990s, Revue Thommen made a strong return to its roots by focusing heavily on mechanical movements, particularly automatic chronographs and professional-grade aviation watches. Their Airspeed line, initially designed for pilots, became one of their flagship collections and remains a cornerstone of the brand today. In the early 2000s, the brand reintroduced its in-house production of movements, distinguishing itself from competitors who had begun relying on mass-produced movements. Revue Thommen’s commitment to creating both mechanical and automatic timepieces solidified its position as a premium watchmaker with a strong focus on aviation, diving, and military watches. Modern Era: 2010-Present Today, Revue Thommen remains deeply rooted in its historical values of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Airspeed collection, with models like the Airspeed XLarge Chronograph, continues to attract pilots and watch enthusiasts alike. Modern-day Revue Thommen watches are known for their vintage-inspired designs combined with modern technology, appealing to both professional aviators and collectors. The company continues to manufacture high-quality wristwatches as well as aviation instruments, maintaining its historical ties to the Swiss Air Force. Revue Thommen’s watches are still associated with military and aviation sectors, known for their reliability under extreme conditions. Revue Thommen’s ongoing commitment to producing both professional-grade timepieces and luxurious mechanical watches keeps the brand relevant in a market that celebrates both heritage and innovation. As one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers still in operation, Revue Thommen continues to blend its historical roots with the demands of modern watchmaking, solidifying its place as a leader in Swiss horology. Revue Thommen’s legacy is one of precision, reliability, and a deep association with aviation and military history, traits that continue to define its watches today. INFO Model: Revue Thommen Airspeed Reference: 9516002 Year: Late 1990's Dial Color: Yellow Style: Military Strap: Original Sizing: Fits up to 8" Wrist Box: Yes Papers: Yes Other Accessories: Hang Tag WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW This watch was acquired from the original owner for this watch. They received this watch as a gift and never wore it. The condition of the watch really attests to this. The Dial, Hands, Case, and Bracelet are completely original and have never been refinished or polished. The bracelet and case have zero scratches since it was only worn once. The clasp does have a couple of scratches that can be taken out at buyers wish. The movement has been serviced and overhauled by our professional watchmaker and is running at COSC Standards. DIMENSIONS Case Size: 38.5mm Lug Width: 20.0mm Lug to Lug: 45.8mm Thickness: 15.0mm MATERIALS Case Material: Titanium Bezel Material: Titanium Case Back Material: Titanium Bracelet Material: Titanium Crystal: Flat Sapphire Crystal Luminescence: Tritium MOVEMENT Manufacturer: Lemania Caliber: Lemania 5100 Country: Switzerland Movement Type: Automatic w/ 3-Register 12-hour Chronograph (6-9-12 Config.) and Day/Date Indicator Jewels: 17 Power Reserve: ~48 Hours

Price: 1995 USD

Location: Bakersfield, California

End Time: 2024-10-21T21:28:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD

Product Images

Revue Thommen Airspeed Automatic Chronograph - Lemania 5100 - Full Set - 9516002

Item Specifics

Return shipping will be paid by: Seller

All returns accepted: Returns Accepted

Item must be returned within: 30 Days

Refund will be given as: Money Back

Bezel Color: Gray

Closure: Double-Locking Fold-Over Clasp

Max Wrist Size: 7.6-8 in

Number of Jewels: 17 Jewels

Indices: Arabic Numerals

Year Manufactured: 1990-1999

Band/Strap: Bracelet

Vintage: Yes

Case Thickness: 15 mm

Case Color: Gray

Handedness: Right

Department: Men

Caseback: Screwback

Bezel Type: Bidirectional Rotating, Count-Up/Dive

Lug Width: 20 mm

Watch Shape: Round

Style: Classic, Pilot/Aviator, Sport

Features: 12-Hour Dial, Chronograph, Date Indicator, Day/Date, Day Indicator, Easy to Read/Large Numerals, Luminous Hands, Luminous Indexes, Rotating Bezel, Sapphire Crystal, Scratch-Resistant, Seconds Hand, Self-Winding, Shock-Resistant, Small Second, Swiss Made, Water-Resistant

Case Size: 38 mm

Case Material: Titanium

Handmade: No

Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)

Water Resistance: 100 m (10 ATM)

Seller Warranty: Yes

With Papers: Yes

Reference Number: 9516002

Brand: Revue Thommen

Type: Wristwatch

Band Color: Gray

Customized: No