Lemania 2310 Chronograph Movement Guide
Reference Guide

Lemania 2310 Chronograph Movement Guide

By quattro · Aug 12, 2025 · 28 replies
quattro
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
28 replies3809 views13 photos
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Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, delves into the enduring legacy of the Lemania Chronograph Calibre 2310. His comprehensive post highlights how this iconic movement, developed by Albert-Gustave Piguet, has been adopted and personalized by some of horology's most prestigious brands. This article explores the nuanced differences and aesthetic choices made by Omega, Breguet, Patek Philippe, Roger Dubuis, and Vacheron Constantin in their respective interpretations of the CH 27.

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The Lemania Chronograph Calibre 2310 or CH 27, developed by Albert-Gustave Piguetis one of the most iconic chronograph movements.



credit: @ncwatch on eBay & famille-piguet.ch


It was introduced in 1942 in two versions, each featuring either 17-jewel or 21-jewel and a swan-neck regulator:

  • A two-counter version, CH 27-17P
  • A three-counter version CH 27-12P
The three-counter 17-jewel version (as in the photo above) was famously used and personalised by Omega as the Calibre 321.

The two-counter 21-jewel version was famously used and personalised, sometimes without a swan-neck regulator, by Breguet, Patek Philippe, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin.

Which personalised version do you prefer?


Omega Calibre 321 - Speedmaster Moonwatch Calibre 321 ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001 - 39,7 mm steel (2020)




credit: monochrome


Breguet Calibre 533 - Chronograph ref. 3237 - 36 mm rose? gold (circa 1990)




credit: monochrome


Patek Philippe Calibre 27-70 - Chronograph ref. 5070R-001 - 42 mm rose gold (circa 2000)




credit: s.song


Roger Dubuis Calibre 56 - Hommage Chronograph H34 566 - 34 mm 950 palladium case (1996)




credit: a collected man


Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1142 - Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 ref. 5000H/000A-B582 - 38,5 mm steel (2019)




credit: monochrome 


Bonus: first (Omega calibre 321 - with platinum case) and last (calibre 1142 - of the Hodinkee CdV edition) side-by-side


credit: hodinkee 


This thread is directly inspired by Wei Koh's wonderful in-depth article, which I recommend you read if you want to know more: The Complete History of the Amazing Lemania Chronograph Calibre 2310.

Thanks for reading.

Best,
Emmanuel

About the Antoine Preziuso Concept Ref. 2000

The Patek Philippe World Time reference 2523, launched in 1953, is distinguished by its innovative two-crown system. One crown serves for winding the watch, while the second, positioned at 9 o’clock, controls the city disc. This design marked a significant development in the functionality and user experience of world time complications for the brand.

The reference 2523 was offered in two primary versions. The initial ref. 2523 featured larger lugs that extended above the bezel, with a case diameter of 35.5 mm. A subsequent variant, ref. 2523/1, presented a slightly larger diameter of 36 mm and thinner lugs that were integrated without extending above the bezel. Both versions were powered by the caliber 12-400 HU, which incorporated the world time module developed by Louis Cottier.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in Patek Philippe's historical advancements in complicated watchmaking, particularly the evolution of its World Time series. The distinct design differences between the 2523 and 2523/1, especially regarding lug integration and case dimensions, provide specific points of interest for enthusiasts tracking the model's development and variations.

Specifications

Caliber
12-400 HU
Case
White Gold
Diameter
35.5mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
BR
bruckner4
Aug 12, 2025

Had one on a couple weeks ago.

AN
AndCavanaugh
Aug 12, 2025

Of these I'd go with the Cornes de Vache or RD, the I like the 5070 movement the most, but it is just too large and the movement is too small for the case.

JM
jmpTT
Aug 12, 2025

It's unfortunate that the finishing quality of the CH 27-20 was unsustainable in the modern era. It's good news that this classic movement continues to be offered today. I will stretch the defintion a bit to say that my favourite implementation is Fleury Manufacture's FM04. It has neither the uninterrupted heritage, nor the best of the movement finishing (still excellent). What it does provide is a modernized 32.5 mm diameter (source: Monochrome Watches), making it appropriate for a modern case

QU
quattro
Aug 12, 2025

But there’s something I like better in Omega, RD and PP: the large balance wheel and 2.5Hz frequency.

QU
quattro
Aug 12, 2025

But there’s something I like better in Omega, RD and PP: the large balance wheel and 2.5Hz frequency instead of 3Hz with the 1142 and 533. Aesthetically, I prefer the Y-shaped (RD, PP, VC) chrono bridge to the U-shaped one (Omega, Breguet) and the Maltese cross column wheel (VC) to the capped one from PP. Best, Emmanuel

QU
quattro
Aug 12, 2025

I wasn’t aware of it. It’s quite nice, even if I’m personally not very fond of the shape of the chrono bridge. I much prefer the traditional U or Y shape. But it’s great to see this modern take. Best, Emmanuel PS: I added the movement of the steel version to your comment.

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