Lemania 105 at ‘66 Lemans

There’s value in the craftsmanship of a watch, in the model, the brand, its heritage, and legacy. But beyond that, every single watch carries its own story. The story of its owner, and the moments it has witnessed while on the wrist. Today is just a moment — one photo, one snapshot in time. This is the story of the Lemania 105, on the wrist of Paul-Henri Cahier.

Lemania 105

Let’s start with some background on the model itself: the Lemania 105 chronograph.

In 1952, Lemania introduced a more economical option for a three-register chronograph, with the Lemania 1270 movement.

This particular example is housed in a modestly sized 33mm screw-back case with pump pushers, offering the same utilitarian feel as Omega’s professional chronographs from that era, but at a more accessible price point.

One photo, Countless stories

Paul-Henri Cahier and his Lemania 105

Sometimes a single image tells more than words ever could. Here we see a young Paul-Henri Cahier, just 13 years old, posing with (left to right) Mauro Bianchi, Lucien Bianchi, and Mario Andretti at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on June 19, 1966. On his wrist? His Lemania 105 chronograph, not knowing that he would become one of the greatest F1-photographers of his time.

Bernard Cahier

It’s no coincidence because his father Bernard Cahier was there to capture the moment. He was already an established name in motorsport journalism and photography — a witness to countless historic races and personalities, and the founder of the Cahier Archive, which would become an essential source of F1 visual history.

The Drivers Mauro Bianchi, Lucien Bianch and Mario Andretti

Mauro Bianchi (b. July 31, 1937) was an Italian-born Belgian racing driver. He won the 1965 Nürburgring 500 km with his brother Lucien and triumphed at the 1966 Macau Grand Prix. Mauro participated in six editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1962 and 1968. At Lemans 1966, he drove an Alpine A210 with Jean Vinatier.

Lucien Bianchi, his brother, competed in Formula One with teams like Cooper, ENB, and UDT Laystall. Over 19 World Championship entries, he scored six points and famously finished third at the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix. Lucien also took part in 13 consecutive Le Mans races (1956–1968), achieving multiple class wins and an overall victory in 1968 alongside Pedro Rodríguez. Tragically, he died in a crash while testing for the 1969 Le Mans.

In this moment in 1964 he was driving the Ford GT40 Mk.II toghether with Mario Andretti.

Mario Andretti, the legendary American driver, had just begun to make his mark in international motorsport in 1966. He would go on to become a Formula One World Champion (1978), win 12 F1 Grands Prix, take four IndyCar titles, and score victories in iconic races like the 1969 Indianapolis 500 and the 1967 Daytona 500. He’s also a three-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and successful racing drivers in history.

LeMans 1966

The 1966 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans marked a turning point in motorsport. Held on June 18–19, it was the 34th running of the event and the seventh round of the 1966 World Sportscar Championship.

Most famously, it was the first overall victory at Le Mans for the Ford GT40, and the first time an American constructor won a major European race since Duesenberg’s victory in 1921.

The event also saw the debut of two legends: Henri Pescarolo, who would go on to set the record for most Le Mans starts, and Jacky Ickx, whose six wins at Le Mans stood until 2005.

Story worth saving

Being a kid’s watch is no easy life. When I bought this Lemania 105 from Paul-Henri, I was thrilled that it had stayed in his possession all these years but less thrilled about the condition it was in.

Was it economically viable to bring a watch like this back to life? Absolutely not. But did I feel a duty to restore it, to preserve the story it carried and make it wearable again? Without question.

Maybe that’s what collecting watches is really about. Yes, condition matters. But should condition ever be more important over preserving an incredible snapshot of history like this? No. Never.