During the Cold War, Sweden developed a substantial and technologically advanced air force, with the Saab 37 Viggen becoming a symbol of Swedish aviation engineering and military independence. Featuring its distinctive delta wing and forward canards, the aircraft was designed to meet demanding requirements for performance, versatility and the ability to operate from short runways.

In the early 1970s, the Swedish Air Force was supplied with a military chronograph by the Swiss watchmaker Lemania. The model, reference 817, later became known by the nickname "Viggen" through its association with the pilots who flew the Saab 37. The watch was equipped with the manually wound Lemania calibre 1872 chronograph movement, a highly legible black dial and a robust stainless steel case. With its military heritage, limited production and close connection to Swedish aviation history, the model has become a sought-after collector's piece.

At its height during the Cold War, the Swedish Air Force maintained approximately 18 air wings across the country. These units were designated by the letter "F", standing for the Swedish word flygflottilj (air wing), followed by a number identifying each unit. The present example has a particularly interesting connection to Skaraborg Air Force Wing, F 7, based at Såtenäs in southwestern Sweden. Established in 1940, F 7 became the first Swedish Air Force wing to introduce the Saab AJ 37 Viggen into operational service in 1973, when its second squadron, Gustav Blå, began conversion training on the new aircraft. By the following year, the wing had completed its transition to the Viggen. The aircraft remained in service at Såtenäs for more than 25 years, until 1998.

The watch has been consigned to Bukowskis by a former Head of Security at F 7 Såtenäs, who served at the air wing during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He received the watch through his employment at the air wing, giving the present example a personal connection to the very location where the Viggen was first introduced into operational service with the Swedish Air Force.