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1950's Vintage Mundial Chronograph Watch Lemania 1270 Cal (320 / 321) CH27

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1950s Vintage Mundial Chronograph – Lemania 1270 (CH27 Family)


History & Movement

This Mundial chronograph dates to the early 1950s and is powered by the Lemania Caliber 1270, part of the CH27 movement family that later evolved into the Omega 320 and 321 series. The 1270 is a manual-wind, cam-switched chronograph with 17 jewels and an 18,000 vph beat rate, produced during a short window beginning around 1950.

Lemania supplied this movement to several Swiss manufacturers, including private-label brands such as Mundial, Herodia, and Chronographe Suisse. These early post-war chronographs are appreciated for their thin cases, elegant dial designs, and the reliability of Lemania’s engineering. Surviving examples in clean working condition have become increasingly collectible due to the movement’s direct lineage to some of the most iconic mid-century chronographs.


Description

This is a beautiful example of a 1950s Mundial chronograph powered by the Lemania 1270. The watch is running great and keeping time. The chronograph functions properly, though the start pusher requires a firmer press to engage — a common characteristic of early Lemania cam-switched movements.

The dial retains its vintage charm with lots of patina and coloration, with some print fading.  The size of the watch presents well on the wrist. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description. A strong addition for collectors of early Lemania-powered chronographs.


Specifications (Overview)

• Movement: Lemania Cal. 1270 (CH27 family), manual wind
• Era: Early 1950s
• Jewels: 17
• Beat Rate: 18,000 vph
• Chronograph: 60-second + 30-minute recorder
• Function: Timekeeping + chronograph
• Condition: Running and keeping time; start pusher requires firmer press

See full detailed specifications in the table below.


Condition

Vintage pre-owned condition consistent with age. Light wear may be present. The watch is running well and keeping time. Chronograph start pusher requires a firmer press to engage. Please review all photos carefully.


Notes

A rare early-1950s Lemania-powered chronograph with direct lineage to the Omega 320/321 family. Increasingly difficult to find in clean working condition. 

 

SPECIFICATION

Brand: Mundial    -     Model: Chronograph   -   Circa: 1950’s

Case

Steel Case and Case Back. 

Case Size

  37,00 mm without the crown and  45,00 mm Lug to Lug

Case Back

Stainless steel cover signed, with Screw Back, Snap on. Marked Fond Acier - Inoxy Dable 

Crown

UnSigned

Crystal

Acrylic Sapphire - Minor marks & Scratches. 

Bezel:

None.

Dial:

Numbers & indices dial, Swiss-made Mark.  Shows lots of patina, marks, and coloration. Some Text has faded. Please see the picture for more details.

Complication

Chronograph, Tachymeter

Movement

Manual-winding - Lemania 1270

Movement Notes

Just inspected and in working shape. the start pusher requires a firmer press to engage. Please see pictures and as some old movements don't have very clear markings. Movement is running. Keeps great time.

Strap

New Genuine Leather  Lug Size: 17mm. Please see picture.

Box

NA

Reference #

NA

Made in

Switzerland

Water Resistance

No. Please pressure test before water use.

Service Level

3         (Please see Tab below for details) 

Timing Test **

± 10 s/day  In-House Time Test Results (See Service Level Tab)**

Certified Pre-Owned

NA Passed 25-point inspection. Please see tab below for details.

Warranty

NA (Please see Tab below for details)

Notes:

All watch functions are tested and operable. 


About Chronograph Watches

Chronograph watches have always been a favorite among collectors for their blend of functionality, history, and mechanical artistry. Some of the most iconic and sought‑after chronograph movements include:
Omega Caliber 321 and Caliber 861, both based on the legendary Lemania CH27 architecture and evolved from this movement; the 321 was used during the moon‑landing era
Zenith El Primero, one of the first high‑beat automatic chronographs
Valjoux 72 and Valjoux 88, used in Rolex Pre‑Daytonas and Patek Philippe Ref. 2499
Venus and Landeron calibers, widely used in vintage Swiss chronographs
Heuer Caliber 11, the first micro‑rotor automatic chronograph with date
A chronograph combines traditional timekeeping with a stopwatch function, typically operated through pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock (or a single monopusher on certain models). The term comes from the Greek chronos (time) and graph (to write), with the first modern chronograph created in 1816 by Louis Moinet for astronomical timing.
Collectors also appreciate the so‑called “Poor Man’s Heuer” models—true Heuer‑manufactured chronographs sold under brands like Zodiac and Clebar. These offer authentic Heuer quality at more accessible prices, though many watches incorrectly labeled as such online were not made by Heuer.

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