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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Minerva Jumbo Chronograph Reference 1327

Partially verified

This stainless steel Minerva 'Jumbo' chronograph, reference 1327, dates to the late 1940s or early 1950s. The watch is powered by the manual-wind Calibre 13-20 movement, a column-wheel controlled chronograph calibre of the mid-20th century. It is housed in a three-piece snap-back case featuring a bezel, mid-case, and caseback, with fixed bar stepped lugs. The watch measures approximately 37mm in diameter. The silvered dial displays Arabic numerals, an outer seconds track, and two subsidiary registers for running seconds and a 30-minute counter, with blued steel sword hands. The case construction is described as an attempt to introduce water-resistant properties. The dial bears the Minerva signature and the text 'ANTIMAGNETIQUE'.

Front view of the Minerva Jumbo Chronograph showing the dial, hands, and fixed bar lugs.
Front view of the Minerva Jumbo Chronograph showing the dial, hands, and fixed bar lugs. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Minerva
Reference
1327
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 1940s, early 1950s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a three-piece snap-back case, comprising a bezel, mid-case, and caseback. The construction is noted for its oversized proportions and fixed bar stepped lugs. The design is cited as an early effort to incorporate water-resistant elements into timing instruments.

The dial is finished in silver and features bold printed black Arabic numerals. It includes an outer seconds track and two subsidiary registers for running seconds and a 30-minute counter. The hands are fashioned from blued steel, providing contrast against the dial. The dial is marked with the Minerva name and the word 'ANTIMAGNETIQUE'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a substantial three-piece snap-back case — bezel, mid-case, and caseback”
  • “it reflects early efforts to introduce water-resistant construction”
  • “fixed bar stepped lugs that underscore its utilitarian intent”

Movement and Function

The timepiece is driven by the Calibre 13-20 manual-wind movement. This movement is associated with the 20CH family of calibres produced by Minerva during the middle of the 20th century.

The movement is noted for its column-wheel control mechanism and specific finishing. It functions as a chronograph, utilizing the twin subsidiary registers on the dial to track running seconds and a 30-minute duration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by the manual-wind Cal. 13-20 chronograph movement”
  • “column-wheel controlled, elegantly laid out, and finished with a level of care”

Provenance and Context

The watch is attributed to the late 1940s or early 1950s. The manufacturer, Minerva, is credited with the engineering and production of its chronograph movements in Switzerland during this period.

The watch is described by the vendor as a 'Jumbo' model due to its dimensions, with the overall aesthetic characterized by a utilitarian and mid-century design focus.

Evidence for this section
  • “dates to the late 1940s, early 1950s”
  • “Minerva was producing some of the most beautifully engineered chronograph movements in Switzerland”

Open research questions

  • Are there specific serial number ranges that further narrow the production date?
  • What is the full extent of the water-resistant features implemented in this specific case design?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Minerva Jumbo Chronograph Reference 1327
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1327“Reference 1327”
MakerMinerva“Vendor: Minerva”
MovementCalibre 13-20“Cal. 13-20 chronograph movement”
Case typeThree-piece snap-back“three-piece snap-back case — bezel, mid-case, and caseback”
Estimated dateLate 1940s, early 1950s“dates to the late 1940s, early 1950s”
Dial detailsSilvered, Arabic numerals, two registers“silvered dial is pure mid-century clarity: bold printed black Arabic numerals, outer seconds track, and twin subsidiary registers”
Case sizeApproximately 37mm“At approximately 37mm”

Visible details

  • Fixed bar lugs
  • Two subsidiary register dials
  • Blued steel hands
  • Snap-back case construction

Research qualifications

  • Exact year of production is not provided beyond a broad range
  • Source does not provide a specific serial number

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Minerva 'Jumbo' Chronograph رفرنس 1327

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 97a1790663

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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