17 Jewels Swiss Wristwatch
These 17 jewels swiss wristwatch examples are dependable mid-century timepieces driven by reliable movements that reward daily wear.
17 Jewels Swiss Wristwatch
When you search for a 17 jewels swiss wristwatch, you are looking at men's wristwatches predominantly originating from the mid-century period, spanning the 1950s and 1960s. These pieces include standard time-only models as well as more complex chronograph and moonphase variations.
The versions you are most likely to meet on this page hail from the 1950s and 1960s, often styled with mid-century modern aesthetics. They represent a robust era of Swiss horology built for everyday gents' wear.
How they were made
These watches combine stainless steel, gold plate, and gold plated metal cases with acrylic glass and acrylic crystals to protect the dial. Movements rely on jewelled Swiss engineering designed for mechanical precision.
Straps are typically fashioned from leather to secure the metal case to the wrist. Chronograph and triple date complications require intricate internal assembly alongside standard manual wind or automatic mechanisms.
17 Jewels Swiss Wristwatch Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 17 jewels swiss wristwatch among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some dials track moon phases, letting wearers check the lunar cycle right from their wrist while waiting for the bus.
What varies in quality
Quality varies between standard time-only dials and high-complication pieces like chronographs with moonphase and triple date displays. The presence of specialised horological functions elevates the technical ambition of the watch.
Case materials also differentiate the range, moving from basic gold plated metal and stainless steel up to more refined finishes. The execution of mid-century styling dictates the visual appeal of each individual dial.
Montilier·Bulova·Invicta·Mappin·Longines·Avia
The 17 Jewels Swiss Wristwatch Glossary
- Chronograph
- A watch with a stopwatch function alongside its standard timekeeping display. This complication uses independent sweep hands.
- Moonphase
- A dial complication that tracks the lunar cycle visually through a rotating aperture. It adds significant mechanical complexity to the movement.
- Acrylic glass
- A lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic material used for watch crystals during the mid-century era. It can be easily polished if minor scuffs occur.
- Gold plate
- A thin layer of gold bonded to a base metal core to provide the appearance of solid gold. This technique was widely utilised for mid-century dress watches.
17 Jewels Swiss Wristwatch: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wind a manual watch?
Gently rotate the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel resistance.
Stop turning immediately to avoid damaging the mainspring inside the movement.
Can these watches handle water?
Mid-century Swiss timepieces generally lack modern waterproof seals and gaskets.
Keep them well away from moisture, rain, and handwashing to protect the internal metal components.
What size are mid-century watches?
Most gents' pieces from this era measure smaller than contemporary standards, often around thirty-two millimetres.
They sit discreetly and neatly on the wrist as classic dress accessories.
How do I set the date?
Advance the hands past midnight to flip the calendar disc on standard movements.
Avoid setting date complications during the late evening hours when the internal gears engage automatically.