17 Jewels Wrist Watch
A 17 jewels wrist watch offers mechanical reliability and mid-century design, bringing dependable timekeeping and classic wrist presence to daily wear.
17 Jewels Wrist Watch
When you examine a 17 jewels wrist watch, you are looking at gents' timepieces primarily from the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties, alongside examples spanning the nineteenth century. These watches span Swiss and British makers, capturing an era when mechanical movements relied on jewelled bearings to reduce friction.
The most common forms on this page are gents' strap watches housed in stainless steel, gold plate, or chrome cases. You will encounter straightforward manual wind models alongside more complex chronograph versions fitted with leather straps.
Materials and construction
The construction of these watches combines durable metal cases with acrylic or glass crystals to protect the dial. Movements incorporate seventeen jewelled bearings at critical pivot points to ensure smooth operation and longevity.
External elements rely on traditional materials such as stainless steel, chrome, and gold-plated metal for the casing, paired with leather straps designed for wrist comfort.
Seventeen tiny gemstones hidden inside keep time moving forward without ever needing a battery.
Judging quality in a 17 jewels wrist watch
The distinction between standard production and higher quality lies in the refinement of the movement and the execution of the dial and case. Renowned Swiss and British makers employed superior finishing on internal components and more durable metals for the exterior.
Chronograph complications and branded models demonstrate a higher tier of watchmaking ambition compared to standard three-hand timepieces, reflecting greater intricacy in design and assembly.
Morex·Seiko·Bulova·Lanco·Smiths·Invicta·Mappin·Longines·Avia·JW Benson
The 17 Jewels Wrist Watch Glossary
- Jewels
- Synthetic rubies or sapphires placed in bearing holes to minimise friction in mechanical movements. Seventeen jewels typically denotes a fully jewelled manual wind movement.
- Chronograph
- A watch equipped with a stopwatch function alongside standard timekeeping. These models feature additional sub-dials and pushers on the case.
- Manual wind
- A mechanical movement powered by manually turning the crown rather than the movement of the wearer's wrist. This system requires regular winding to maintain operation.
- Acrylic
- A lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic material used for watch crystals during the mid-century period. It can be polished to remove surface scuffs.
17 Jewels Wrist Watch: Frequently Asked Questions
What does seventeen jewels mean?
Seventeen jewels means the mechanical movement contains seventeen synthetic ruby or sapphire bearings at high-friction pivot points. This count represents the standard minimum for a fully functional, jewelled lever escapement.
Such a configuration reduces wear on metal components, helping the watch maintain accuracy over extended periods of daily use.
How do I wind a manual watch?
You wind a manual watch by turning the crown clockwise between your thumb and forefinger until you feel gentle resistance. Do not force the crown once resistance increases, as this can damage the mainspring.
Wind the watch at roughly the same time each day to maintain consistent tension and reliable timekeeping.
Are these watches waterproof?
These vintage watches are generally not waterproof by modern standards. Exposure to moisture, rain, or immersion can easily allow water past older seals and crystals into the movement.
It is best to keep these timepieces away from water entirely to protect the delicate metal components and dial from corrosion.