This Helbros chronograph is a fantastic slice of mid-century timing hardware, built around the legendary Venus 170 column-wheel movement. At 35 mm across, the rhodium-plated case pairs beautifully with a silver dial that has aged into a warm, even patina, with applied Arabic numerals, blued outer scale and that distinctive “up-down” twin-register layout that makes Venus 170 chronographs instantly recognizable. The bright red chronograph seconds hand adds a touch of drama without feeling flashy.
The Venus 170 movement on the inside is the star of the show. Fully serviced, regulated and running strongly, it is in exceptional condition for vintage chronograph movement from this era and helps make this piece a great value.
This is a beautifully preserved mid-century Helbros wrist chronograph featuring the historic Venus Caliber 170 manual-wind column-wheel chronograph movement — a rare vintage engine revered by collectors.
UPDATE: Watch Band Now Included. See Below.
Case, Dial & Aesthetic
This 35 mm rhodium-plated steel case pairs elegantly with a silver dial that has developed a warm, even patina, showcasing applied Arabic numerals and a crisp “up-down” bicompax register layout — a signature visual trait of Venus 170 chronographs. The subtle blued outer scale and vibrant red chronograph seconds hand add restrained character without overpowering the vintage aesthetic.
Movement: Venus 170 Chronograph
At the heart of this watch is the Venus 170, a hand-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with a 2-button layout and distinctive 6-12 subdial configuration. Originally produced from the late 1930s through the early 1950s, this caliber is admired for its mechanical clarity and historical significance in chronograph design.
Winding: Manual Wind
Jewels: 17
Frequency: 18,000 BPH
Origin: Swiss Made
Complications: Chronograph (Twin Register)
Condition & Service
This piece has been fully serviced, regulated and running strongly — exceptional for a movement of this vintage. Both timing and chronograph functions are working perfectly. Restoration work includes a new crystal, freshly lumed hands, and a refinished case with original parts handled with care.
Specs & Details
Reference: 815
Year: 1948–1952
Case: Formerly Chrome Plate, Refinished with Rhodium Plate / Removable Bezel / Stainless Steel Snap Back
Case Diameter: 35 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Lug Width: 17.8 mm
Recommended Band Size: 18mm
Movement: Venus 170 Chronograph
Features: New Crystal, Full Case Restoration with Rhodium Plate on Case, Pushers & Crown, Re-lumed hands
Why This Watch Matters
Unlike many vintage chronographs that either use cam-lever designs or more common chronograph calibers, the Venus 170’s integrated column-wheel architecture is a mechanical highlight that appeals to collectors who appreciate classical chronograph engineering.
Watch Band
A new leather watch band, as depicted in the photos, is included with your purchase. This has resulted in a small price adjustment to the listing. If you would prefer to supply your own band, please contact me immediately upon purchase (prior to shipping) and I will remove the band and issue a partial $20 refund. If you would instead like me to help you source and install a different band, I am happy to do so if you contact me immediately after purchase.
Once the watch has been packaged and shipped, the sale will be considered final and band deletion or replacement will no longer be an option.