Vintage circa 1950 Helbros Venus 170 Chronograph

$700.00

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.

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. 

  • Movement: Venus 170 manual wind

  • Jewels: 17

  • Complications: Chronograph (central seconds + twin registers)

  • Architecture: Integrated column-wheel chronograph with oscillating pinion

  • Frequency: 18,000 vph

  • Approx. Power Reserve: ~40 hrs 

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

  • Brand: Helbros

  • Model / Reference: 815

  • Year (Estimated): 1948–1952

  • Case Width: 35 mm

  • Lug-to-Lug: 44 mm

  • Thickness: 13 mm

  • Lug Width: 17.8 mm (18 mm strap)

  • Case: Rhodium-plated with removable bezel, stainless steel snap back

  • Band:Not included (18 mm recommended) 

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. 

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.

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. 

  • Movement: Venus 170 manual wind

  • Jewels: 17

  • Complications: Chronograph (central seconds + twin registers)

  • Architecture: Integrated column-wheel chronograph with oscillating pinion

  • Frequency: 18,000 vph

  • Approx. Power Reserve: ~40 hrs 

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

  • Brand: Helbros

  • Model / Reference: 815

  • Year (Estimated): 1948–1952

  • Case Width: 35 mm

  • Lug-to-Lug: 44 mm

  • Thickness: 13 mm

  • Lug Width: 17.8 mm (18 mm strap)

  • Case: Rhodium-plated with removable bezel, stainless steel snap back

  • Band:Not included (18 mm recommended) 

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. 

Important Note on the Watch Band

Please note that the band pictured is NOT included with watch purchase. I generally acquire new bands for display purposes and do not include them because they vary significantly in price and many purchasers will want to obtain their own band as suits their taste.

You will need an 18mm band to pair with this watch.

However, if you are interested in purchasing the band pictured in the photos along with the watch, it will be available at or near my replacement cost as an optional add-on. If you don’t see it as an option in the listing please message me for help. I am also happy to point you to where you can purchase the exact same band directly from the seller.

If you have questions about bands or want my assistance, please message me. I’m happy to help.

Standard Disclaimer

I make every effort to ensure that the vintage watches I work on are both accurate enough to serve as practical timepieces and reliable enough to be worn and enjoyed for many years to come. That said, vintage watches are delicate and, like any mechanical device, subject to wear.

Therefore, I cannot provide any express or implied warranty for this watch, beyond the fact that it is running, and it is being sold AS IS.

Additional notes

·       Servicing and restoration followed the process described in detail here.

  • Vintage watches are delicate - particularly older models that lack shock protection. Please handle with care

  • Regardless of what it says on the case, I do not attempt to restore watches to a fully waterproof condition. Please keep this watch away from water and definitely do not submerge it.

  • If the watch is an automatic, I recommend that you use the hand wind feature sparingly to minimize wear on the automatic winding mechanism.

I do like to stand behind my work, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any problems. I will correct any obvious defects in my workmanship free of charge and will provide lifetime service (as long as I am able) for vintage timepieces that I have restored at heavily discounted rates.

Regarding Parts Originality

I know that some collectors are very concerned with originality of parts. I will list any parts that I replace, internally or externally, in the condition notes above. I will also make a good faith effort to assess whether any of the watch parts (e.g. dial, crown or hands, etc.) may have been replaced or refinished prior to my acquisition of the watch and, if I believe it is likely they were, I will also indicate this in the condition notes above. However, I cannot make any bedrock guarantees regarding originality of parts. I work on many different watch brands and lack the deep expertise on the history of any given brand that would be necessary to do so.