Certina Caliber 17-02: A Refined Mid-Century Manual Movement

The Certina Caliber 17-02 is a manual-wind movement introduced during the 1950s, designed as a larger and more robust evolution of Certina’s earlier calibers. As part of the 17-ligne family (approximately 38 mm in movement diameter), the 17-02 was tailored for larger men’s wristwatches, aligning with a design trend toward bolder case dimensions and improved legibility.

Offering a sub-seconds layout, shock protection, and improved precision, this movement helped Certina reinforce its reputation for crafting dependable timepieces during a pivotal period of Swiss watchmaking history.

Technical Specifications

With a strong winding mechanism and larger balance wheel, the 17-02 was engineered to deliver accuracy, durability, and ease of regulation.

Mechanical Construction

The 17-02 follows a traditional mechanical layout, making it both accessible to service and mechanically reliable. Key attributes include:

• Swiss lever escapement for stable beat regulation

• Manual-wind barrel offering long-lasting torque

• Full or three-quarter bridge system, adding strength and simplifying maintenance

• Sub-seconds drive via a fourth wheel with a dial-side pinion

• Hardened steel gears and brass plates with nickel finishing

Shock protection is provided by Incabloc springs on the balance staff, a feature that significantly reduced service needs due to impact damage.

Applications in Certina Watches

The 17-02 was commonly installed in large-cased manual-wind wristwatches for men—particularly those made in the 1950s and early 1960s. These watches were known for their:

• Case diameters ranging from 35 mm to 38 mm

• Stainless steel or gold-filled cases

• Functional, clean dials with bold hour markers

• Sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock

• Engraved or signed casebacks (occasionally with anti-magnetic markings)

These watches served both as professional tools and dress options, delivering mechanical precision without unnecessary complexity.

Watchmaker Notes

The 17-02 is a robust, easily serviced movement, particularly valued by vintage restoration specialists. Its size makes it more stable during disassembly and reassembly than smaller calibers.

Service Tips:

• Lubricate pivots with Moebius 9010; use grease for barrel teeth and keyless works

• Inspect mainspring tension—original springs often fatigue over time

• Confirm Incabloc spring action and jewel seating during shock adjustment

• Regulate via fine adjustment arm; balance inertia is well-calibrated for smooth timing

The movement responds well to full servicing and can often be brought to ±10 seconds/day accuracy when properly maintained.

Collectibility and Modern Appeal

Although it lacks complications, the Certina 17-02 holds interest among collectors and horologists due to:

• Its large movement size, making it rare among hand-wound calibers

• Excellent durability and part availability

• Presence in watches with attractive mid-century case and dial designs

• Compatibility with Certina’s core design ethos: robust, honest engineering

Original watches housing this caliber are appreciated for their simplicity, symmetry, and reliability, and often fetch attention on the vintage market.

Conclusion

The Certina Caliber 17-02 is a reflection of mid-20th-century watchmaking done right. Designed with strength, longevity, and precision in mind, it delivered a strong manual-wind experience in watches that blended utility with understated elegance. For collectors, restorers, or enthusiasts seeking pure mechanical function in a larger format, the 17-02 remains a movement of choice—one that continues to tick faithfully across generations.