Landeron Caliber 217 – A Late-Era Cam-Operated Chronograph with Calendar Function

The Landeron Caliber 217 is a manual-winding chronograph movement produced by Charles Hahn & Cie (Landeron) in the later stages of its mechanical movement development, likely during the 1960s to early 1970s. As part of Landeron’s extended family of cam-actuated chronographs, the 217 offered a balance of advanced features—most notably, a date complication combined with a two-register chronograph layout.

Landeron developed this caliber to satisfy increasing demand for functional, affordable, and versatile chronographs, especially in export markets like North America and Western Europe.

Technical Specifications

• Movement Type: Manual-wind mechanical chronograph

• Chronograph Control: Cam-actuated switching with horizontal clutch

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

• Power Reserve: Approx. 40 hours

• Diameter: Approx. 31 mm

• Height: Approx. 6.9 mm

• Functions:

  • Hours

  • Minutes

  • Small seconds (at 9 o’clock)

  • 30-minute chronograph counter (at 3 o’clock)

  • Central chronograph seconds

  • Date window (usually at 6 or 4:30 position)

Features and Movement Layout

The Landeron 217 follows the same reliable design principles as the earlier Landeron 48 and its descendants but integrates a date complication into the bi-compax (two-register) layout. This made it a practical movement for everyday wear, especially as more consumers were looking for watches that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience.

Key movement characteristics include:

• Cam-switching system: Simplifies manufacturing and servicing compared to column-wheel designs.

• Pusher functions:

  • Top pusher (2 o’clock): Start and stop

  • Bottom pusher (4 o’clock): Reset

• No hour chronograph counter: This keeps the dial clean and movement compact, focusing on practical use.

Watch Brands Using Landeron 217

The Cal. 217 was used by several mid-range Swiss brands, many of which produced watches for retail giants or department stores during the 1960s–70s. Brands include:

• Helbros

• Tradition (Sears Roebuck)

• Croton

• Mortima

• Camy

• Private-label chronographs aimed at export markets

These watches typically featured sporty styling, 36–38 mm cases, rotating or tachymeter bezels, and acrylic crystals.

Servicing and Reliability

The Landeron 217, being part of the broader Landeron cam-operated family, is considered reliable and relatively easy to maintain. Many internal components are shared with related calibers (such as the 149, 152, and 189), making sourcing parts more feasible.

Watchmakers familiar with vintage mechanical chronographs can service these movements without difficulty, provided the date mechanism is properly understood and adjusted during regulation.

Collectibility and Appeal

While not considered “high horology,” the Landeron 217 is appreciated by vintage collectors for offering a well-rounded feature set—chronograph functionality, date display, and mid-century styling—at an accessible price point. It also offers mechanical engagement and a historical connection to the Swiss watch industry’s effort to democratize complications before the quartz revolution.

Original, unpolished examples with clean dials and working chronograph functions are increasingly desirable in today’s vintage market.

Conclusion

The Landeron Caliber 217 is a practical, well-built vintage chronograph movement that combines the classic charm of Swiss mechanical watchmaking with daily usability thanks to its date feature. As part of Landeron’s late-generation cam-switched calibers, it represents the final stage of evolution before quartz technology changed the landscape. Today, it remains a reliable and affordable choice for collectors seeking a usable and historically interesting mechanical chronograph.