Omega Caliber 1417: A Compact Manual-Wind with Timeless Precision

The Omega Caliber 1417 is a manual-winding mechanical movement introduced in the 1950s, developed during a time when Omega was expanding its reach as a leader in fine Swiss watchmaking. Designed for smaller, elegant wristwatches, the 1417 was part of Omega’s push to deliver precise and durable timekeeping in mid-size cases, often for dress or professional wear.

As a member of Omega’s 14xx family of hand-wound movements, the 1417 shares its design lineage with calibers intended for slim, refined timepieces—offering dependable performance with classic styling.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-wind mechanical

• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds

• Diameter: Approx. 23.7 mm (10.5 lignes)

• Height: ~3.5 mm

• Jewels: 17

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

• Power Reserve: ~42 hours

• Shock Protection: Incabloc or similar (in later models)

• Finish: Nickel-plated bridges, Geneva striping, polished screws

The 1417 was not intended as a chronometer, but its quality materials and straightforward construction meant it offered excellent stability and serviceability, ideal for daily-wear watches during the mid-20th century.

Design and Application

The movement was used in various Omega dress and professional watches—most commonly in manual-wind models for men and occasionally in larger women’s watches. These watches typically featured:

• Modest case sizes (30–34 mm)

• Elegant dials with baton indices or Arabic numerals

• Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock

• Classic Omega signature and applied logo

The Caliber 1417 allowed Omega to offer a mechanically pure experience in a slim case, targeting consumers who preferred traditional hand-winding over automatic mechanisms.

Historical Context

Introduced during the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, the 1417 arrived alongside Omega’s more famous Caliber 30T2 and 26x/28x automatic movements. While those were celebrated for innovation and chronometer status, the 1417 filled a practical role:

• It kept costs down without sacrificing reliability

• It fit slimmer case designs, aligned with 1950s style

• It used fewer parts than automatic calibers, enhancing longevity

These attributes made it a preferred choice for export markets, including North America and parts of Europe, where understated Omega watches were gaining popularity.

Serviceability and Longevity

The 1417 is known for its:

• Ease of service, thanks to simple architecture

• Availability of donor parts, especially from the 14xx family

• Resistance to wear, when properly lubricated and adjusted

As with most vintage mechanical movements, regular maintenance is essential to preserve accuracy and function.

Collector Appeal

The Caliber 1417 is of interest to collectors who:

• Seek lesser-known but high-quality Omega movements

• Appreciate mid-century Swiss craftsmanship

• Value manual-winding elegance over mass-produced quartz or automatic watches

• Restore or preserve vintage Omega dress models

Working examples with original dials and cases are becoming harder to find, especially with matching serials and period-correct hands.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Caliber 1417 stands as a quiet achiever in Omega’s extensive history of movement development. Compact, reliable, and refined, it reflects the brand’s dedication to quality—even outside the spotlight of chronometers and Co-Axials. For enthusiasts of vintage elegance, the 1417 remains a worthy and enduring caliber.