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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind sub-second wristwatch

Helbros 17 Jewels Cal. P 330 Manual Wind Wristwatch

Partially verified

Attributed by the dealer to the 1960s, this Helbros manual-wind wristwatch is reported to house a 17-jewel Swiss Helbros movement 238 built on calibre Peseux 330. The 36 mm round case features a chrome-plated bezel and a stainless steel case back with styled lugs. Its patinated beige dial displays faceted glass cut stones as hour indices, a sub-seconds subsidiary dial positioned above the 6 o'clock mark, and dark baton-style hands. The watch is fitted with a modern replacement black alligator-patterned leather strap.

Front view of the Helbros wristwatch showing the patinated dial with faceted indices and sub-seconds register
Front view of the Helbros wristwatch showing the patinated dial with faceted indices and sub-seconds register — Secondhand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind sub-second wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Helbros Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-1957
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction

The timepiece features a 36 mm round, chrome-plated bezel paired with a stainless steel case back. The case measures 43.3 mm from lug to lug and has a thickness of 9.5 mm. The lugs are described as having a fancy design.

The case is fitted with a narrow, knurled crown and 18 mm lugs. The watch is currently equipped with a new black alligator-patterned genuine leather two-piece strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bezel Chrome Plated Stainless Steel Back”
  • “Case Diameter 36”
  • “Case Lug to Lug 43.3”
  • “Case Thickness 9.5”
  • “Lug Width 18”
  • “It is 36mm round case and fancy lugs design; stainless steel back.”
  • “This watch is coming with a brand new, water proof, black (alligator design) genuine leather two-pieces strap.”

Dial and Indices

The original beige dial displays signs of age, including visible patina. The hour indices consist of glass cut stones, and the dial features dark baton-style hands.

A subsidiary seconds register is located at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is signed with the Helbros name and logo.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has the original beige dial (showing some patina) with glass cut stones as hour markers and matching hands.”
  • “The sub dial is located at 6.”
  • “Also, the dial is signed with the Helbros name and logo.”

Movement and Attribution

The watch contains a 17-jewel manual-wind Swiss-made movement, identified in the source as Helbros movement 238, based on the Peseux 330 calibre. The movement is noted as unadjusted.

The watch is attributed by the seller to the 1960s.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is a manual wind watch with a Helbros movement 238, caliber Peseux 330, 17 jewels, sub-second, Swiss made.”
  • “Movement: Helbros Watch Co. 238 Cal. P 330 17 Jewels Swiss Unadjusted”
  • “this beautiful timepiece is a Helbros vintage wristwatch from the 1960's.”

Open research questions

  • Are there visible hallmarks on the case or movement that definitively confirm the Peseux 330 base calibre?
  • Does the watch exhibit signs of service or repair history not noted in the listing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Helbros 17 Jewels Cal. P 330 Manual Wind Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CalibreHelbros movement 238 / Peseux 330“Helbros movement 238, caliber Peseux 330, 17 jewels, sub-second, Swiss made”
Case Diameter36 mm“Case Diameter 36”
Case MaterialsChrome-plated bezel with stainless steel back“Bezel Chrome Plated Stainless Steel Back”
Lug to Lug Measure43.3 mm“Case Lug to Lug 43.3”
Lug Width18 mm“Lug Width 18”
Case Back MarkingsHelbros Watch Co. SWISS“Case Back Markers: Helbros Watch Co. SWISS”

Visible details

  • Two-tone discoloration and patina across the domed beige dial surface
  • Raised rectangular faceted glass cut stone hour indices with a double index at 12 o'clock
  • Auxiliary seconds dial located above 6 o'clock
  • Chrome-plated round case with blocky lugs and a narrow knurled crown
  • Black embossed leather strap fitted to 18 mm lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior markings are source-reported and not shown in the image
  • The strap is a modern replacement genuine leather band

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Shop 1960's HELBROS Watch 17 Jewels Cal. P 330 Swiss Made – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 1d725a150c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.