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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tank watch

Helbros Tank Watch Caliber 22

Partially verified

This vintage Helbros manual-wind wristwatch features a rectangular gold-tone tank-style case measuring 22.3 by 23.3 mm, fitted with a base metal bezel and a stainless steel case back. A fluted winding crown set with a blue cabochon is positioned at three o'clock. The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, an interior rectangular railroad minute track, and two black central hands without a seconds hand. The source reports that the watch is powered by a Swiss-made, 17-jewel Helbros caliber 22 movement and dates from the 1950s.

Front view of the Helbros tank wristwatch showing the dial, hands, gold-tone case, and blue crown
Front view of the Helbros tank wristwatch showing the dial, hands, gold-tone case, and blue crown — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tank watch
Maker / attribution
Helbros Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-4345
Source-reported date
1950s
Country
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 rectangular gold-tone tank-style case measuring 22.3 by 23.3 mm. The construction consists of a base metal bezel paired with a stainless steel case back.

The case back is stamped with the markings 'HELBROS 69 Swiss Base Metal Bezel Stainless Steel Back.' A fluted winding crown featuring a blue cabochon accent is located at the three o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case 22.3x23.3”
  • “Case Back Markings: HELBROS 69 Swiss Base Metal Bezel Stainless Steel Back”
  • “Cased in a 22.3x23.3mm gold-tone tank case with a base metal bezel and stainless steel back.”
  • “Beautiful blue crown design.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white dial displaying black Roman numeral hour markers and an interior rectangular railroad minute track.

The display utilizes two central black hands for timekeeping, with no seconds hand present. The dial is signed with the Helbros brand name at the top and the text '17 jewels' at the bottom.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original white dial is in very nice condition, it features black Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, and matching black hands.”
  • “The dial is signed with the Helbros name at the top and "17 jewels" at the bottom.”
  • “This model is characterized by its elegant simplicity, with no second hand.”

Mechanism

The watch is reported to be powered by a Swiss-made, 17-jewel Helbros caliber 22 movement. The watch is described as a manual-wind timepiece.

The seller dates the piece to the 1950s. Technical specifications regarding the internal movement are as reported by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual-wind watchpowered by an original Helbros Watch Co. movement, caliber Helbros 22, featuring 17 jewels and Swiss made.”
  • “vintage Helbros mechanical wristwatch from the 1950s.”

Open research questions

  • Does the '69' marking on the case back correspond to a specific Helbros catalog reference or production year?
  • Can the caliber 22 movement be identified as a specific ebauche supplied by a third-party manufacturer?
  • What is the composition of the gold-tone base metal bezel?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Helbros Tank Watch Caliber 22
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
SKUWA-4345“SKU: WA-4345”
CaliberHelbros 22“Movement: HELBROS 22 17 Jewels”
Case Back MarkingsHELBROS 69 Swiss Base Metal Bezel Stainless Steel Back“Case Back Markings: HELBROS 69 Swiss Base Metal Bezel Stainless Steel Back”
Case Dimensions22.3 x 23.3 mm“Case 22.3x23.3”
Reported Production Era1950s“vintage Helbros mechanical wristwatch from the 1950s.”
Case Thickness8.3 mm“Case Thickness 8.3”

Visible details

  • Rectangular gold-tone tank case with vertical brancards.
  • White dial with black Roman numerals and an inner rectangular railroad minute track.
  • Central black hour and minute hands without a seconds hand.
  • Winding crown tipped with a blue cabochon accent.
  • Attached brown textured leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and case back markings are not visible in the provided photograph; movement caliber 22 and jewel count are source-reported.
  • The 1950s production era is attributed by the seller without reference to archival serial records.

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

Consulted source

Vintage HELBROS Tank Watch 17 Jewels Mechanical Wristwatch Cal. Helbro – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e659c37638

Terms in this record

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