Sekonda Strela, Cal. 3017, Men’s Chronograph Vintage Watch, 1965

Sekonda Strela 1965 — First impression - Cal. 3017

This mid-1960s Sekonda Strela offers one of the most iconic Soviet-era chronograph executions: a black dial with both tachymeter and telemeter scales, powered by the celebrated Cal. 3017 column-wheel movement. Its 36 mm case proportions balance sporty utility with classic elegance, while the gold-accented, lume-filled hour markers pop against the matte surface. The rally-style strap enhances its motorsport-inspired aesthetic. This example retains excellent originality, from its dial print to its domed acrylic crystal, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors of historic wristwatches.

Sekonda Strela — dual-scale black Dial

The matte black dial is a study in functional layout, with crisp white outer tachymeter markings and an inner telemeter scale for distance measurement. Applied gold-framed hour markers with green lume provide contrast, and the subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock exhibit fine guilloché work.

The dial retains its period “SEKONDA 19 JEWELS” branding, indicating export specification, and offers excellent readability without sacrificing vintage charm.

Strela Cal. 3017 — gold-lumed baton Hands

The gold-tone hour and minute hands feature inset green lume blocks that match the hour markers. A slender chronograph seconds hand sweeps in bright white, contrasting sharply with the dial for precise timing.

Subdial hands, with distinctive red arrow tips, underscore the chronograph’s sporting pedigree and aid in at-a-glance readability during timing events.

Sekonda Strela Cal. 3017 — classic chronograph profile Stainless Steel & Chrome-Plated Case

The case blends a chrome-plated midsection with a solid stainless steel screw-down back, a configuration typical of Soviet chronographs in the 1960s. Its 36 mm size wears elegantly while preserving the compact proportions of the era. Brushed case sides and a polished bezel provide visual depth, while the domed acrylic crystal complements the vintage silhouette. The pump pushers are snugly integrated at 2 and 4 o’clock, delivering a responsive tactile feel when operating the column-wheel mechanism.

Strela Cal. 3017 — Crown

The polished crown is unsigned, as was standard for Soviet chronographs of the period, with a slightly domed profile for comfortable winding. Wear is consistent with age, confirming its originality and period correctness.

Sekonda Strela — rally leather Strap

This watch is paired with a black leather rally-style strap, featuring large perforations evocative of 1960s motorsport chronographs. While not original to the watch, it complements the sporting character and ensures comfortable wear for modern collectors.

Sekonda Strela — Soviet Cal. 3017 column-wheel chronograph movement

At its heart lies the Poljot Cal. 3017, a 19-jewel manual-wind chronograph derived from the Venus 150. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, it offers a smooth column-wheel chronograph action and a lateral clutch for precise engagement. This caliber was a technical achievement for the First Moscow Watch Factory, produced for two decades and famously worn in space by cosmonauts during the 1960s and 70s.

The 3017’s robust construction, serviceability, and historical significance make it one of the most collectible Soviet mechanical watch movements, particularly in original, well-preserved examples such as this one.

Heritage of the Sekonda Strela in 1960s Chronograph Design

The Strela chronograph line embodies the Soviet watch industry’s ambition to match Western precision with its own design language. Sekonda-branded examples, destined for export, feature subtle dial differences yet share the core engineering of the cosmonaut-issued Strelas. The combination of dual-scale functionality, column-wheel mechanics, and compact case proportions make these watches prized by horology enthusiasts seeking both usability and historical resonance.

Sekonda Strela — 12-month warranty, shipping worldwide: Condition, Originality & Confidence

Freshly fully serviced and in full working order, this Sekonda Strela retains all original components, including dial, hands, and case parts. Lume has aged evenly, and the case shows only honest wear for a timepiece of nearly six decades. Offered with a 12-month warranty and worldwide shipping, this watch represents a rare opportunity to own a Cal. 3017 export chronograph. If you collect mechanical sports timers, see our Chronograph Vintage Watch collection with dual-scale dials.