Vog 17 Rubis, Men’s Manual Wind Vintage Watch, 1981

Vog 17 Rubis 1981 — graphic numerals and compact wrist presence

The 35 mm case and 40 mm lug-to-lug measurement give this Vog compact vintage proportions, while the broad cushion-shaped case makes the watch appear more substantial on the wrist. Its dark blue-gray dial contrasts strongly with pale applied numerals and hands, creating an immediately legible display. The 18 mm strap width adds visual balance and gives the watch a slightly more assertive stance than many smaller dress watches from the same period.

Blue-gray sunburst dial with applied Arabic numerals

The dial has a blue-gray sunburst finish that shifts in tone as light moves across the surface. Applied Arabic numerals occupy most hour positions and are paired with a fine printed minute track around the perimeter. The VOG signature sits below 12 o’clock with 17 RUBIS directly beneath it. This combination of large numerals, restrained branding and a dark dial gives the watch a practical, almost instrument-like clarity while retaining a dress-oriented appearance.

Framed date, small seconds and pale baton hands

A framed date aperture at 3 o’clock provides the calendar display, while a subsidiary seconds register is positioned at 6. ANTICHOC is printed above the seconds register and is clearly visible in the supplied image. The hour and minute hands are broad, pale baton forms that remain easy to read against the darker dial, with the separate seconds hand completing a traditional manual-wind layout.

Cushion-shaped case with a rounded polished bezel

The exterior combines a broad, softly squared case body with a round dial opening and polished circular bezel. This contrast between angular outer architecture and a conventional round display is one of the watch’s strongest period details. Light age-related surface marks are visible around the bezel and case edges, consistent with normal vintage use. The exact case material is not confirmed in the supplied data, so no stainless-steel or plated-case claim is made.

Ridged crown suited to the winding routine

A prominent ridged crown sits at 3 o’clock and provides practical grip for winding and setting. Its relatively generous size suits a manual-wind watch, where the crown forms part of regular ownership rather than serving only for occasional adjustment. No crown signature is clearly visible in the photograph, so the listing does not describe it as signed.

New brown leather strap with contrast stitching

The watch is fitted with a new high-quality brown leather strap with a crocodile-embossed texture and light contrasting stitching. Its warm color softens the cool blue-gray dial and silver-tone case, while the 18 mm width gives the strap enough presence to balance the broad cushion form. The strap is adjustable and is treated as a replacement component, while the watch itself is confirmed as retaining all original watch components.

Manual-wind movement with 17 RUBIS and ANTICHOC markings

The watch is confirmed as manual wind, but no caliber designation is supplied, so none is inferred. The dial clearly states 17 RUBIS and ANTICHOC, allowing those visible specifications to be presented without assumptions about the exact movement family. Regular hand winding gives the watch a direct mechanical ownership routine. Buyers comparing similar pieces can explore our manual-wind vintage watches with small-seconds character.

Early-1980s design built around readability and shape

Dated to 1981, this Vog combines several design elements associated with practical mechanical watches of the period: a shaped case, prominent Arabic numerals, a framed date aperture and a separate seconds register. Rather than relying on decorative excess, the watch creates identity through proportion and contrast. Collectors interested in the maker can browse our Vog vintage watches with distinctive period dial layouts for related examples.

Serviced condition, originality and ownership details

This example is confirmed as serviced and fully operational, with all original watch components retained. The brown leather strap is new and is not presented as an original period component. The dial remains highly legible, with light age-related character visible under close inspection, while the case carries normal signs of use. No box or papers are included. A 12-month warranty accompanies the watch.