Introduced in 1965, the Model 1700 was designed to enable the user to observe and measure the "creep" present in a specimen. Creep refers to the tendency of the durometer indentor to continue to penetrate a specimen over time, giving lower durometer readings. For example, if the durometer is held against a specimen in full contact and with constant pressure, the durometer reading will decrease over a period of seconds after the initial reading is taken. So, in a specimen with creep, the initial reading may be 35.0 durometer points, while the reading after three seconds may be 33.5 durometer points. The Model 1700 features a max- hand and an active hand so that creep may be observed. The max hand holds the maximum reading while the active hand can be observed creeping down the scale. The 1700 is equipped with a max-hand reset button on the top left of the gauge.