With a long history in the watchmaking world, Valjoux watch movements is a term that you have most likely heard of. Powering many of our favourite chronographs, the Swiss movement manufacturer has a reputation in the industry especially with the Valjoux 7750 recognised by everyone.
Find out everything you need to know about Valjoux watch movements.
What Is Valjoux Watch Movements?
Valjoux is a Swiss ebauche movement manufacturer that was founded by brothers John and Charles Reymond in 1901. Specialising in chronograph movements the sibling duo saw great success providing reliable chronographs to the military during the First World War, a movement which continued in production for nearly six decades.
Originally inspired by their joint surname ‘Reymond Freres SA,’ the name changed to Valjoux (short for Vallee de Joux) in 1929 when their sons inherited the business.
Today, Valjoux is part of the Swatch Group under the ETA division. Despite the merger, they continue to do what they do best and supply high-quality chronograph movements to their watch brands including the very popular Valjoux 7750, although the name is most likely to have changed to the ETA 7750.
Who Uses Valjoux Movements?
Valjoux has many loyal brands that still use their chronograph movements to power their watches including Hamilton, Breitling, Fortis, Oris, Tissot, Junghans and Longines. Their guaranteed accuracy and reliability is recognised in the industry, which is attracts many luxury brands to Valjoux movements saving them time and money.
Manufacturing movements in-house is a huge investment for watch brands and also takes a lot of time. Therefore, using a trusted movement manufacturer with the desirable ‘Swiss made’ label is the perfect solution to many. Also, it is very beneficial to the wearer as if the movement needs to be repaired many skilled watch engineers know the calibres well and can easily obtain the parts.
The Popular Valjoux 7750
The Valjoux 7750 is somewhat of an icon in the watchmaking industry. Originally made in a time where mechanical chronographs were becoming extinct due to the obsession with quartz watches, the now ETA 7750 (yet sometimes still referred to as the Valjoux 7750) revived the mechanical chronograph to its former glory. It remains at the heart of many of our favourite timepieces today from entry-level watches to high-end masterpieces.
The impact the Valjoux 7750 has had on the industry is undeniable. It’s robustness and easy to manufacture in large quantities did not take off until the new generation became nostalgic of mechanical movements. The Valjoux 7750 was the go to design for many brands without the resources or money to make their own.
It is easy to modify and adapt adding a day and date display, a moonphase complication or using two subdials instead of three depending on what the brand requires. Some companies may change the name of the calibre however; many fantastic timepieces have the Valjoux ticking inside.
