June 25th, 2024

Everything You Should Know about the Legendary Valjoux 7750 Chronograph Movement

The Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement, known for durability and versatility, is favored for accuracy and adaptability in watches. Despite challenges, it evolved, replacing parts and gaining popularity post-quartz crisis.

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Everything You Should Know about the Legendary Valjoux 7750 Chronograph Movement

The Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement, introduced in the early 1970s, is renowned for its durability and versatility in the watchmaking industry. It has become a favorite among watchmakers and enthusiasts due to its accuracy, longevity, and ease of servicing. The movement's design allows for various upgrades and modifications, making it adaptable for a wide range of watches, from affordable to high-end models. Originating from the Valjoux 7733, the 7750 incorporated innovative features like the oscillating pinion and zero-return mechanism, making it cost-effective and reliable. Despite its initial unattractive appearance compared to competitors like the El Primero, the 7750's functionality and reliability ensured its success. Over the years, the movement underwent modifications, including the replacement of plastic parts with metal and an increase in the number of jewels. The Valjoux 7750's production faced challenges during the quartz crisis but eventually regained popularity, showcasing its enduring impact on the watchmaking industry.

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By @GhostVII - 10 months
If you are interested in more about how mechanical watches work in general this is a pretty amazing set of animations: https://ciechanow.ski/mechanical-watch/
By @yobbo - 10 months
Slightly off-topic; but does anyone know legitimate reasons why Seiko spring-drive-like movements are either very expensive or don't exist? And any patents should have expired by now.

A spring-drive movement works by electro-magnetically braking and regulating a clockwork that is driven by a self-winding spring. The electro-magnetic brake is controlled by a quartz-clock. This means a watch with a smooth sweep, powerful drive, and quartz accuracy. It seems it would require fewer parts and less precision apart from the circuit itself, which shouldn't be too different from other quartz movements?

By @rustcleaner - 10 months
I want to buy a 7751 movement, dial, hands, case, and band, and assemble my next watch. I have a Hamilton with a 7750 in it. It's about 100 parts if disassembled, and they need service about every half-decade (tear down, clean, lube, reassemble).
By @jordanb - 10 months
Dunno how it can be considered a "chronograph" when it has a lever escapement.
By @DeathArrow - 10 months
7750 and its clones like Sellita SW500 are some the workhorses of the watch industry. But kind of boring since they are omnipresent in chronographs. I'd prefer a chronograph with column wheel.
By @userbinator - 10 months
The ETA 2836 is another very common self-winding movement.
By @bwanab - 10 months
I just have to point out that the Vallée de Joux (namesake of the Valjoux movement) is a beautiful spot in Switzerland that is located such that very few foreign tourists ever go there. Definitely worth the visit.