History Venus Watch Movement and Venus Watch Company

Oct 13, 2023

Timeless Elegance: Unveiling the Illustrious Legacy of Venus SA Watch Company and the Enchanting Venus Watch Movements.

It is worth noting that there were other Swiss companies that produced Venus-branded watches as early as 1902^[2]. However, there is some confusion regarding the exact timeline and relationship between these companies. Some sources suggest that the name Venus was used on watches produced in La-Chaux-de-Fonds as early as 1902, but it is unclear how they are connected to the later-established Venus brand^[2].

Venus watch movement has a rich history in the watchmaking industry. Founded in 1923 in Moutier, Bern Canton, Switzerland, Venus initially gained recognition for producing high-quality calibers^[2]. They released their first chronograph movement, Cal. 103, in 1933, which further solidified their reputation^[1]. Venus quickly became known for its technical expertise and precision in manufacturing watch movements.

One notable milestone in the history of Venus is its acquisition by Ebauches SA in 1928^[1]. This merger allowed Venus to expand its production capabilities and achieve even greater success in the industry. Then produced its first chronograph movement, Cal. 103, in 1933. Venus movements are marked with a five-pointed star.

Over the years, Venus continued to innovate and introduce new calibers. In 1942, they introduced the iconic Venus caliber 175, which became legendary in the watchmaking world^[6]. This movement, along with others produced by Venus, showcased their commitment to craftsmanship and technological advancements.

Venus became famous for chronograph movements, many of which were used by high end Swiss brands. The Venus column wheel chronograph calibres are widely regarded today as being the finest ever produced and remain in great demand. Among these are the Cal. 170, Cal. 175, Cal. 178, and Cal. 179, a three-pusher split-seconds chronograph movement. Breitling Watch company used Venus movements in the majority of their chronograph’s watches, including famous Navitimer 806.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph Watch AD

Venus also produced cam switching movements. The Venus 180/190/200 series were all cam-switched. But these lower cost movements did not provide sufficient liquidity and Venus was absorbed by rival Valjoux in 1966. The then-new Venus 188 movement was the basis for the Valjoux 7730 and its technology lived on in the Valjoux 7750, still one of the most popular chronograph movements.

Venus watch movements have made a significant impact on the chronograph watch market, and their legacy continues to live on. Today, their movements are highly sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Calibres
See also Venus calibres
Watches
5.75 by 8.5 ligne tonneau - Calibres 55, 58, 59
8.75 ligne - Calibres 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 76, 77, 81, 85, 86, 87, 93, 96, 102, 104, 107, 108
10.5 ligne - Calibres 75, 78, 79, 83, 84, 88, 89, 94, 97, 98, 103, 105, 106, 129, 148
8.75 by 12 ligne tonneau - Calibres 130, 131, 146 (also Calibre 131 CHR)
10.5 or 11.5 ligne - Calibres 180, 181, 182, 202, 203, 204, 208, 214, 216
10.5 or 11.5 ligne - Calibres 220, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 227
12.5 ligne alarm - Calibres 230, 231, 232
10.5 or 11.5 ligne - Calibres 240, 245, 246, 247
Chronographs
tonneau cam switched - Calibre 131 CHR
12.5 ligne pillar wheel/oscillating pinion (1940-1952) - Calibre 170
13 ligne pillar wheel - Calibres 150, 151, 152, 186, 187, 191
14 ligne pillar wheel (1940-) - Calibres 175, 176, 178, 183, 184
14 ligne pillar wheel rattrapante - Calibres 179, 185, 190
14 ligne cam switched (1948-1966) - Calibres 188, 200, 210, 211