History Venus Watch Movement and Venus Watch Company

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 Venus 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 Breitling Navitimer 806.

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 - Venus Calibre's 55, 58, 59
8.75 Ligne - Venus Calibre's 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 - Venus Calibre's 75, 78, 79, 83, 84, 88, 89, 94, 97, 98, 103, 105, 106, 129, 148
8.75 by 12 Ligne tonneau - Venus Calibre's 130, 131, 146 (also Calibre 131 CHR)
10.5 or 11.5 Ligne - Venus Calibre's 180, 181, 182, 202, 203, 204, 208, 214, 216
10.5 or 11.5 Ligne - Venus Calibre's 220, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 227
12.5 Ligne alarm - Venus Calibre's 230, 231, 232
10.5 or 11.5 Ligne - Venus Calibre's 240, 245, 246, 247

Chronographs

Tonneau cam switched - Venus Calibre 131 CHR
12.5 Ligne pillar wheel/oscillating pinion (1940-1952) -  Venus Calibre 170 (picture of Venus 170 watch from Olympic Chronograph)

13 Ligne pillar wheel -  Venus Calibre's 150, 151, 152, 186, 187, 191 (picture of Venus 150 watch movement from Wittnauer Chronograph) followed by Venus150 Movement  Diagram! 

14 Ligne pillar wheel (1940-) -  Venus Calibre's 175, 176, 178, 183, 184 (Below is a picture of Venus 175 Watch Movement from 1946 Breitling Chronomat 769 Two Register Chronograph)

14 Ligne pillar wheel rattrapante -  Venus Calibres' 179, 185, 190
14 Ligne cam switched (1948-1966) -  Venus Calibre's 188, 200, 210, 211

We also have a Vintage Watch Guild, and Detailed Overview on Watch Movements That Changed The World of Watchmaking

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1. Sources:

   1. Venus [Watch Wiki]
   2. Know your Movements: In-Depth with the Chronograph Venus 170
   3. Balazs' Top 5 Iconic Vintage Chronograph Calibers - Fratello Watches