Ultimate Valjoux Watch Movement Guide

Welcome to the definitive Experts Watches guide to Valjoux chronograph movements, with a special focus on the legendary Valjoux 23 & 72 family, also known as the Valjoux two-digit movement references. Produced for over 60 years and adopted by dozens of brands, the Valjoux 23/72 calibers powered icons from Rolex Daytona and Heuer Carrera to Patek Philippe references 130, 1463, 1518, and 2499. The two-digit reference Valjoux is still being made by manufacturers.

Experts Watches specializes in vintage and modern vintage watches with Valjoux movements, combining collector-grade inventory with deep technical insight. For more watch guides, visit our Guide Section.

Table of Contents

• Valjoux 22 Family
• Valjoux 71
• Valjoux 23 & 72 Base Movements
• Valjoux 23/72 Family Tree & High-Beat Variants
• Valjoux 69 Mini-Chronographs
• Two-Digit Valjoux Movements – Complete Overview
• Valjoux-Powered Icons Across Brands
• Production, Rarity & Scale
• Brand-by-Brand Valjoux Chronograph Overview
• Valjoux 77 & Valjoux 92 – Heuer’s Radical Two-Digit Movements
• How to Identify Valjoux Two-Digit Movements
• Patek Philippe Chronographs with Valjoux 23
• Patek Philippe & the Valjoux Foundation
• Valjoux 72C & 88
• Valjoux 78 & 90
• Valjoux 13 Mono-Pusher
• Valjoux 5 Pocket Watch Conversion
• Military, Aviation, and Racing Valjoux Chronographs
• Valjoux Chronograph Reference Index
• Why Valjoux Two-Digit Movements Are Collectible
• Future & Legacy of Valjoux Movements
• How to Safely Set Calendar & Moonphase Movements
• Valjoux Two Digit, 23 & 72 Family FAQ

Valjoux 22 Family

The Valjoux 22 was the wristwatch-optimized successor to earlier pocket watch chronograph calibers, originally designed for larger wristwatches. Introduced in 1914 by Reymond Frères in the Vallée de Joux, it is a 14 ligne (31.3 mm) column-wheel chronograph with subsidiary seconds at 9:00 and a minute counter at 3:00. Like its smaller brother, the Valjoux 23, it uses a nine-column wheel architecture.

“The Valjoux 22 family was originally designed for pocket watches and is thus a larger movement than is typical for those years, measuring 14 ligne or 31.3 mm. Like its smaller brother, the Valjoux 23, it is a nine-column column wheel chronograph with subsidiary seconds and a minute counter at 9:00 and 3:00, respectively.”

Key variations and collector highlights include:

• Election Valjoux 22 Mono-Pusher: Extremely rare, single-pusher control; early executions echo the original mono-pusher era of Valjoux 22/23.
• Election Valjoux 22 Two-Pusher: Traditional start/stop/reset layout, reflecting the 1940s shift from mono- to dual-pusher chronographs.
• GP Valjoux 22 Snail Dial: Unique telemeter/tachymeter “snail” scales, often seen in military or scientific chronographs.
• VHX Variations: Minor functional and finishing differences across production runs and brand-specific executions.

Valjoux 71

The Valjoux 71 (1938–1974) is a larger 14 ligne (31.3 mm) chronograph evolving from the Valjoux 22 and adding a 12-hour counter at 6:00. It essentially translates the Valjoux 22 architecture into a three-register layout, making it ideal for long-duration timing and early “pre-Carrera” style chronographs.

1940's Vintage Heuer 345 Big Eye Chronograph Valjoux 71 Pre-Carrera

Collector note: the Heuer 345 Big Eye Pre-Carrera is a prime example of Valjoux 71 in wristwatch form, showcasing the oversized minute counter and classic mid-century chronograph proportions.

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Valjoux 23, 72, & 88 Base Movements

The Valjoux 23 family of chronograph movements was widely used and produced for nearly 60 years. Introduced in 1916, the Valjoux 23 (VZ23) is a manually wound, 13 ligne (29.5 mm) column-wheel chronograph with a two-register layout. It became the backbone of mid‑century chronograph watchmaking.

“The Valjoux 23 family is 13 ligne in size (29.5 mm) with a nine-pillar column wheel. It is typically a two-register design, with small seconds at 9:00 and a 30- or 45-minute counter at 3:00. Also, offered in variation offering flyback, calendar, moon phase, and other complications were sometimes offered as well.”

The Valjoux 72 (VZH72) is the three-register evolution of the same base, adding a 12‑hour chronograph counter at 6:00. This architecture would go on to power some of the most famous chronographs ever made, including Rolex Daytona references, Heuer Carrera models, and Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs.

• 23 VZ: Base two-register movement with no hour counter.
• 72 VZH: Three-register movement with hour counter at 6:00.

1960's Serviced Vintage Zodiac Chronograph Zodia-Chron Valjoux 72 Hermetic

Valjoux 23/72/88 Family Tree & High-Beat Variants

From the VZ23 trunk (1916–1974) several important branches developed. The core characteristics of the base caliber are its 29.5 mm diameter, approximately 5.85 mm height, nine-teeth column wheel, and two-register layout with small seconds at 9:00 and a 30- or 45-minute counter at 3:00.

“In a next step just a bit later a triple calendar function was added – with apertures at 11 and 1 o’clock – which increased the movement height to 6.95 mm. Both of these movements, the VZ23 and VZ23C, were initially mono-pusher designs (as well as the VZ22). It wasn’t until the 1940s that two-pushers got popular and the 1950s that the monopusher went completely out of production.”

Key branches of the Valjoux  23/72 two-digit family

• Valjoux 23 (VZ23): Base two-register chronograph, 13 ligne, 18,000 A/h.
• Valjoux 23C: Triple calendar version of VZ23 with day/date/month indication.
• Valjoux 69: Downsized 10.5 ligne (23.35 mm) version introduced in 1936, ideal for smaller and square chronographs; column wheel reduced from 9 to 8 teeth.
• Valjoux 72 (VZH72): Three-register chronograph with 12‑hour counter at 6:00, introduced around 1938.
• Valjoux 72C: Triple calendar version of the 72, with day, date, and month.
• Valjoux 88: Full calendar plus moonphase built on the 72C architecture.
• Valjoux 78, 89, 90: Non‑chronograph cousins with calendar and moonphase functions.

“Finally, in late 1960s Valjoux introduced an upgrade to the VZ23 and VZH72 and increased the balance wheel oscillation frequency from 2.5 Hz to 3 Hz (18,000 to 21,600 bph). This resulted in the introduction of the Valjoux 236 (1974–79) and the Valjoux 726 (1969–74).”

• 1950's Britix Rare Two Register Chronograph Valjoux 72C Movement 
  

Valjoux 23/72 Family Overview (Fully Verified & Numerically Ordered)

Valjoux 69 Mini-Chronographs

The Valjoux 69 is the compact sibling of the VZ23, introduced in 1936. At 10.5 ligne (23.35 mm), it was designed for smaller and square chronographs, where case dimensions demanded a more compact movement. To achieve this, the column wheel was reduced from 9 to 8 teeth, but the core Valjoux DNA remained.

One of the most charming examples is the Rolex reference 3529, a square chronograph from the late 1930s with a mere 26 mm side length, powered by the Valjoux 69. These “mini-chronographs” wear much larger on the wrist than their dimensions suggest, thanks to their square footprint and strong dial presence.

Below is a picture of Rolex's smallest chronograph watch, with a mere 26mm side length. The reference 3529 from the late 1930s sporting the mini-sized Valjoux 69.

Two-Digit Valjoux Movements – Complete Overview

Two-digit Valjoux movements – such as Valjoux 22, Valjoux 23, Valjoux 69, Valjoux 71, Valjoux 72, Valjoux 72C, Valjoux 77, Valjoux 88, Valjoux 90, and Valjoux 92 – form the core of mid‑century chronograph history. Collectors often search specifically by these two-digit Valjoux references, and they are central to understanding the evolution of Swiss chronograph design.

Vintage variation chart for two digit Valjoux movements.

Valjoux-Powered Icons Across Brands

Across decades, the Valjoux 23/72 and other two-digit Valjoux movements became the engine behind some of the most iconic chronographs ever made. A few highlights:

• Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 “Tasti Tondi”: Screw-back Borgel/Taubert case, fluted round pushers, and a beautifully finished 13‑130 caliber based on the Valjoux 23.
• Audemars Piguet Full Calendar Chronographs: Early AP references such as model 831 used a Valjoux 23 base with a calendar module.
• Breguet: Type XX with Valjoux 222
• Rolex Ref. 3529: Small square chronograph powered by the Valjoux 69.
• Heuer Carrera Ref. 2448: Classic 1960s chronograph design with Valjoux 72.
• Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 “Crazy Doc”: Valjoux 72-powered Daytona with a unique pulsometer scale.
• Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4178: Iconic VC chronograph, sometimes powered by cal. 492 based on the Valjoux 23.
• Rolex Ref. 6032: Slim bezel, gold case, tachymeter and telemeter scales, powered by the Valjoux 23.
• Audemars Piguet VZSS: Time-only conversion of the Valjoux 23, demonstrating its versatility.
• Enicar Valjoux 92 Chronographs: Classic 1960s racing and tool chronographs powered by the Valjoux 92, many of which are available in our Enicar collection.

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• Doxa Triple Date Valjoux 72C – 
  

Production, Rarity & Scale of the Valjoux 23/72 Family

Over more than 60 years of production, the total output of the Valjoux 23/72 family is estimated at under one million ebauches across all variants and brands.

“In one case, over the entire production run from 1916 to 1979 – so over 60 years – Valjoux made only about 125,000 VZ23 ebauches. That is actually less than 2,000 a year. Other experts estimate the production of the Valjoux 72 at close to 750,000. So including all cousins of the family we’re probably speaking of less than 1 million Valjoux 23/72 ebauches ever produced.”

By contrast, the later Valjoux/ETA 7750 automatic chronograph was produced in the hundreds of thousands per year, with “millions” made in just a few years in the 1970s.

Collector takeaway: the Valjoux 23/72 is famous, but not common. Its total production is modest compared to later industrial chronograph calibers, especially when you consider how many brands shared this same movement family.

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Brand-by-Brand Valjoux Chronograph Overview

Valjoux 77 & Valjoux 92 – Heuer’s Radical Two-Digit Movements

Heuer was one of the most important customers of Valjoux movements and also one of the few to significantly re-engineer the Valjoux 23 architecture. The result was the Valjoux 77 ECO and its successor, the Valjoux 92.

Technical evolution – from Valjoux 23 to Valjoux 77 and Valjoux 92

• Valjoux 77: Heuer’s cost-optimized version of the Valjoux 23. Many finely milled levers were replaced with stamped springs, and the column wheel was reduced from 9 to 7 teeth. The movement integrated Heuer’s oscillating pinion system, making it easier to produce and service, but visually less refined than the original VZ23.
• Valjoux 92: A more refined evolution of the Valjoux 77, restoring some of the visual appeal while keeping the simplified architecture. It remained a two-register, column-wheel chronograph with Heuer’s oscillating pinion and became a staple in mid-century Heuer chronographs.

Collectability of Valjoux 77 & Valjoux 92

• Valjoux 77: Produced for a relatively short period and heavily associated with Heuer, the Valjoux 77 is rarer and more niche. Collectors appreciate it as a technical curiosity and an important step in the evolution of cost-effective chronographs.
• Valjoux 92: More widely used and visually more attractive, the Valjoux 92 is highly collectible today. It powers many classic Heuer references and appears in watches from brands like Enicar, Wittnauer, and others. For collectors, a clean Valjoux 92 chronograph offers a sweet spot of history, wearability, and value.

At Experts Watches, we regularly feature Enicar Valjoux 92 chronographs and other Valjoux 92-powered watches, giving collectors access to this important two-digit Valjoux movement.

How to Identify Valjoux Two-Digit Movements

Valjoux 23 vs. Valjoux 72

• Valjoux 23: Two-register layout (small seconds at 9:00, minute counter at 3:00), no hour counter. Column wheel visible near the edge of the movement, bridges shaped for two subdials only.
• Valjoux 72: Three-register layout (adds 12-hour counter at 6:00). Additional gearing and bridgework around 6:00 position. Often marked as VZH72 or brand-specific caliber numbers.

• Zodiac Triple Date Valjoux 723 –

Valjoux 22 vs. Valjoux 71

• Valjoux 22: 14 ligne, two-register chronograph, originally pocket-watch sized.
• Valjoux 71: Same 14 ligne footprint but with a third register at 6:00 for 12-hour timing.

Valjoux 77 vs. Valjoux 92

• Valjoux 77: More utilitarian finish, many stamped springs instead of milled levers, 7-tooth column wheel, often seen in early Heuer chronographs.
• Valjoux 92: Cleaner, more refined layout, still simplified compared to VZ23 but visually closer to classic column-wheel chronographs. Frequently found in Heuer and Enicar chronographs.

Valjoux 69

• Valjoux 69: Noticeably smaller diameter, often found in square or very small chronograph cases. Two-register layout with compact bridgework.

Patek Philippe Chronographs with Valjoux 23 (1936–1971)

Patek Philippe & the Valjoux Foundation of Haute Horlogerie

Based on a commission, Patek Philippe introduced the world’s first split‑seconds chronograph wristwatch in 1922, using a modulated Victorin Piguet movement. This prototype paved the way for serially produced split‑seconds chronographs from 1924 onwards and ultimately for the ref. 1518 (1941) and ref. 2499 (1950–1985), both built on a refined Valjoux 23 base.

Twice as rare: two ref. 1554R both made in 1942 with rarely seen removable lugs. Image credit: Patek Philippe Museum

Valjoux 72C & Valjoux 88

Valjoux 72C adds a triple calendar module to the three-register chronograph, while the Valjoux 88 further adds a moonphase. These calibers appear in triple-date and full calendar chronographs from brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Zodiac, and Doxa.

Valjoux 78 & Valjoux 90

The Valjoux 78 and Valjoux 90 are non‑chronograph relatives of the 23/72 family, focusing on calendar and moonphase complications rather than timing functions. They appear in triple calendar and full calendar watches without chronograph registers.

Valjoux 13 Mono-Pusher

The Valjoux 13 mono-pusher chronographs represent an earlier era of chronograph control where all functions were operated through a single pusher. These movements are valued for their simplicity and historical significance and appear in rare monopusher chronographs from brands such as Rolex and Alpina.

Rolex 1226 Chronograph monopusher with Valjoux 13

Valjoux 5 Pocket Watch Conversion

Valjoux 5 movements were originally designed for pocket watches and later converted to wristwatch format, often with full calendar and moonphase complications. These conversions are highly collectible due to their unique architecture and low production numbers.

Valjoux Chronograph Reference Index

Military, Aviation & Racing Chronograph Watches

The evolution of the chronograph watch is inseparable from the history of military, aviation, and racing. These watches were not created as luxury items—they were precision instruments that changed the world. Chronographs allowed pilots to calculate fuel burn and navigation, soldiers to time artillery fuses and coordinated attacks, and drivers to measure lap times with unprecedented accuracy. The same core technology powered wartime missions, post‑war aviation, and the golden age of motorsport.

At the center of this story is Valjoux, whose movements became the backbone of 20th‑century tool watches. From the French Type 20 military specification to the Heuer Carrera and Rolex Daytona, Valjoux chronograph watches defined reliability, serviceability, and precision timing across every field where seconds mattered.

• Breguet Type XX (Valjoux 22 & 222)
• Type 20 & Type 21 military chronograph watches — Breguet, Dodane, Auricoste, Vixa
• Breitling AVI / Co-Pilot (Valjoux 22, 23, 72) — incl. Ref. 817 Italian Military & Ref. 806 Navitimer
• Heuer Bund Sternzeit Reguliert Ref. 1551SGSZ — Valjoux 230 flyback
• Sinn & Leonidas Bund pilot watches
• Heuer Carrera & Autavia (Valjoux 72, 92, 7730/7733)
• Rolex Daytona (Valjoux 72 / 727)
• Enicar Sherpa Graph & other Valjoux racing watches
• Lemania vs Valjoux military competition
• Aviation timing requirements & flyback chronographs
• Military markings & caseback codes

Breguet Type XX — Valjoux 22 & Valjoux 222

The original Breguet Type XX was built to meet the French Type 20 military specification and was powered first by the hand‑wound Valjoux 22. Many early military pieces had sterile dials, while civilian versions carried the Breguet signature. Assembly was often handled by Mathey‑Tissot, including the famous “Big Eye” variant with an oversized 15‑minute counter designed for flight timing.

Later Breguet Type XX watches transitioned to the Valjoux 222, modified for the mandatory flyback function. These Valjoux-powered Type XX aviation chronograph watches are among the most desirable military pilot watches on the market, combining historic provenance with a robust, serviceable movement.

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Dodane Type 20 & Type 21 — Valjoux 222 (Flyback)

Dodane was one of the main suppliers of Type 20 and later Type 21 watches. Many of their issued pieces used the Valjoux 222, modified for flyback operation to meet the French military specification. Dodane eventually became the sole official supplier of the Type 21, introduced in 1956 with improved reliability and lower maintenance requirements.

Dodane-built watches were also delivered under other names, including Airain, Chronofixe, and Seliva, all sharing the same Valjoux-based flyback architecture. These watches are recognized for their rugged cases, rotating bezels, and highly legible dials—everything a pilot needed from a true military chronograph watch.

Airain Type 20 — Valjoux 222

Airain Type 20 watches were produced by Dodane and powered by the same Valjoux 222 flyback movement. They were issued to French military pilots and follow the same core specification as Breguet and Dodane Type 20 pieces: flyback chronograph, rotating bezel, luminous dial, and strict accuracy standards. Because they use the correct Valjoux movement, Airain Type 20 watches sit in a strong value position for collectors who want a “real” Type 20 without Breguet pricing.

Non‑Valjoux Type 20 Watches & Collector Value

Other Type 20 watches were produced by brands such as Auricoste, Vixa, Boullier, and Mathey‑Tissot using non‑Valjoux movements (often Lemania or German‑derived calibers). These watches are historically interesting and still desirable, but they generally sell for less than Valjoux-powered examples.

For many collectors, Valjoux-powered Type XX / Type 20 / Type 21 watches represent the top tier: they combine correct military specification, excellent parts availability, and strong long‑term collectibility. Non‑Valjoux Type 20 watches can be a more affordable entry point, but they typically do not command the same premiums.

Breitling AVI / Co-Pilot — Valjoux 22, 23, 72

The Breitling AVI and Co‑Pilot chronograph watches brought cockpit‑ready functionality to both military and civilian pilots. Early references used Valjoux 22, Valjoux 23, and Valjoux 72 movements.

The Breitling Ref. 817 was issued to the Italian military, featuring fixed bars and a rugged, no‑nonsense dial. The iconic Ref. 806 Navitimer became one of the most recognizable aviation chronograph watches ever made, with its slide‑rule bezel enabling in‑flight calculations.

Heuer Bund Sternzeit Reguliert Ref. 1551SGSZ — Valjoux 230 Flyback

The Heuer Bund Sternzeit Reguliert Ref. 1551SGSZ is one of the most technically advanced military chronograph watches. Issued to the German Bundeswehr, it uses the Valjoux 230, a true flyback evolution of the Valjoux 23. “Sternzeit Reguliert” (sidereal time regulated) indicates specialized regulation for astronomical and navigation timing.

Sinn & Leonidas Bund Pilot Watches

German “Bund” pilot chronograph watches were produced by Leonidas and later Sinn, often using Valjoux movements. These watches feature large cases, luminous dials, and fixed bars for strap security, with “BUND” engravings confirming military issue.

Racing Chronograph Watches & Valjoux Movements

On the racetrack, Valjoux movements powered the most important racing chronograph watches of the 20th century. Heuer used the Valjoux 72, Valjoux 92, and later cam‑switched families like the Valjoux 7730 and Valjoux 7733 in the Carrera and Autavia—watches designed for drivers, team managers, and rally navigators.

The Rolex Daytona used a heavily modified Valjoux 72 (later 727), becoming one of the most iconic racing chronograph watches ever made. Enicar contributed the Sherpa Graph, a favorite among 1960s racing drivers.

The automatic Valjoux 7750 later became the standard for modern racing chronograph watches, offering rugged reliability, day‑date functionality, and widespread serviceability.

Lemania vs Valjoux — Military Competition

Lemania and Valjoux competed for military contracts throughout the mid‑20th century. Lemania supplied movements for NATO and RAF chronograph watches, while Valjoux calibers dominated French, Italian, and German aviation watches. In racing, Valjoux became the preferred choice due to its broad adoption by Heuer, Rolex, Enicar, and others.

Aviation Timing Requirements & Flyback Chronograph Watches

Pilots required more than a basic watch. Aviation chronograph watches needed:

• High‑contrast luminous dials
• Large crowns and pushers for gloved operation
• Hacking seconds for synchronization
• Rotating bezels or clear minute scales
• Reliable, easily serviced aviation chronograph movements

The flyback chronograph was essential for rapid timing sequences. Movements like the Valjoux 230 and modified Type 20/21 calibers were engineered specifically for these demanding requirements.

Military Markings & Caseback Codes

Collectors rely heavily on caseback markings to verify genuine issued military chronograph watches. Common engravings include:

• BUND — German Bundeswehr issue
• FG / TG — French military service codes
• Serial numbers tied to specific contracts
• Unit or branch engravings

These markings confirm that a Valjoux-powered chronograph watch was actually issued, not a civilian look‑alike.

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Why Valjoux Two-Digit Movements Are Collectible

Manually wound two-digit Valjoux chronograph movements – especially Valjoux 22, Valjoux 23, Valjoux 69, Valjoux 71, Valjoux 72, Valjoux 72C, Valjoux 77, Valjoux 88, Valjoux 90, and Valjoux 92 – are considered among the most important chronograph calibers of the 20th century.

• Historical importance: They powered the first generation of modern wrist chronographs and many of the most famous references ever made.
• Longevity: The Valjoux 23/Valjoux 72 family remained in production for over 60 years.
• Column-wheel prestige: Most two-digit Valjoux movements use a column wheel, a hallmark of high-grade chronographs.
• Brand usage: From Rolex, Patek, AP, and VC to Heuer, Enicar, Zodiac, and Doxa, the same core movements were finished and modified to different standards.
• Serviceability: Parts and expertise remain available, making them practical to own and maintain.
• Rarity vs. 7750: Compared to the millions of Valjoux 7750 movements produced, two-digit Valjoux calibers are relatively scarce.

Future & Legacy of Valjoux Movements

Manually wound Valjoux chronograph movements remain among the most respected calibers in vintage watchmaking. While column‑wheel competitors like the Universal Genève 281 and Lemania 2310 lasted only a few decades, the Valjoux two‑digit family powered Swiss chronographs for more than forty years across dozens of brands.

The signature 9‑column wheel design is celebrated for its crisp pusher feel, reliability, and serviceability. Its influence was so strong that even competitors—such as Universal Genève in select Compax models—used the Valjoux 72 as a base.

Examples in our inventory and archives include:

• Zodiac Triple Date Valjoux 723
• Rolex Valjoux 727 Daytona
• Britix two-register Valjoux 72C chronographs
• Doxa triple-date Valjoux 72C chronographs
• Enicar Valjoux 92 chronographs

Brands Keeping Valjoux Movements Alive Today

A select group of modern makers continues to restore and re‑case original Valjoux 23/72/88/92/234 movements, keeping these historic calibers alive in contemporary chronograph watchmaking.

Louis Moinet – Valjoux 88

Rebuilds original Valjoux 88 movements into ultra‑limited “Speed of Sound” chronographs with meteorite accents and modern titanium cases.

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Panerai – PAM 163 (Valjoux 234)

Uses restored Valjoux 234 movements in a short‑run, oversized chronograph blending Panerai design with classic Valjoux mechanics.

Cédric Johner – Valjoux 72

Handcrafted, sculptural chronographs built around restored Valjoux 72 movements, produced in extremely small numbers.

RGM – Valjoux 72 & 92

Restores and re‑cases vintage Valjoux movements for bespoke and limited projects, offering modern cases with vintage mechanical heritage.

Michel Jordi – Valjoux 72

Limited Swiss‑themed chronographs powered by restored Valjoux 72 calibers, combining cultural design with mechanical pedigree.

Independent & Bespoke Makers

Several micro‑independents create one‑off or ultra‑limited chronographs using client‑supplied Valjoux movements, supported by strong parts availability and proven serviceability.

The Ongoing Legacy

Though no longer produced, Valjoux movements remain highly serviceable and in demand. Modern brands reinterpret them, independents rebuild them, and collectors preserve them—ensuring their legacy continues for decades.

The Valjoux legacy is not fading — it is evolving.

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Valjoux 72C Usage Instructions

The Valjoux 72C is the more complicated triple‑calendar version of the iconic Valjoux 72, famously used in vintage Rolex Daytona models, Patek Philippe, Heuer Carrera, and many other high‑grade chronographs of the era.

Please use the illustration below to set and change the date, day, and month for your Valjoux 72C chronograph watch.

Important: Do not use the pushers to adjust the day, month, or date indicators between 8 PM and 2 AM, or to adjust the date and moonphase between 10 AM and 2 PM when the automatic jumping cycle is engaged.

• The corrector at 10 o’clock advances the day and month.
• The corrector at 7 o’clock advances the date and moonphase.
• Use a pusher tool or a paper clip — never force the levers.

Looking for a Valjoux 72C chronograph? Visit our Valjoux watch collection.

Valjoux 88 Usage Instructions

The Valjoux 88 is similar to the 72C but adds a moonphase complication, making it one of the most iconic and collectible vintage chronograph movements ever produced.

Please use the illustration below to set and change the date, day, month, and moonphase for your Valjoux 88 chronograph watch.

Do not use the pushers to adjust the day, month, date, or moonphase between 8 PM and 2 AM or between 10 AM and 2 PM during the automatic jumping cycle.

• 10 o’clock corrector → Day & Month
• 7 o’clock corrector → Date & Moonphase
• Use a pusher tool or paper clip — never force the mechanism.

Looking for a Valjoux 88 chronograph? Explore our Valjoux collection.

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Valjoux 23 & 72 Family FAQ

References & Links

• Grail Watch – Valjoux Overview
• Grail Watch – Valjoux 22
• Grail Watch – Valjoux 72 Family
• Experts Watches – Vintage Watch Repair
• The Reymond Brothers and Their Chronographs – A Guide to the Valjoux 23/72 (Marcus Siems)
• Reference Guide to Patek Philippe Chronographs (1936–71) (Marcus Siems)
• Inside the Movement: Valjoux (Collectability)

We also have a Certified Pre-Owned Program and a Vintage Watch Guild for collectors.

Explore our full watch collection and for selling or trading, visit Sell or Trade.

For Rolex Serial Number Lookup or Tudor Serial Number Lookup, visit our Guide section.

Watch Movements That Changed the World of Watchmaking
Brief History of Diving Watches

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