Originally engineered in a time when mechanical chronographs were becoming extinct due to the obsession with quartz watches, the Valjoux 7750 revived the mechanical chronograph to its former glory. During the 1960s, there was intense competition among Swiss watchmakers to produce the latest and greatest automatic movement. To help them catch up, Valjoux hired a young watchmaker named Edmond...read more
Originally engineered in a time when mechanical chronographs were becoming extinct due to the obsession with quartz watches, the Valjoux 7750 revived the mechanical chronograph to its former glory. During the 1960s, there was intense competition among Swiss watchmakers to produce the latest and greatest automatic movement. To help them catch up, Valjoux hired a young watchmaker named Edmond Capt to develop a new movement. Their requirements were steep. They needed a movement that was chronograph-rated, reliable and durable, and included a quick-set day and date.
Capt’s main innovation was the new mechanism, a lever and oblong-shaped camp that replaced older column wheels. The result was a high-quality movement that stood out in comparison to the competition. Not only was it lighter and less expensive, it also had a sonic signature: the sound of the rotor. People who know watches can usually tell a Valjoux 7750-powered watch just by holding it. Since it only wound in one direction, Valjoux could add a heavier oscillating weight, which could rotate faster in the non-winding direction. This provided a unique wrist feel, where the wearer can feel the movement as it winds.
The Valjoux 7750 fundamentally changed the industry, reviving the mechanical chronograph for a new generation. We are proud to offer watches from storied Swiss brand Aerowatch that incorporate the legendary Valjoux movement. These styles epitomize what Aerowatch has become known for — inspiring heritage design and a century-long tradition of quality. Take home your own marvel of engineering.
