Introduced in 2003, the Valjoux (now ETA) 7754 is a cam-operated automatic chronograph with date and adjustable 24 hour hand complications. It differs from the base ETA 7750 in the addition of this independently-adjustable GMT hand.
Cal. 7754 was a late addition to the lineup, being added in 2003 as many other members of the family were retired. The added GMT hand does not affect the jewel count or movement thickness relative to the base 7750.
ETA Cal. 7754 Functions
The display layout is as follows:
- Central hour, minute, chronograph seconds, and adjustable 24 hour hand
- Date window at 3:00
- 12 hour chronograph hand at 6:00
- Running seconds at 9:00
- 30 minute chronograph hand at 12:00
ETA Cal. 7754 Operation
The chronograph function is started, stopped, and restarted using the button at 2:00. It is reset to zero using the button at 4:00.
The movement can be manually wound with the crown in position 1. Rotate the crown clockwise to wind the mainspring.
The date wheel is advanced with the crown in second position (one notch out). Turn the crown counter-clockwise to advance the independently-adjustable 24 hour hand.
The time is set with the crown in third position (pulled all the way out). Rotate the crown clockwise to advance the minute and hour hands and counter-clockwise to turn them backward.
ETA Cal. 7754 Ebauches and Variants
Cal. 7754 is used by many other manufacturers, often with additional finishing or complications. Some specific movements that are substantially similar include the Ball RR1105, Ball RR1404, Breitling B24, Bremont BE-54AE, Longines L686, and Montblanc MB 25.03. The Breitling 47B is similar but has a 30 seconds hand for the chronograph.
ETA 7750 Family Overview
The ETA (formerly Valjoux) 7750 is a robust and reliable automatic movement with an integrated cam-operated chronograph function. It has spawned a family of chronograph and time-only movements and is used as a base for many complications and third-party watch movements.
Introduced in 1974, the Valjoux 7750 was soon retired but returned in the 1980s. It has come to dominate the industry and remains popular today. Most versions of Cal. 7750 feature small seconds at 9:00 and chronograph hours and minutes subdials at 12:00 and 6:00, respectively. This “6-9-12” subdial arrangement is instantly recognizable to watch enthusiasts.
Distinguishing features of the ETA 7750 family include a smaller balance wheel than many historic movements and a small rotor hub with a slotted screw and five visible bearings. The balance is located at 1:30 when viewed from the back with the crown at 9:00, and is located by a clockwise cock. The distinctive Valjoux regulator was used on most 7750 variants until the 2010s, with a clamp-shaped arm and “dagger” pointer. The chronograph functions use cams rather than the levers and column wheel found on many other movements.