Valjoux 23 VZ

	Brand:	Valjoux
	Family:	Valjoux 23/72 Family
	Height:	5.85 mm
	Jewels:	17
	Reserve:	48 hours
	Frequency:	18,000 A/h
	Winding:	Hand winding
	Diameter:	29.50 mm (13 ligne)
	Complications:	2-Button, 9-Column Chronograph, Chronograph, Column Wheel Chronograph
	Hands:	30 Minute Chronograph Hand at 3:00, Central 60 Second Chronograph Hand, Central Hour Hand, Central Minute Hand, Small Seconds Hand at 9:00

Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Hand-Winding Clockwise Balance Cock Indexed Regulator 9-Column Chronograph Balance Balance at 12:00 Column Wheel Column Wheel at 6:00
Production: 1916 – 1974
1910s	1920s	1930s	1940s	1950s	1960s	1970s	1980s	1990s	2000s	2010s	2020s

The Valjoux Cal. 23 VZ is a celebrated hand-winding chronograph movement in the Valjoux 72 family produced from 1916 through 1974. It was replaced by the faster-beating Cal. 236. Implementing Willy Breitling’s dual-pusher design with a column wheel, it remains desirable to this day. The design of the chronograph works, visible at the back, are particularly appealing.

The “VZ” name stands for “Valjoux Zähler”, meaning simply “Valjoux Chronograph.” Contrary to the data found in some sources, official Valjoux documents confirm that the movement measured 13”’ (29.50 mm) in diameter.

Valjoux Cal. 23 Functions

Cal. 23 and Cal. 72 are almost identical except that the latter adds a 12 hour counter at 6:00 on the dial.

• Central hours and minute hands and chronograph seconds
• 30 or 45 minute counter at 3:00
• Running small seconds at 9:00

Valjoux Cal. 23 Applications

Valjoux produced 126,582 examples of Cal. 23 and Cal. 72C between 1916 and 1974.

The Valjoux 23 was used by many brands, notably including Breitling, Bulova, Certina, Doxa, Enicar, Favre-Leuba, Girard-Perregaux, Heuer, Nivada, Roamer, Tissot, Ulysse Nardin, Vulcain, Wittnauer, and Zodiac. Patek Philippe based their Cal. 13”’ 130 on Cal. 23.

Valjoux 23/72 Family Movements

The Valjoux Cal. 23/72 family was primarily made up of eight movements, with all others being variations on these. Many components are shared between most or all of these movements, with the main variations happening together over the long production of the series.

• Cal. 23 VZ – Basic movement with no hour counter
• Cal. 72 VZH – Basic movement with hour counter
• Cal. 72c VZHC – Cal. 72 with triple calendar
• Cal. 88 VZHCL – Cal. 72c with moon phase
• Cal. 78 VZSC – Non-chronograph triple calendar
• Cal. 90 VZSCL – Cal. 78 with moon phase
• Cal. 69 DX – Compact 10.5 ligne chronograph
• Cal. 89 DXC – Compact 10.5 ligne triple calendar

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