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You are here: Home / Movements / Valjoux 23 VZ

Valjoux 23 VZ

Last Update: June 3, 2019

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
Complications18,000 A/h
No Chrono
18,000 A/h
No Hours
18,000 A/h
Hour Counter
21,600 A/h
No Hours
21,600 A/h
Hour Counter
Base23 VZ
69 DX
72 VZH
722
236726
727
Flyback230720235725
Date232234
Triple Date78 VZSC23C72c VZHC
723
730
Flyback and Date237
24 Hour Hand724729
Calendar and Moon Phase89 DXC
90 VZSCL
88 VZHCL886
Tide Calculator721
Images are taken from official publications and are used here for commentary and educational purposes. Copyright is held by the original owner as noted.

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