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You are here: Home / Movements / Venus 140

Venus 140

Last Update: June 24, 2019

Brand:Vénus
Family:
Unknown
Height:4.2 mm
Jewels:
Reserve: hours
Frequency:
Winding:Hand winding
Diameter:29.0 mm (13 ligne)
  Complications:2-Button, 5-Column Chronograph, Chronograph, Column Wheel Chronograph
Hands:30 Minute Chronograph Hand at 6:00, 45 Minute Chronograph Hand at 6:00, Central 60 Second Chronograph Hand, Hour Hand at 12:00, Minute Hand at 12:00
Distinguishing Technical Characteristics
Ultra-Thin Hand-Winding Chronograph
Hand-Winding
Counter-Clockwise Balance Cock
5-Column Chronograph
Production: 1935 – 1949
1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

Venus Cal. 140 is a hand-winding chronograph movement. Measuring 13 ligne in diameter, it has an unusual 5-column wheel to control the chronograph function, and this mechanism resides entirely on the dial side of the movement. It began as a monopusher chronograph in 1935 before adding a second pusher later. It lasted in production until around 1949. It was succeeded by the more advanced Venus Cal. 150.

This 1938 Aristo ad shows Cal. 140

An unusual design, Cal. 140 places the hour and minute hands in a subdial at 12:00, a 30 or 45 minute chronograph register at 6:00, and a central chronograph seconds hand. This produces a notable 6-12 subdial arrangement with the look of a regulator.

Cal. 140 was used by a few Swiss and international brands. Due to the unusual dial layout, most are commonly called “regulator chronographs” though this is not strictly true. The most famous example was the Gallet Multichron, which was produced for many years and was used by aviators during World War II. It was also used by Berna, Doxa, Glycine, Juvenia, and even Ulysse Nardin.

More detail on the history of Vénus is available in the Grail Watch article, “The Rise of Vénus, Legendary Chronograph Maker“

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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