Valjoux 7750: The Greatest Movement of Them All? 

I've been collecting watches since I was a teenager, I'm 76 now, and I love valjoux, eta movements. More rugged and serviceable than some of the more expensive fragile movements.

I purchased this movement set within a Hamilton case, for my twenty fifth birthday, new. As a mariner by profession, I sought this in particular for a durable, accurate chronograph for Yacht-racing, which was a large part of my profession back then. My intention was to have something robust and serviceable, which hopefully I can retain, maintain and utilize for my lifetime, without need of replacement. The only watch, (I do collect them) which I ever purchased new, my 7750 has required overhaul four times in nearly thirty years, and considering my lifestyle, (shipwright and sea captain by trade) for these decades, I feel I had made an excellent choice. Likely the best possible choice back then. So I whole-heartedly endorse your astute and excellent description of the little technical marvel, as I can attest to this personally. Now, I’m finding it absolutely impossible to locate my next watchmaker to perform my fifth overhaul, as they’ve seemed to one by one bow-out of the profession... at least around the territory where I reside, (Northern California, SF Bay Area). So I’m going to do this one myself this time. I simply lack a few key tools for this procedure, which once obtained, I will with joyous intrigue, and very carefully, methodically, delight in overhauling this magnificent piece of what I consider an epitome of elegant, utilitarian timepiece design. Thank you for your endorsements of this favored movement of mine, it’s been most informative! Cheers, -Cpt. Loyal Tarbet

Yes. for some time the 7750 was used by an immense amount of brands. It was practically the only caliber with which it was possible for these brands to enter into the world of chronographs. At a time where there were very few options, ETA 2894 (Dubois Depraz), the Lemania module in the ETA 2892 or in the Audemars movement, the Lemania movements for Omega, mainly, the Zenith El Primero movement and the Frédérick Piguet caliber for some few, at that time, the 7750 was one of the best options, because of its reliability, durability, because of the possibility to integrate complications. A great option. Today watchmaking has become extremely sophisticated, and the 7750 appears even as too simple, but very few have achieved the qualities of this caliber.

I agree with you. It is a higher engineering achievement to create a reliable, robust, adaptable movement than a finely crafted movement that has to have great care taken of it. A watch is a tool for me. A beautiful tool, but a tool nonetheless.

It maybe a bit chunky but is reliable, and most watchmakers can service the movement. At the end of the day the number of watches that house it speaks volumes! Thanks for the video. Happy Christmas

Your knowledge of horology has once again allowed you to create a great video. Putting this movement into a historical context really illustrates how it was a real game changer. Thanks for sharing.

7750 in my Longines heritage 1954 chronograph is my most accurate auto chrono - ultra reliable workhorse. Easily maintained. Great news your podcast is coming to iTunes. I’ll be an instant subscriber. Best wishes.

finally someone disected 7750 for us. untill now there was nothing on YT on it. plenty to read but nothing to watch while sipping coffee. kudos!

Very interesting video. The now discontinued Lemania 5100 was also a famously robust movement. Used in the Sinn 140/142 and Fortis Cosmonaute. Apparently it can tolerate 7G of shock and the military were disappointed when the Swatch Group stopped producing it (apparently because it was too ugly!).

Well done Armand, I think this is one of your best programs. You make some great points on a number of issues, for instance the return rate on some newly developed ultra thin movements. This sort of objective information is not often seen in the watch space, with most presenters dwelling on the intangibles of various watches. Consequently one sees fewer enthusiasts consider the qualities of durability, serviceability and reliability as important, instead going on about new, in house, ultra shiney or ultra thin calibres.. Thanks for your informative, well written piece.

The 7750 is my favorite movement... my good old Sinn 103 St Sa just runs and runs, and keeps wonderful time.

Great content giving this movement the credit it truly deserves! The ETA 2892 movement also is fantastic! If I had not become such an openly admitted watch snob lured away by these in-house movements, you present a clear and compelling argument that these movements are truly the only movements you really need! I must say that I have to agree with your perspective and so would my wallet.

I've worn the same OMEGA for the past 7 years with this movement, at least a version of it. Operating flawlessly.

My favourite movement.. Great to see a knowledgeable enthusiast recognise its advantages. Chunky and agricultural maybe.. But Lamborghini built tractors before sports cars. There is a lot to be said for simplicity. As ever great content. Many thanks armand

During 40yrs of chronographing no 7750 left me stranded. Regulated carefully it can achieve Rolex standards at its best. Achim, Singapore+

Re-watching this after a couple of years..! Such a good video. And as a few have commented, any half decent engineer can turn in something good at a high price, with high service liability and dubious reliability. Few can produce supreme functionality that does not entail excessive cost or maintenance. This is also why I greatly respect Seiko and Japanese engineering. But here, the Swiss did a great, Victorinox-like job! Richard Habring took it to the next level... huh, back when IWC made great watches!

I do love that wobble it produces

The super bike/ Honda cub analogy is brilliant

I'll vouch for the Valjoux 7750. I've got 6 watches with Valjoux 77xx movements (or based on it, such as the Caliber H-31 on my Hamilton) and they run like a dream. My oldest Valjoux 7750 watch is my Omega Speedmaster Triple Date which is already 20 years old. Last service was more than 5 or 6 years ago and it still keeps time at +4 secs/day with amplitude at around 260 on the timegrapher, measured Dec 2019. Only thing I don't like about the Valjoux 7750 is the "hardness" of the engaging the stopwatch. But other than that, all the Valjoux 7750s watches I have are a pleasure to own.

Very Good Video, the 7750 is the working mans chronograph that you can buy on pieces under 800.00 dollars or on as all second Panerai that cost 10 times as much! I’ve got a couple Swiss brand chronograph pieces that run this wonderful movement and one of the Panerai Submersible pieces that use it not for the chronograph but for the fact it’s easy to work on or build onto its base. It’s just a wonderful movement that has been in so many cases in so many different price ranges at one time I had an Accutron VX-200 chronograph 43mm dive watch, 200 meter, day & date wheel with rotating bezel and a stunning 13 piece bracelet that used the 7750 that cost me new round 400 US Dollars 😉👍🌟🌟🌟 I really miss that watch‼️♥️🖤

Thank you Armand for another superb video. As some who works in watch retail I really do find your work extremely enjoyable and informative.

I had my heart set on saving up and buying a F. Piguet 1185 flyback chrono, but there's an Omega Speedy with a modified split second Valjoux 7750 at a local jeweler that seems a lot more appealing after watching this passionate, tasteful and knowledgeable commentary. Really great stuff, I learned from Tim Mosso that unidirectional winding is more efficient but now I know the reason why!

Excelllent video that gives credit where the credit is due ! Well done !

Great video which covered many, many bases. The little variations of the 7750 which are (ex. 7753) another grey zone which many of us are not familiar with. These are variations of the 7750 into other types: the 7753 is a very close looking Rolex display. The choice of cases are made by the movement: some cases will have a hidden pusher (left side) to change more easily certain info. A fine flexible base of a movement which has no equal 👌❤️👍. Keep safe! John

I do own and wear Omega Speedmaster Day Date with Omega Cal. 1151 (ETA 7751 based) on daily basis. I concur to its robustness, reliable and reasonable accuracy that satisfied me every occasions. PS. Thank you Mr. Edmond Capt for creating this wonderful workhorse.

Just got my first 7750 derived watch in the form of a Hamilton Aviation Auto Chrono Converter - the only fully mechanical navitimer-style watch from a reputable brand with a water resistance of 100m. Absolutely love it and the H-21-Si movement within. Only thing that surprised me is that the quickset danger hours are 7pm to 3am- two hours more than the 9pm to 3am danger hours on most other quickset dates.

Nice video. Well researched to actually change my mind about the 7750- seems like a movement worth a second look

Had great happiness with a 7750 and a 2893 a2 over the years. Bulletproof movements. Thanks for the video.

The 7750 automatic chrono with day and date movement is the best that I've owned. I particularly like the movement's accuracy and the minimal turns of the crown it needs for hand winding. The day and date are unusually easy to set as well.

The key issue is, that ETA7750 has been around for a while and most watch manufacturers used it in one form, or another. All independent watch repairers are familiar with the movement and parts are freely available.

Very enlightening! Thanks for the in-depth history . I believe my BALL BMW Chrono Day/Date has it.

Great video Armand, and thank you for all your amazing work! Please keep posting these insightful pieces. Happy holidays! Cheers

Thank you Edmond Capt for making this movement possible

Yeah i really have deep respect to that movement. Not long ago i finally found a example of Oris 7415 that suits my condition requirements. Im really happy with it and fascinated by advanced coupling of chronograph. When engaging it one needs to press and hold the activation pusher for smooth engagement. I learned that from Tim Mosso videos and it really works every time with out fault

Kasper K learned to cut and paste...😂

Subscribed! What an in depth, thoughtfully laid out presentation of the 7750. Well done.

I have a Bulova Valjoux 7750 chronograph and it was the watch that, as a collector, I found out that automatic chronographs 'only' evolved in the 60s into the 70s! I'd assumed that it was much earlier. BTW presumably they did wind their Omegas on the moon by hand?

it has no column wheel.... stop right there.

How much does this movement cost? Searching the web I’ve found £300-£500. If that’s right, I’m feeling sick because I bought an IWC for £5,500 with this movement.BTW, can you name the music you open each vid with pls? Thanks.

Most excellent vid Armond! It (VJ 7750) is my favorite movement. I get all the information I need to fly light aircraft.

I’ve worn a Favre-leuba since 1979 , serviced twice and still perfect. 15secs a day gain. Excellent movement.

i like that the 7750 is the only movement that tell me when the watch is fully wound. i really like that, and wish other movements (swiss or not) to have the same feature

Thanks, good video as always. I ordered a Habring² in late September, January it will be mine. I live about an hours drive from them so thats convenient and i got me a little special too. If you dont know them, talk to Maria, unbelievably nice persons. Have fun times.

Excellent Vid. I would like to see more vids on movements and which ones are more desirable .

You should a video on the 2824, and the 2892, and basically a series that covers the most used or interesting movements in the market today. I would love that (and so would everybody else I'm sure.)

Well done. I agree with you from my own research. Thanks!

Great video. I have the 7750 in an Omega Speedmaster triple date, IWC Pilot Chronograph, and as the 7751 in a new Longines Moonphase triple date chrono. I just bought a 2nd hand Fortis Fleiger chrono with the 7750 and it is more accurate than my new TAG Heuer 1887 chrono! Such a sturdy beast is the 7750.

Does the 7750 need oiling every ten or so years? I'm hearing the mechanism and unsure if it needs replacing or just oiling. What's the cost on both. ty

I have an Omega Speedmaster Automatic with an Omega 3304 movement, based on the Valjoux 7750. After 7 years it still loses only 3 seconds a day

IWC is a true pilot watches, and it became a favorite time piece for the motoring enthusiast group. 😀

You're back!

Have several of 7750 movements. This should be a good one. Btw First!!!

There seems to be a good deal of dispute on the forums as to whether or not the Longines L688 does in fact have a vertical clutch. There’s some seemingly very informed contributors (including a couple of watchmakers) who are adamant that the L688 and its heavily reworked relative, the Omega 3330, are in fact both horizontal clutch chronographs. You state it’s vertical: can you confirm?

I always get lemons. I just bought an expensive (for me) Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph (7753) and I'm returning it. The auto-winding rotor hardly moves it sticks or something. In 9 days it stopped on me three times including on my wrist and on a watch winder. I'm very disappointed because it's a beauty.

I have two Hamilton auto day-date chronos, and always wondered about the movement they use... Now I know! Thank you.

Hoping someone can answer this...Should I run the chronograph (on a V7750) every now and then so that parts don't get stuck inside, or not run it at all (unless I have to, which I never do) to avoid needless wear/tear? In other words, is there desired happy medium to running/not running it? My goal is to never need to service the watch more than 1x every 5 years (it's a Sinn chronograph, by the way).

I don’t think the Longines movement uses a vertical clutch, can anyone clarify this please.

Excellent video. A wonderful movement indeed. My omega 3511.50 thanks thee

Since 28 years I enjoy my Sinn 103 TiAr Chronometer with this movement.

My favorite movement of all time. You just can't beat the wiggle.

I have this movement in my breitling superocean heritage II chrono. Love it.

A very insightful video. A lesson learned. Many thanks Armand ✊

I have one in an Omega Seamaster Chronograph from 1996. Works like a charm:)

Great review as always! Thank you for the information. I always learn a great deal from your videos!

Reliability and accuracy are very important. As a microbrand I hate to have service returns. Weird movements do lead to this I know now. Fancy but not nice. All 7750’s that have been on my timing machine were very accurate. In all 6 positions. Chronometer or not, all very accurate. It will be featured in my first chronograph watch for a reason!

I have tag heuer 2000 exclusive with this movement. My only critism would be the pushers are a little heavy handed. But after 10years it still runs around 3 seconds every 2 days.. would love to get an exhibition back for it.

Great Video. The longines column wheel variant is fantastic looking and to use

Thanks, an Excellent video. I too am speaking with my peers on the virtues of ETA and Valjoux. They seem to think that ETA is bad. That all brands simply "plonk" an ETA movement in the case. The also think that ETA has one movement ... the ETA.

I can buy this movement for 12 dollars on ebay or Amazon. So Rolex Daytona price is only reflected in its artificial backlog. Somewhat like diamonds. While Rolex is Iconic. The biggest thing is the slow rollout of its products. This artificially creates high prices

Is this the same movement that’s in the Omega Seamaster Chronograph watches if the late 1990’s to mid 2000,s?

Very useful video, I have a question I'm looking forward to modified my Hamilton Jazzmaster hands, so are the Hamilton calibre H-21 movement have the same hands hole's size as the ETA valjoux 7750 ?

Armand the watch guy, welcome back!

It’s a good, solid movement but i wouldn’t recommend it to newbies. I’ve seen many screwing the date function ( changing dates between 9pm and 3am). Would I pay 2 grand for a valjoux? Not a chance. Not even if it is a panerai, omega or tudor. I wouldn’t pay more than $1000 for a watch with that movement. You can find tissots, hamiltons, certinas and pre owned longiness with that movement for less than 1 grand. If you look around.

I have a chronograph Oris Carlos Coste with the 7750, it's terrific.

I have one 7750 and one 4130 watch and both are close, but the column wheel and vertical clutch are just slightly better IMHO. The real issue is one can be used by multiple brands while the other just one.

Thanks for an excellent video on the classic and extremely, in history, important movement.

Thank you for your very informative video. I have been wondering why the 7750 with its 8Hz beat has the chronograph second geared to 1/5 second. Was this done because one can read 1/5 sec but 1/8 sec would be too hard to read?

Why was it designed with a 30 minute counter instead of 60 minute counter? Seems very odd since it counts up to 12 hours.

i love that this opens with a sinn

I have this movement in my breitling super avenger 2 … my god it’s an amazing watch

Валжутата са прекрасни - точни, солидни, здрави, има и части за тях, че и престижни - последното донякъде зависи от гледната точка. Лично за мен - горната граница на разумното харчене за часовник. След като малко сте го носили, се убеждавате веднага, че не ви е необходим часовник с 3 стрелки, Горещо препоръчвам. Бог да дава живот и здраве на Едмонд Капт !

have you looked at a seiko 7a28,38,48 movements. I have a speedmaster that is about 5 years old it says it can do +-4 a day, my 7a28-7040 after having been 4 combat tours of duty and every shit hole in the world, that I bought used in 1988 still does +-4 a decade. While in collage I would set it against an atomic clock was never off. After that I reset it to a atomic clock on the base i was at and checked it from time to time that battery lasted a decade and it was never off. I would hack it from time to time as needed with other clocks but never off. I like both watches but the 40year old seiko cleans the speedmasters clock every time. And the seiko has never had a service.

On my Hamilton X wind with the H21(Valjoux 7750), the day and date engage at around 11:40, don't fully flip over till 12:20 and 12:35 respectively. Is that normal ?

7750…equivalent automatic K from 1947 28…rounds of rock and roll 🎸 My will for my great grand kids… 10m commercial / 2m residential and 5m s&p500.. MY MOST PRIZED ITEM!! 7750 from my cold dead hands… the movement I timed for every 30min open house and 8hour sleep every night😘

It´s also in the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Automatic.

Very informative it's a beautiful modern movement. But I still wonder how accurate they can be.

I recently bought a used Tag Heuer Carrera. It keeps great time, losing less than a second a day, but I noticed today that the date changes over at around 9:00pm. Is this normal, or should I have it looked at, or maybe even serviced. I believe the watch is about 10 years old.

Great episode. can you do an episode explaining why the Omega 321 is so highly revered engineering wise? Let's forget about the moon landing hype. Maybe compare it to the 3861 on a purely engineering basis. How does it stack up?

7750 great movement .. have it on my Sinn 358...

Have a 7751 and 7753

excellent video, very good.

A customer just came into my shop with a movement he bought on eBay. He thought he got a genuine 7750. I tried to let him down easily after I got a look at it and it turned out to be a knockoff. Poor fella.

I yust serviced 7750 and i both it on secundary market for super good price warch is Glycine from 90 early and i toolk it too serwice it cost mee 300€ but crono wheal i bent wheal and i think its time , now after one are it works like newe warch and it o. +2 sec day max . Also they changed all gasket iner parts cos if it was only gesket cost will bee much lower . But im now good for 20 ares to life:) . And i hawe one Eta 2892-A2 and i both it in 2017 and it was gone perfect but now hee is going -10 sec so im going to serviced it or yust too regulate time cos all gasket are ok it has past 6 area so only adyusting beter calibration . But if that are in house muwment i will bee in problem cos price and waiting is crazy.

The 7750 is the Small Block Chevy V8 of the watch world. Simple, reliable and performs well even if it isn't necessarily an engineering marvel. I love them.

I have that movement in my Alpnach Victorinox

I should really appreciate it if you reviewed IWC Big Pilot. Cheers!

What is the model of Zinn featured?

It is a very good mechanic automatic chronograph movement despite that doesn't have pillars wheel.

Very cool. Thank you.

It's thicccc