The Venus 103 watch movement is a historic Swiss chronograph calibre that put Vénus on the map as a serious chronograph innovator in the horological industry. Introduced in 1933, the Venus 103 was based on the earlier 10.5 ligne Cal. 75 family and became the foundation for subsequent Venus chronograph calibres.
Key Highlights
Venus 103 was Vénus’s first chronograph movement, marking a major milestone in the brand’s legacy.
The calibre measures 10.5 lignes, emphasizing compact Swiss engineering suited for chronographs of the period.
Its mechanics were simpler than later chronographs: it only offered a 60-second stopwatch feature, with no minute totalizer or stop mechanism, simplifying servicing and assembly.
Absent the classic column wheel, the movement used a cam switching system, reflecting Venus’s creative approach to chronograph function and reliability.
Its innovation would be echoed in later Venus movements (notably the cam-switched 180/190/200 series), influencing future Swiss chronograph engineering.
Notable Features
Built with a central flyback seconds hand, uniquely controlled by cams rather than wheels—a significant cost-saving and reliability improvement for its time.
The Venus 103’s design was protected by Swiss patent 189192, though practical usage preceded formal legal recognition.
Movements are marked by a five-pointed star for easy identification.
Collectors value Venus 103 for its historical importance, pioneering role in chronograph function, and the influence it wielded over later popular calibres like the Valjoux 7730 and 7750.
Spare Parts and Collectibility
Spare parts for Venus 103 movements, including winding stems and gears, remain available through specialized vintage suppliers, maintaining their viability for restoration projects.
The movement’s reliable performance and repairability have led to enduring popularity among watchmakers, horology writers, and collectors.
Venus 103 exemplifies mechanical ingenuity and historic significance, serving as both a collectible artefact and technical reference for the evolution of Swiss chronographs.
For any Watch Spare Parts inquiry, Email us for rate and availability: [email protected]
Watch Parts Enquiry
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
Email us for rate and availability: [email protected]
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