The Venus 178 is a distinguished hand-winding chronograph movement renowned for its precision and practical features, widely appreciated by horologists and vintage watch enthusiasts. Introduced around 1947 and produced until about 1960, it is part of the Venus 175 family, which included several iterations of chronograph calibres known for their reliability and craftsmanship.
Key Features of Venus 178
Movement Type: Manual-wind column wheel chronograph.
Jewels: 17 jewels.
Frequency: Operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour (A/h).
Power Reserve: Approximately 45 hours.
Dimensions: Diameter of 31.00 mm (14 ligne), with a height of 7.10 mm.
Chronograph Functions:
Central 60-second chronograph hand.
15 and 30-minute registers combined on the subdial at 3 o’clock.
12-hour chronograph register positioned at 6 o’clock.
Dial Layout: Classic three-subdial arrangement at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, with the small seconds at 9 o’clock.
Design: Features a clockwise balance cock and a seven-column wheel chronograph mechanism, indicating high-quality finishing and mechanical sophistication.
Historical and Technical Significance
The Venus 178 added the 12-hour chronograph register to the base Venus 175/176 movement.
It was widely used in chronograph watches of the mid-20th century by prestigious manufacturers, including early Breitling Navitimer models.
Its column wheel mechanism is favored for smooth operation and precision compared to cam-actuated chronographs.
The movement’s durability and relatively long power reserve made it popular among professional and aviation watches.
Venus movements inspired later chronograph calibres and contributed to the technological heritage of mechanical watchmaking before Venus was absorbed by Valjoux in 1966, influencing subsequent iconic movements like the Valjoux 7730 and eventually the 7750.
In summary, the Venus 178 remains a celebrated calibre among collectors for its robust, precise construction and classic chronograph functionality, representing the peak era of mechanical watchmaking in the mid-1900s.
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Stem, Crown, Hands & Spares might be available for this movement.
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