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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement record · Switzerland

Valjoux/ETA 7750

Partially verified

Automatic cam-and-lever chronograph with the chronograph mechanism driven from the going train; deliberately engineered for industrial production rather than traditional column-wheel refinement.

Technical specifications

Diameter
Approx. 30 mm (13¼ lignes)
Height
Approx. 7.9 mm
Jewels
17 or 25 jewels depending on version
Frequency
28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve
Approx. 42–48 hours
Winding
Automatic, unidirectional winding
Setting
Stem setting with quickset date
Escapement
Swiss lever
Balance
Monometallic, Nivarox-type spring
Complications
Chronograph, Date, Day-date in some variants

Identification features

  • Day-date at 3, small seconds at 9, 12-hour counter at 6, 30-minute counter at 12 in the standard layout
  • Cam switching rather than a column wheel
  • ETA 7750 or Valjoux signature under the balance or on the main plate

Known variants

  • 7753 (different counter layout)
  • 7754 (GMT)
  • Hand-wound derivatives

Servicing notes

Cleaning, lubrication, mainspring and pivot work belong with a qualified watchmaker working from calibre-specific documentation. Conserve original parts: replacing a worn component with a modern substitute changes the object, and refinishing plates or dials destroys evidence.

General guidance only. Antique movements should be serviced by a qualified watchmaker.

Historical significance

The 7750's 1980s revival made the affordable Swiss automatic chronograph possible again after the quartz crisis; it underpins an enormous share of modern mechanical chronographs and is a benchmark of industrial movement design.

Diagram

top plate or bridgespillar platebalance and cockwheel train between the plates
Schematic: plate and bridge layout. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Period trade material catalogues and calibre reference compilations (edition-dependent)
  3. Published manufacturer technical documentation where available

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.