Valjoux 72 Chrono Family Discussion...

Thoughts/Thread on the Valjoux 72 Family of Chronographs On Oct 23, 2005 2ndhandman asked in the TZ Public forum about the "Valjoux 72/726 movement...does anyone know when last used in regular production?"... What resulted was a fun, informative and delightful conversation between Kohei Saito (Moderator of TimeZone's Japanese and Seiko Forums) and myself on the topic of the Valjoux 72 family of chronograph movements. This post is an archive of that discussion. (For more on this topic, please visit Jeff Stein's page on movements at OnTheDash.com) Kohei@Tz replied to 2ndhandman first: "I don't know when was the last stock exhausted, but..>>" [Oct 23, 2005 - 11:06 PM] I believe they stop production in 1974. Here's one from 70s with final version, 727. I replyed: Sorry Kohei, but the final variant of the Valjoux 72 was the 728, not 727... [Oct 24, 2005 - 08:17 AM] Yes, for those keeping track that's a 1-Register full (12-Hour) Chronograph... Goes to show that Valjoux did experiment with center chrono minute indication as popularized by the Lemania 134x and 5012/5100/5200 movements... But I got to thinking about it and I remembered there was a v.729 variant: In fact, now that I think about it... there was a 729 variant...   -  Chicagoland Chuck Maddox  -  Oct 24, 2005 - 08:37 AM Ironically, I have one of these Wittnauer's... But I could have sworn it was powered by a v.724 movement... I guess I'll have to check... So we have a Valjoux 729, and I'm pretty sure I've heard of a v.730 (but I can't remember if it was part of the Valjoux 72 line or not... Hmmm, sounds like some research is in order! Kohei replied: Cool, and thanks for correction, Chuck [Oct 24, 2005 - 09:03 AM] I only know and thought 727 were the last batch with 3 register designed 72 valiant, because never seen 728 or 729, (especially 728) i must of passed many occasions to owning this rare? caliber by thought Lemania are ticking inside, and same reason i would consider 724 instead of 729 with GMT hand. Looking forward to read your research report, though. Best regards, Kohei I did a little more digging and found: "The seller of this watch on eBay says this is a Valjoux 730..." [Oct 24, 2005 - 09:16 AM] The seller of this watch on eBay says this is a Valjoux 730... Frankly, I personally trust this seller about as far as he could throw me (I'm John Candy sized, so trust me, he couldn't throw me far). But it seems that there may also have been a v.730 related to the Valjoux 72... So, anyone ever hear of a Valjoux 731? [Sheesh!] Kohei@Tz Pointed out:Again, 730 would be easily fooled by 72C, and overlooked [Oct 24, 2005 - 07:32 PM] and i guess 727 was the last of the tri-compax variant then. (unless you found more) Here's my 72C 730 has no balance screws on the wheel, but balance wheel itself is bigger in diameter, also has shock protection system on the shaft, other than that it almost identical with 72C. Best regards, Kohei And I posted this: Actually, the Valjoux 723 has the same layout... I have a Zodiac c.723: Also, the DDMM (Day-Date-Month-Moonphase) version is sometimes called the Valjoux 88:   and that's pretty much where that thread ended... So, here's a table or score Card for those who are interested and or keeping track... Valjoux 72 Family of Chronograph Movements: Movement #: Description: 71 Large 15 Ligne version of Valjoux 72 (13 Ligne or just under) 72 Basic ‘Plain Jane’ Valjoux 72. 721 "Seafarer" Tides complication in 9 o'clock sub-dial... 722 Rolex variant with Breguet Overcoil & MicroStella Balance 72c/723 Tri-Date non-moonphase v.72 724 GMT complication 725 I've never seen a movement marked 725, probably skipped. 726 Improved v.72 movement. 727 Rolex version of 726 with Bruget Overcoil & MicroStella* 728 1 Register/Center Pinion Chrono Minute hand varitant. 729 GMT, probably v.726 with GMT complicaton added. 730 Another Triple-Date model, perhaps DDM v.726? 88 Triple-Date Moonphase model (v.723/72c with Moonphase) * Note: The posting of Kohei's scan of the GP is something that throws a monkey wrench into my theory of the v.727 being a Rolex Exclusive movement, I think there is more to this movement than I know at this time. The above are to the best of my knowledge and experience and subject to change/additions/refinement as new information is developed... For more on this topic, please visit Jeff Stein's page on movements at OnTheDash.com... Of course and as always, if anyone has additions, corrections, refinements to my knowledge, please feel free to contact me with them. -- Chuck