Valjoux 23 vs Valjoux 72: Two Classic Vintage Chronograph Calibers
How the Valjoux 23 and Valjoux 72 differ, what each means for a vintage chronograph collector, and what to check before you buy.
Collector Art Time
10/24/20261 min read
Valjoux was the Swiss workhorse behind a huge share of the vintage chronographs made between the 1930s and the 1970s. Two of its manual-wind, column-wheel calibers come up again and again when you shop for a vintage chronograph: the Valjoux 23 and the Valjoux 72.
The Valjoux 23 is a two-register chronograph. It has a small running seconds sub-dial and a 30-minute counter. It is compact, clean and typical of 1940s and 1950s watches in the 34 to 38 mm range.
The Valjoux 72 is a three-register chronograph. It adds a 12-hour counter to the seconds and the 30-minute counter, which makes the dial busier and the watch more of a tool. It is the movement many collectors think of first when they picture a classic 1940s to 1960s chronograph.
Both use a column wheel, the traditional chronograph control mechanism that gives a smooth push and is valued by collectors. Which one is better depends on what you want: the Valjoux 23 for a simpler, more elegant dial, the Valjoux 72 for the full three-register look.
Examples from our collection. The Nivada Chronoking Aviator Sea Diver with a Valjoux 23, 38 mm, near NOS: https://collectorarttime.com/nivada-chronoking-aviator-sea-diver-valjoux-23-38mm-near-nos-chronograph
The Roamer Stingray chronograph with a Valjoux 72, 1970s: https://collectorarttime.com/vintage-roamer-stingray-chrono-watch-valjoux-72-ref-072-9120802-70s
Before buying either caliber, make sure the pushers start, stop and reset cleanly, the hands are original to the dial, and the seller shows clear photos and the real serial numbers. Our shipping and returns terms are here: https://collectorarttime.com/shipping-returns
Questions? Message us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/541131142424
