The multi-functional Valjoux 88, equipped with a moon phase function and more
What is the Valjoux 88?
The Valjoux 88 is a movement with a lineage derived from the Valjoux 22 and 72. While the Valjoux 22 was manufactured from 1914 and the Valjoux 72 was manufactured from around 1943, the Valjoux 88 is a relatively new type of movement that was manufactured from 1947.
Therefore, it is equipped with many functions, adopts complex mechanisms, and is characterized by having a calendar display function and moon phase function in addition to the chronograph function.
Thus, the Valjoux 88 was a high-quality movement with excellent functions, but due to its complex structure, production numbers were small, with only 13,218 units produced from the start of production in 1947 to the end of production in 1974. Considering that 750,000 Valjoux 72s were produced, this was a very small production number.
Valjoux 88 and its Derivatives
The Valjoux series is a series of various models derived from the Valjoux 22. The early Valjoux 22 had two subdials displaying seconds and minutes. The Valjoux 23 is a smaller version of the Valjoux 22 with the same functionality.
Its successor, the Valjoux 72, increased the number of subdials to three, resulting in the general chronograph shape we see today.Then came the Valjoux 72c, which added a calendar function to the timekeeping function, improving the ease of use of wristwatches.
The Valjoux 88 was the model that equipped the Model 72c with a moon phase function, and was packed with many functions in a size of 29.5 mm in diameter and approximately 7 mm thick. While firmly maintaining basic performance such as a seconds counter, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour chronograph display, it was also equipped with a moon phase function, making it a highly refined movement.
Considering that the Valjoux 72 is 6.95 mm thick, while the Valjoux 88, which has additional functions, is almost the same thickness of about 7 mm, you can get an idea of its functionality and high level of technology.
As such, the Valjoux 88 is equipped with a more complex and advanced mechanism than other models, and since there are fewer of them produced, it is a more valuable movement and is priced higher. However, due to its high functionality, it has been praised as an excellent movement along with the Valjoux 72 in authoritative books in the watch industry, and has been highly regarded for its perfection since its inception.
For this reason, the Valjoux 88 has been used in products from a variety of manufacturers, including Heuer, Doxa, Baume & Mercier, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piquet.
One of the attractions of the Valjoux 88 is the moon phase function.
As such, the Valjoux 88 was highly praised for its high level of perfection, but what is particularly noteworthy is its moon phase function. The moon phase function was incorporated into the Valjoux series from the movements that began production in 1947, but the function itself existed before that. The moon phase function was already developed and used from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, when pocket watches were still the mainstream of watches, and this function allowed people to know the phases of the moon over time.
In addition to its basic performance, the Valjoux 88 was equipped with a new moon phase function, making it an excellent movement with many appealing features.
If you are interested in the moon phase function of the Valjoux movement, we recommend that you try out the Valjoux 88.
reference
Anatomy of the Valjoux 88
https://www.thenakedwatchmaker.com/valjoux-88/
A great watch with a triple date function (and moon phase function)
http://members.iinet.net.au/~fotoplot/tripledate/tripledate.html
EbauchesSA Neuchâtel Switzerland
http://watchguy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Valjoux-72-72c-88.pdf#search=%27Valjoux+88%27
CORNETTE de SAINT CYR BREITLING
http://www.cornettedesaintcyr.fr/html/fiche.jsp?id=8133067
The Legendary 88
http://fr.worldtempus.com/article/montres/style-et-tendance/claude-meylan-legende-88-22336.html
Bargain: Galette Multi Chrono Astronomic in mint condition for sale
https://www.timepiecechronicle.com/features/2016/10/6/found-a-mint-condition-gallet-multichron-astronomic-for-sale
