Valjoux 7733

[Nige]

Finally got this chronograph up and running it needed a new fly back lever ,got one from a company called watches ulike in France It has a sterile dial so no idea of maker,I guess it's 70,any thoughts?

[Mark]

Well done - these are nice movements to work on.

[ro63rto]

Google throws up a Breitling 1006-10 chrono using that movement.

[Nige]

Hi ro63,I see that Brietling,Huer and many others used this movement, the only one I've seen that was anything like it was a Avia Marineo,there does not appear to have been anything on the dial,so I don't know if they were sold new like this ,and if so why,I imagine it was a fairly expensive in its day,so you would think the maker would want their name on it.

[WillFly]

Dugena used the 7733 in their chronos - though they changed the calibre number to 4002. A bit like Poljot copying it and calling a 3133.

[Nige]

Hi Will,have you any idea why some are unsigned,I have no clue at all!

[WillFly]

Is there a calibre number underneath the balance wheel? The Dugena I have shows "7733" underneath the balance and, if I recall, the Russian clone has "3133" engraved on one of the bridges. As for the watch being unsigned, well, I suppose any maker could grab a movement and add hands, dial and case. Why - I've even done it myself!

 

Other than that, I don't know much more.

[Nige]

Hi Will, under the dial is the Valjoux stamp and 7733,I have seen unsigned watches on vacheron,s site and they are all factory samples,so I suppose it could be one of these,?

[WillFly]

That's certainly a possibility. My guess is that a small watchmaker has bought some 7733 movements, cased them up and sold them. There are any number of unsigned makers/sellers out there that have done that over the years.

 

Whatever - enjoy the movement!

[Maurice]

I think that watches were supplied sterile so retailers could put the own name/logo on if required. some small retailers probably didn't want the additional cost so left them as was. I have a 7734 with the name Jean Decret on the dial but have been unable to find anything on the brand at all!

[jnash]

Dugena used the 7733 in their chronos - though they changed the calibre number to 4002. A bit like Poljot copying it and calling a 3133.

If i remember correctly . the 3133 wasn't a direct copy, they added more jewels to the movement as well.. and the parts aren't interchangeable (well the parts i wanted unfortunately!)

7733 & 7734 have been nice movements to work with. think the difference is the 7734 has the date..

[Nige]

Thanks for your info guys,I reckon your right Maurice,makes a lot of sense,love your watch,and what amazing condition,and as you say jnash the 3133 has 23 jewels, I have two 3133,s a Russian airforce one and a Russian navy one .