Some watch calibers have become mythical. The Valjoux 23/72 movement is an emblematic example of the top of the chronograph pyramid of the 20th century. It started in 1924 with the launch of the caliber 22 which already possesses most of the genes of its successors: double pushers, lateral clutch, 9-column wheel, large balance oscillating at a frequency of 2.5Hz, 17 jewels and a classic architecture (clear separation of the functions, balanced occupation of the plan surface, easy access to the points of adjustments and control). Valjoux 22 The Valjoux 23 (minute counter) and Valjoux 72 (minute and hour counters) sublimate these fundamentals, in particular in their “in-house” executions of the “big brands”, that is to say in particular with high finishing and specific decorations, with a screw balance and sometimes an exclusive fine adjustment of the “swan neck” type. The brands that use these exceptional calibers in standard or modified versions are numerous. The highest fact awarded to a watch equipped with the Valjoux 72 caliber goes to a Rolex Daytona of the actor Paul Newman auctioned at 17, 752 million dollars in 2017, then the highest value reached by a wristwatch…
More details to discover about this wonderful family of calibers via the following link (article of Revolution Watch):