Venus SA
Moutier, Switzerland · Est. 1893
Founded by Paul Schwarz-Etienne
Venus SA was a Swiss chronograph movement manufacturer based in Moutier, producing some of the most widely used chronograph calibres of the mid-20th century. The Venus 175 alone appeared in watches from dozens of brands. Acquired by Valjoux in 1966.
- Founded
- 1893
- Headquarters
- Moutier, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1966
Venus was acquired by Valjoux in 1966, and its chronograph movement production was consolidated. The Venus name disappeared from the industry.
The Venus 175 powered a thousand vintage chronographs — the invisible engine that made mid-century wrists tick faster.
Key Collections
- Calibre 175 — The most celebrated Venus movement, a column-wheel chronograph with 17 jewels widely adopted by brands including Breitling, Gallet, and Enicar throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
- Calibre 150 — A robust two-register chronograph movement that served as the foundation for numerous military and civilian timepieces during the mid-century period.
- Calibre 188 — A sophisticated triple-calendar chronograph movement featuring moon phase complication, representing Venus's highest technical achievement.
- Calibre 170 — A reliable column-wheel chronograph movement that found widespread use in professional timing instruments and sport watches.
Timeline
- 1893 — Venus SA founded in Moutier, Switzerland, initially focusing on ébauche production for the Swiss watch industry.
- 1910 — Company began specialising in chronograph movement development, establishing its technical reputation.
- 1940 — Introduction of the Calibre 175, which would become one of the most widely used chronograph movements in history.
- 1950 — Peak production period with Venus movements appearing in timepieces from over fifty different watch brands worldwide.
- 1966 — Venus SA acquired by Valjoux, with chronograph production consolidated and the Venus name subsequently discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions about Venus SA
- When did Venus stop making watches?
- Venus SA ceased independent operations in 1966 when it was acquired by Valjoux. The brand's chronograph movement production was absorbed into Valjoux's operations, and the Venus name was discontinued entirely.
- Are Venus watches still valuable?
- Watches containing Venus movements, particularly the celebrated Calibre 175, remain highly collectible. Their value lies primarily in the historical significance of the movements rather than the Venus brand itself, as Venus supplied movements to numerous manufacturers.
- Can I still buy a Venus watch today?
- Venus did not produce complete watches under its own name; it manufactured movements supplied to other brands. Vintage timepieces containing Venus calibres can be found through specialist dealers and auction houses, with examples from Breitling, Gallet, and other marques particularly sought after.
- Which watch brands used Venus movements?
- Venus movements appeared in watches from dozens of manufacturers including Breitling, Gallet, Enicar, Wittnauer, Tissot, and many military contractors. The Calibre 175 alone was adopted by over fifty different brands during its production run.
- What happened to Venus after the Valjoux acquisition?
- Following the 1966 acquisition, Venus's production facilities in Moutier were integrated into Valjoux's operations. Valjoux itself later became part of ETA SA, which today operates under the Swatch Group umbrella.