Venus Caliber 150 – A Classic Column-Wheel Chronograph for the Compact Era

The Venus Caliber 150 is a historically significant manual-winding chronograph movement developed by Fabrique d’Ebauches Venus SA, one of the most influential Swiss ebauche manufacturers of the mid-20th century. Introduced in the early 1940s, the Venus 150 belongs to the early family of compact column-wheel chronographs that were purpose-built for the growing market of wristwatches in the pre- and post-war period.

With its reliable design and mechanical finesse, the 150 set the stage for later Venus calibers, including the more widely known 170 and 175 series.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-wind mechanical chronograph

• Chronograph Mechanism: Column wheel, horizontal clutch

• Diameter: Approx. 27 mm

• Height: Around 5.5 mm

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)

• Power Reserve: Approx. 40 hours

• Functions:

  • Hours

  • Minutes

  • Small seconds (typically at 9 o’clock)

  • 30-minute chronograph counter (usually at 3 o’clock)

  • Central chronograph seconds hand

Movement Architecture and Features

The Venus 150 was built with a column-wheel control system, a design preferred in traditional Swiss chronograph making due to its precision and smooth chronograph pusher action. Despite its compact size—smaller than the Venus 175 family—it was engineered to deliver high performance and stability.

The movement featured a bi-compax layout with two registers and a central chronograph hand. The clean symmetry of this layout, combined with the traditional pusher-crown arrangement, made it suitable for both sporty and elegant chronographs.

Venus applied quality finishing to the 150, with rhodium-plated bridges and functional decoration. The movement was easy to service and durable, contributing to its wide adoption among Swiss brands.

Usage in the Watch Industry

The Venus 150 was favored by Swiss brands during the 1940s and 1950s that required a slim, precise chronograph caliber. Some of the watchmakers that used this movement include:

• Helbros

• Croton

• Orator

• Mortima

• Leonidas (before merging with Heuer)

• Various European private-label chronograph producers

These watches often featured classic stepped bezels, enamel or gilt dials, and were housed in stainless steel or gold-plated cases around 33–35 mm in diameter—typical of the era.

Collectibility and Service Considerations

Vintage chronographs with the Venus 150 movement are now collectible, especially when in original condition with clean dials and unpolished cases. The movement’s column-wheel architecture gives it added appeal to watchmakers and purists who appreciate fine mechanical details.

Servicing the Venus 150 requires a watchmaker experienced in vintage chronographs. While parts are less abundant than for later calibers, components can still be sourced through specialized suppliers or donor movements.

Conclusion

The Venus Caliber 150 is a fine example of early wristwatch chronograph engineering. Its compact size, traditional column-wheel construction, and reliability made it a favorite among mid-century Swiss watchmakers. Though overshadowed by later Venus calibers, it holds its own as a mechanically refined and historically important movement, well worth the attention of collectors and horology enthusiasts.