Venus Caliber 170 – Compact Column-Wheel Chronograph from the Golden Era

The Venus 170 is a noteworthy chronograph movement developed by Fabrique d’Ebauches Venus SA, a Swiss manufacturer known for producing precision chronograph ebauches from the 1930s to the 1960s. Unlike some of Venus’s larger movements, the 170 was developed to fit into smaller cases, making it ideal for compact wristwatches of the pre- and post-war era. Despite its reduced size, it retains the high-quality construction and column-wheel chronograph mechanism that Venus was known for.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-winding mechanical chronograph

• Diameter: Approx. 27 mm (smaller than Venus 175 series)

• Height: Around 5.3 mm

• Jewels: 17

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

• Chronograph Control: Column wheel, horizontal clutch

• Functions:

  • Hours

  • Minutes

  • Small running seconds (usually at 9 o’clock)

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

  • Central chronograph seconds

Key Features

• Compact Size: One of the defining traits of the Venus 170 is its compact dimensions. This made it an excellent choice for mid-20th-century chronograph watches, particularly those aimed at the civilian market or designed with elegance in mind.

• Column Wheel Operation: Despite being more affordable than Venus’s more complex calibers, the 170 featured a column-wheel control for the chronograph, offering smooth engagement and reliable performance.

• Bi-Compax Layout: The movement typically appears in watches with a classic two-register layout—one for running seconds and one for the minute counter. This design is both balanced and legible.

Usage and Watch Brands

The Venus 170 was widely adopted during the 1940s and 1950s by a number of respected Swiss watchmakers. Because of its size, it was often used in dress chronographs and smaller wristwatches. Watch brands that utilized the Venus 170 include:

• Orator

• Croton

• Helbros

• Paul Portinoux

• Mortima

• Clamshell-cased waterproof chronographs from lesser-known Swiss brands

These watches were often marketed in Europe and the United States as affordable yet stylish chronographs for everyday use.

Collectibility

Today, vintage chronographs housing the Venus 170 are appreciated by collectors who value mechanical authenticity in smaller cases. Many examples come in stainless steel, gold-plated, or chrome cases, often with domed acrylic crystals and classic dial designs featuring tachymeter or telemeter scales.

While not as robust as later movements like the Venus 175, the 170 remains a beautifully engineered caliber with historical significance. Properly serviced, these movements continue to perform reliably.

Final Thoughts

The Venus Caliber 170 captures the essence of mid-century watchmaking—practical, compact, and mechanically refined. Its column-wheel chronograph system and smaller form factor make it both an engineering achievement and a hidden gem for vintage watch enthusiasts. Whether in a military-style chronograph or a dressy post-war timepiece, the 170 adds timeless value and charm.