Valjoux 7733

Restoration of this Pierpont Chronograph watch. Movement is the classic Valjoux Cal 7733 and the dial with sub seconds and minute recorder . The watch belongs to Hugh and was his watch in his teens. Later moving into the military as a pilot, the watch was his daily use watch. Initial looks bear no surprise for a watch that has seen some knocks. The crystal shows what can only be missile damage and the hands have limited movement.. The watch winds smoothly and the balance is free. Chronograph pushers are gummed up and non responsive. .

I have removed the movement from the case. Water has entered the watch and there is surface rust on the chronograph operating lever and a case clamp.

The hands have been removed with no damage and the movement put aside while the case is cleaned and polished and the pushers addressed.

Disassembly went well with no issues of concern. A new mainspring was ordered and the rusty parts were soaked in a agrressive rust inhibiter. A caution here that this solution is of a toxic nature and should be handled (drunk) with due care.

Reassembly commences with the train of wheels followed by the chronograph plate and functions. All parts have been cleaned and inspected. The chronograph plate and components are then added. There are about 100 oiling points requiring a range of differing viscosity oils and greases. Generally wheels need high viscoity oils where springs and tensioners need a lower viscocity grease. All individual chronograph funtions need to be tested and alignments checked. Adjustments are fine and are made with ecccentric screws that will alter the height or depthing of the wheels and levers.

Assembly complete and testing finished. The watch has been put on the timimg machine and appears to be running true and strong. The watch however is still run for several days to confrm the timekeeping. The last job is to recase the movement and find a nice strap to compliment this piece. I will pack it up and get it back to Hugh after what has been a lifetime sitting in his drawer. The final photos came out well, the case still carries some battle scars that have been left as a reminder of its past.

Costing is where the dilema’s start, and the watchmakers paradox. The watch I believe in this condition would sell for around $1000USD. This is a good quality chronograph, but many watches might only be worth $200 - $300. Two or three weeks of work (4 to 5 hours chargable) at what cost for workmanship and the sourcing of now redundant parts, most of which now come from the far side of the world at an expense of its own. Simply put this is not a financial proposition and the value is either historic or personal. For me this is where the pleasure is. This project has streched my knowledge and patience once or twice but leaves me now better prepared to deal with complicated watches such as chronographs.

Physical costing however were limited and the ability to reuse the Chrongraph Operating Lever saved about $120.

Mainspring $80: Watch crystal $30: Strap $65: Seals and Gaskets $15: Case Clamp $20:

Look on Hughs face I imagine Priceless: