An 18k gold cased, manual wind Venus 211 30 minute chronograph, with big date complication.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

Philippe was formed in 1951, and has a logo change later in its history but before 1964.  They are nothing to do with Patek Philippe, so much so that Patek Philippe put at advert in the press stating such.  The Venus 211 was made between 1948 and 1966, so we are working to mid 1950’s.

CONDITION

First, let’s talk about the movement.  The Venus 211 was based on the 188, which was then the basis for the later Valjoux 7730, which itself turned into the still in production Valjoux 7750.  Angelus claimed the record for the first double date wheel, but this is the first movement to have a double size date window featuring two opposing date wheels, something that A. Lange and Sohne and Glashutte are using to great effect on their watches today.  We have seen examples from Bucherer and Breitling that also use the same movement.  The only downside is that the movement doesn’t automatically turn past 31 like a standard single date wheel – unless you use the quick set pusher at 8 it will count to 39 before going to 00.

The condition of this watch is best described as original and unrestored.  The dial has noticeable discolouring around the lower half and the logo is almost entirely missing.  A dial restoration can be done for about £180, but it also reduces the value of the watch by roughly the same amount – a watch can only be original once.  The case is 18k rose gold, and this shows a few pinhead dents on the sides and caseback.  The faceted lugs are straight, true and strong.  All the movement features work as they should, and the crown and pushers are also 18k rose gold.  The chronograph pushers sometimes don’t line up, tilting upwards, but they are easily pushed back to level with a finger and then they work fine.  We have fitted a new strap and acrylic crystal.

This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.

​SIZE

Width with crown  38.3 mm

Width without crown  35.1 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  43.2 mm

Case Thickness  12.7 mm

Bracelet maximum length   n/a

All sizes are approximate

Included with this watch is a 3 months guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.