Venus

Venus company was established in 1924, specialized in watch movements production. From 1928 it was a part of Ebauches S.A. group which later became part of the SMH group, all movement producers in this group were merged together in ETA AG. From 1968 movements with Venus name are not present anymore.

Venus was also active in the development of the alarm movement. Basic movement was movement Venus 230. Since Venus always produced movements for the open market, it's movement was developed in such a way that allowed some modifications for particular buyer (watch producer). Even though Venus movement used joint spring barrel it't movemen was one of the alarm movements with the longest ringing and highest power reserve what was achieved with a very long spring. Movement is easily recognised by it's alarm On/Off indicator and the crowns position.

Two versions of movement 230 exists where single or double hammer stroke was possible. It was made either with 17 jewels or 21 jewels.

Venus upraded this movement with additional date complication, this upgraded movement is called Venus 232. Due to this additional complication 232 was thicker than 230. Almost all watch producers which used 232 have decided - due to the thickness - to hide alarm On/Off indicator which still existed in movement, but was simply not used, and by this reduce the thickness of the watch. As far as I know Conor is the only company which has not removed the alarm indicator in 232 movement.

 

Venus 230:

Venus 232:

Instruction manual:

For 230 and 232 operation instructions are identical. Date in 232 can only be set by hour hand passing midnight.

Central crown in position 0: Winding time and alarm.

Central crown in position 1: Setting time.

Lower crown in position 0: Setting alarm hand. Alarm is Off.

Lower crown in position 1: Alarm is On. If this crown is in position 1, both crowns turns freely. This protects agains unwilling changes of alarm or time while alarm is On.

Alarm indicator at 3.00 shows the status of the alarm.