ThomasM initiates a discussion on the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement, widely recognized for its robustness and reliability across numerous brands. He addresses the common criticism regarding its cam and lever system versus a column wheel, and introduces a rare variant by La Joux Perret that integrates a column wheel for an enhanced tactile experience.
The Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement is one of the most widely used, thoroughly field proven chronos ever made. It has been used in chronographs from such highly regarded brands as IWC; Breitling; Tag-Heuer; Panerai; Ventura; Porsche Design; Baume et Mercier; and a host of others.
Though the Valjoux 7750 and evolutions are tried and true workhorses, well proven in more chronographs all over the world than any other "tractor" chronograph movement, the lack of a column wheel is an oft-cited criticism. (did I mention they are much field proven for robustness and reliability? 
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The cam and lever system is reliable, robust, and relatively easier to make with greater consistency, resulting in lower production costs and thus, if passed on to consumers, lower retail costs, I think the last - "relatively easier to make with greater consistency" is a key point in elitist pooh poohing of the movement - ceteris paribus movement snobs prefer traditional (define traditional?) and less automatible (automated for repeatability, efficiency, consistency, and cost) processes and parts.
Afterall, why do something efficiently and cost effectively if one can do things the old fashioned way - more difficult, less efficiently, less reliably?
Slightly less tongue in cheek, there is one other major substantive difference between most cam and lever executions and column wheel chronographs - in general, column wheel chronographs have a more precise, haptically more appealing chronograph actioning feel.
Is it possible to make a cam and lever function on a chronograph "feel as good" as a column wheel equivalent?I believe so as I have experienced such examples, but the specific examples required much hand finishing and adjustment...
Few enthusiasts are aware of a relatively rare variant, produced by La Joux Perret, which fits a column wheel to the 7750, with its attendant smoother and crisper chrono pusher feel.
As used in the Bvlgari PuristSPro P10 chronograph triple time zone.
Jared commented on the depth of the dial and how it "POPS" - I couldn't agree more!
Thanks, Jared, Nico, for inspiring me to share these photos !
TM
This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2015-09-02 18:28:59 
