In the second part of 1947 Revue introduced an advanced (bi-directional winding) bumper automatic (calibre 80) but by 1950 it was already outdated compared to Eternas new fully oscilating autowinder design. Revue later utilised the Eterna derived ETA calibre 1259 that had been highly decorated and renamed calibre: 211, but by 1958 they had designed a completely new in-house movement and by 1959 the new calibre 87 was released. The new calibre 87 had a completely new gear train layout with integrated central sweep seconds and an advanced bi-directional autowinder mechanism (now with a fully oscillating weight). The new autowinder mechanism utilised a similar principle to IWC’s Pellaton movement; where a cam would engage two pawl levers that would drive a winding wheel that directly engaged the ratchet wheel, but unlike IWC that used two pawls to push on the winding wheel, the Revue pawls used one pawl to “pull” and another to “push”. Seiko simplified this design with their magic lever system launched in 1961. The new movement was modern and well made. I don’t know why it was retired so early, but it can not have been cheap to manufacture due to it’s complexity and high finish not to mention the fierce competition. In my option it’s a real shame, but on the other hand it makes it fun to look for this rear and hard to find movement.
Revue calibre 87 variations:
87 Automatic
87.1 Automatic different gear train bridge design and autowinder bridge design.
87.1 Manual wind.
There exists some factory manual wind versions that essentially are modified automatic movements.
Revue calibre: 87
- Made from a prox 1958-1965
- Made in Switzerland
- Power reserve around: 49h
- 21 Jewels
- 18000 B/A
- Lift angle 52°
- DM 25.2mm
- H 4.7mm
Surface finish is of high quality. All screws are highly polished and very good finish. The bridges are nicely finished with rhodium plating and bevelled edges. Ratchet and crown wheel has a decent finish. Jewel count of 21 can be described as adequate for an automatic movement.
Top surface finish on bridges: 7 Points
Surface finish on screws: 9 Points
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 7 Points
Movement Jeweling: 8 Points
Movement design innovation (1959): 8 points
The Revue base plate has an overall fine finish. Winding, date and setting mechanisms are nicely finished, with a high finish on the screws. Gear train has a good finish. Setting the time feels balanced and smooth. Date mechanism is a little sluggish.
Base plate finish: 7 Points
Setting and winding mechanism: 7 Points
Gear-train finish: 8 Points
Date change snappiness: 5 Points*
Movement durability: 6 Points (rotor post can wear) 7 points manual wind*
The 87 series all come with a beautiful cam disk micro regulator, with a swan neck tension spring.
4 Bonus points for superb regulator
Bi-directional automatic device is well made and very effective
Autowinder mechanism: 8 Points
Calibre 87.1 has a slightly redesigned gear train bridge, auto winder bridge and sweep second wheel. On the photo you can see a cal 87 (lower) and 87.1 (upper) gear train bridge. The 87 has a hole jewel placed under the oscillating weight post unlike the 87.1 that has a flat surface. The upper pivot on the centre wheel of the calibre 87.1 has been removed and the top polished. I can only guess that this was to make it easier to assemble. The location of the screw for the auto winder bridge has also been moved making interchanging of these parts impossible unless you change all.
Revue calibre 87 will keep excellent time when in good condition.
Accuracy: 8 points
Power reserve of 49 hours is very good.
Power reserve: 8 Points
Revue calibre 87 series points summary:
Surface finish on bridges and top side of base plate: 7
Surface finish screws: 9
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 7
Movement Jeweling: 8
Movement innovative design for ca 1959: 8
Base plate finish: 7
Setting and winding mechanism: 7
Date change snappiness: 5
Gear-train finish: 8
Movement durability: 6-7*
Total bonus points: 4
Autowinder: 8
Accuracy: 8
Power reserve: 8
Grand total manual: 89-94
Grand total Automatic: 95-100
Could I give bonus for cool I would.
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