Info request about the new chronograph caliber family 69000

I'm extremely happy to see the long awaited new caliber family 69000 (69380) appearing soon for entry level IWC-s. (Flieger, Aquatimer)

A couple of questions arise:

• what kind of escapement will it have, maybe a Breguet spring, a direct micro-adjust on the balance, maybe later silicone escapement parts, balance bridge?
• will it (hopefully) also have a Fly-back option?
• will the day-date change slowly, like on the ETA-Valjoux 7750 and the 89xxx or (hopefully) will it have an instant shift?
• will it (hopefully) have a completely different hours counter hand friction brake system from that of the ETA-Valjoux 7750, such eliminating one of the weak points of the 7750?
• what is the height of the movement?

I'd be very happy if this (Fly-back) caliber would arrive in a steel Aquatimer chrono at around 41-42 mm, same design like the 3768 but having the bezel turning mechanism of the 3719 (double function reset pusher), and
if this (again Fly-back) caliber would arrive into a steel Fliegerchrono of cca. 38-41 mm size (I'm sooo happy with my 39 mm 1998-produced classic-dial 3706 on Mk.I. bracelet!) and a narrow pilot's count-up turning bezel, either "normal" or under-glass, something looking like on the TH Carrera Drive Timer (I think posting a photo would violate forum regulations but anyone can google it), again with a double-function reset pusher...
And - last but not least - a full-function 69xxx (12-hour counter and day-date) should (also) arrive into the 40.9 mm Portugieser chrono, with the same high-grade dial versions as on today's model.

I wonder when we can learn more about all these...

And "ceterum censeo": the 3768 should have the micro-adjust clasp.

Excellent questionair and to add :
will it pleaassssssseeeeeeee be in the portuguese 3714 !!! That will be such a hit and add to the history of this particular model.

My question included the same question (named the 3714 the 40.9 mm Portugieser chrono). I'm happy that I'm not the only one wishing to know more about the mentioned topics!

Regards,
Robert

About the new c. 69000; interesting that the chronograph minute and hour sub dials will be at the 12 and 9 positions! Not sure I agree with this positioning and wonder if it was done because it worked for a particular reason. It would be a bit disappointing if it were a compromise made due to the mechanics of the new calibre and not because that is the optimum positioning of the sub-dials for an intended dial design (we have already seen the concession that was made for the dial display of new Annual Calendar). Sorry Roberto - I am willing to bet that there will be no flyback complication but we shall see...

IMHO the shift between seconds and hour counter subdial maybe for an easier way of fighting against fakes and for putting this caliber into the 3714 without any main modification, if still no hour counters and calendar is to be shown...

Thanks Michael for chiming in! When are these top secrets to be unveiled? I understand that this caliber is to be rated under the 89xxx and as such no real sophisticated points to be expected at the escapement, winding mechanism seems to be a simpler one and less durable too, less jewels (which my come from the different construction too), but e. g. functions may be at least as rich as that of the 89xxx. (I mean the fly-back complication here, as e. g. the weekday feature (thank G'd) is to be seen too.) A movement height (resulting hopefully a tad slimmer watches) must not be a top secret though... :)

If its meant for the entry level chronos i am okay with no fly back and no joint hour/minute register as in the cal 89xxx. That will make sense in price point and the functionality the val 7750s offers. So a sensible replacement.

But as far i am concerned the dial lay out of the 3714 is an Icon and must not be changed, so subs at 12 and 6 oclock please. It is an iconic design that has survived almost 2 decades, stands out and there is absolutely no reason to change it. At an entry level price point it will remain a strong proposition in the line up, competative to other brands, appealing to a large crowd. What more do you want? Keep that history alive !

And if it is designed well ! it will support different dial lay outs, so adaptable to Pilots ( weekdays ?) and Aquatimers with different sub dial placements.
To each tool group their own.

Sorry Roberto , i read to fast and missed your point.
I am a huge fan of the 3714, if the dial remains as it is and gets an cal 69xxx i will love it. !

I just hope the movement is not a "rip off" from sellita or seiko. Why make it top secret when every makers can't wait to showcase their movements?

A picture of the the new 33 jewel chrono movement is visible on the first page of this document (along with some of the other new movements):

multimedia.photopress.ch/Download.do;jsessionid=462C208393D4D5BE456B8A25CAFF95D1?oid=165497

From what I can gather from the picture, the 33 jeweled 69000 column wheel chronograph will be adjusted to five positions, will have a ball bearing rotor with bi-directional winding for a 50 hour power reserve. Beating at 28,800 BPH the chrono will have a resolution of 1/4th of a second.

From the looks of it, I think this is a whole new movement. IWC has already released some information about the movement to whet our appetites. We'll have to wait for the rest till it is cased and released.

I hope the Aquatimer Chrono will also shift to this movement... hopefully in a 40-42 mm steel case and without the thingy at 9 o'clock, be it a pusher-based bezel-turning mechanism like that of the 3719 or an outer bezel like on the 3767... maybe in 2017, in the year the first AT will turn 50... :)

Since IWC has already announced the existence of of a 69 series chronograph, we might see their introduction soon...maybe even this year...in a pilot on inge maybe?