IWC 79230

The 79030 (and derivative 79230 and 79420) is an automatic chronograph rattrapante movement produced by IWC based on the Valjoux 7750 since 1991.

Details

The Valjoux 7750 movement was extremely important to the resurgence of IWC and the basic design remains in use today. The company has used it for many important innovations since the 1980's, including a perpetual calendar, rattrapante, and grande complication. The 7750 ebauche was used for the 790 family of movements and the basic architecture is the basis for today's 69000 family of movements.

IWC added a rattrapante mechanism to the basic 7750 ebauche in 1991. This would be the first mass-produced double chronograph in history, and was an important step in the resurgence of the brand. The complication was designed by Richard Habring, who would go on to design many important and innovative watch movements and to start his own brand. The Double Chronograph lasted in production to this day and the design has proliferated after the IWC patent expired in 2012.

Cal. 79030 started with a basic Valjoux 7750 before being disassembled by IWC. The original components are refinished and gold plated and the rattrapante mechanism is added. In 1996, IWC began changing the regulation system from the original Valjoux "fine regulator" to the Triovis system. This movement was renamed Cal. 79230. In 2012, the movement was again updated and is now known as Cal. 79420.

The only watch still using this movement as of 2019 is the Ref. 3718 Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph.

Applications

• 79030
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3711 (1992-1995)
• 79230
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3713 (1996-2005)
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3718 (2005-2011)
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3799 (2007-2011)
• 79420
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3718 (2011-present)
  • IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3765 (2011-2013)
  • IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph 3778 (2012-2016)

Description: Automatic rattrapante movement based on Valjoux 7750 Bi-directional winding Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 9:00 Chronograph with hour counter at 6:00 and minute counter at 12:00 Rattrapante hand with pusher at 10:00 Data: Ø 30 mm, 7.9 mm thick 29 jewels 21,600 A/h Power reserve 44 hours Production period: 1991-Present