Chronograph question - 89361 vs 69380

Please forgive my limited knowledge of automatic movements but I have a question about the these two movements found in different genentations of Pilot's Ceramic Chronograph models.

The 89361 is found in the older IW389001 (circa 2016) and has the following features:

• IWC-manufactured movement
• Automatic, self-winding
• 68 hours Power Reserve
• Frequency 28800.0 VPH (4.0 Hz)
• 299 Components
• 38 Jewels
• Cotes de Geneve

The 69380 is found in the current IW389101 which is the contemporary version of the older 389001. It has the following features:

• IWC-manufactured movement
• Automatic, self-winding
• 46 hours Power Reserve
• Frequency 28'800 VPH (4 Hz)
• 242 Components
• 33 Jewels

It seems to me that the older 89361 superior; much longer PR, more jewels, Cotes de Geneve finishing and Flyback function. Both watches had a similar MSRPs.

Am I missing something or has IWC essentially downgraded the movement on the newer model?

Thank you for the reply. I understand what you are saying regading why a manufacturer might choose one movement over the other to assist them in the production process, hit a certain retail market price point for a watch, etc. My interest is in trying to understand if one movement is technically superior to the other, or if they are more or less equals but with different strenghts and weaknesses.

Rob,

to give you a proper reply: the 89361 is from the 89xxx familiy which is the IWC Flyback Chronograph introduced in 2007 with the new Da Vinci line in the tonneau shaped case and used in many cool watches since then. It features a flyback Chronograph, 68 hours of power resevere, etc.

That the watch with the new and less sophisticated movement might be the same price point is another thing. Prices have increased but also the 89xxx watches are more expensive now. But Forum guidelines say we shall not discuss prices here. So I don't want to elaborate this more here.

Sorry, but the 69380 is an IWC movement. Not a Valjoux. I think AlexanderJohn is another bot. Thanks for removing, Tonny.

I appreciate your response. Regarding why a manufacturer could select one movement over another to help with production, reach a specific retail market pricing point for a watch, etc., I get what you're saying. My goal is to determine whether one movement is technically better than the other or whether they are roughly equal but have various advantages and disadvantages.

The 89361 and 69380 are both high-quality chronograph movements, but they differ in terms of design and functionality. The 89361 typically offers more advanced features such as a longer power reserve and improved precision, while the 69380 is a simpler, more affordable option with reliable performance. The choice depends on your preference for complexity versus value.