Portuguese Chrono Classic Issue

I purchased a new Portugese Chrono Classic two weeks ago and absolutely loved it. What a beauty! I noticed, however, that activating the flyback pusher would often freeze the movement, requiring a second push to get it going again. Today, howvever, the flyback feature became even more erratic. The movement would freeze and the chrono seconds hand was resetting anywhere from + or - 15 seconds of 0. I've taken it back to the AD who have been great. I know there have been a few past instances with this movement in the Spitfire, but I was hoping that the bugs had been worked out by now. Has anyone had this issue successfully resolved? Really hoping this is a relatively simple fix as it is such a stunner. Thanks for any and all replies.

I guess this is not what IWC likes to read but I have to admit this issue is still around. You can omit it (more or less) if you push the pusher straight downwards with enough force. As I am used to do now but yesterday managed to freeze it again too. I always assert now after pushing that the watch is still running. If not I push again. Sorry I have no better news.

There have been several threads in this forum on this topic that you can find with the search function.

Thanks Tilo. I could live with the occassional freeze, but mine went well beyond that. I'm really hoping that they can get the watch in running order as in less than 2 weeks it has become one of my favorites.

The AD was kind enough to order me a new replacement watch. Has anyone recently purchased a watch with the 89631 movement and, if so, is the fly back functioning correctly? Conversely, to those that have sent back their watch for repair, is your flyback function now working properly? Or does one simply have to accept to a slightly buggy movement? I guess I'll find out if this issue is endemic to all new watches with this movement or if mine was in the minority of watches coming off the line. Alternatively, if IWC has a repair solution I'd patiently wait to get it sorted out. Sorry for all the questions, but I am desperate to find a solution where I can remain an owner of this beauty!

Hello seaswirl,

I own a Spitfire with the same movement (89365). Bought it in june 2014.
Never had any poblems with the fly back function. Its a very accurate movement and i love it!
Greetings Joep

Thanks Joe! That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

My AD explained to me that it is very important to push the reset or stop button with enough power and in 1 motion, to make it function properly. I tried it myself with a soft pus of the button and this resulted in a incomplete return of the chrono hands of the portuguese chrono classic.
Since i use a firm push on the button it has Always functioned correctly.

The same conclusion is reached in other treads, search for flyback + freezing, or spitfire + flyback. But it keeps coming up and it doesnt have to be a problem.
To use the column wheel correctly it has to be turned/moved fully to its new position to activate the a function. So push firmly otherwise the wheel does not make a full turn and the lever that is has to move by turning will not reset/stop the hands correctly.
It is a beautiful and very refined mechanism, the main reason i got one myself, and it works 100% as long as i push the button firmly.

I agree with the statement that the chrono buttons have to be pushed firmly to let the chrono function properly. It feels a bit scary maybe, not too refined, but this is what it is. I have one question though: does the movement get damaged whe not properly pushing the buttons? Or is the problem resolved without future problems when starting to push the buttons hard? I assume the movement just enters a next cycle and that starting to push the upper button hard to start the chrono, then again pushing that button hard to stop the chrono, then pushing the lower button hard to reset the chrono is all that is needed to have a perfectly functioning, not damaged movement. Agree?

Kind regards,
Paul

In my case, the movement definitely was or became damaged. The chrono would no longer reset to 0 at all, and the fly back function completely stopped working. I read the prior threads about giving the fly back pusher a firm push, which I thought I was doing. I can't imagine pushing it harder. I'm encouraged that there are others who have this movement without any problems.

Replacement came today! So far, the fly back has been working fine. Fantastic AD and I am grateful that IWC stood behind their product. I'm going to put the watch through its paces over the next week so fingers crossed.

Good for you. Mine has the same issue as you as mentioned in the link below.
www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/67527/

Still waiting for them to get back to me.

Good luck Zhen. Please let me know how it works out.

Thanks SEASWIRL. Replied in [my post...](www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/67527/?page=2#post_527908)

Update: Its been a little over two weeks since I got the replacement watch, and it has been working just fine. The flyback has been working with no issues. Interestingly, the flyback pusher is less stiff than the original. Not sure if this is just a coincidence. I am enjoying this watch and appreciate that IWC and its AD stood behind their product. Hope I didn't jinx myself!

Hi Seaswirl,

Hmm, I did ask some of the technical questions to the IWC Retail Manager and he mentioned that the watch is handmade & assembled with more than 200++ parts. So I guess it's unlikely to have every watch the same pusher? Feel free to share a photo of you watch if possible. :)

If not mistaken, I would be collecting my CF3 this weekend, hopefully the flyback issue will be resolved.

I spoke too soon... Flyback froze the watch twice today. Massively disappointed. I guess it is what it is and either I learn to accept it or get something else.

Hmm... okay, what is the probability that you get the movement freeze? Like 1 freeze out of 10 times flyback button pushed?

I think you should send it back for service, I would definitely not accept this defect for IWC watches if this happen often. It's meaningless to spend more than 10k for something that can't even tell time.

So far it is quite rare. I've had the replacement watch for just over two weeks and use the flyback about five times per day. The movement itself, however, has been keeping excellent time. I wonder if IWC has a fix for this? If so, then I may send it in under warranty. Otherwise, I may try for a store credit and go for another watch all together.

So what model are you getting? Feel free to update us your decision.

I'll probably move away from IWC. This whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. Such a beautiful watch, but I expect more at this price point.

it is a pity to hear that you are still having problems with the watch.
I hope iwc comes up with a good solution to this problem.
it would be unfortunate if you would go to a different brand, but I understand your decision.

'Pushing firmly' unfortunately does not always prevent the lock-up.

Hi Seaswirl,

I've picked up my replacement watch and meet up with the watch technician, you may click the link below for some advices.

[Click Here...](www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/67527/?page=2#post_528778)

I'm definitely understand how frustrated you are as I've faced the same problem as you do. Maybe you can bring the watch back to IWC for service or checking.