IWC BP 5002 Service: Power Reserve Issue

Costa (aka Connie) · 2021-09-25T02:02:02Z

IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002 power reserve indicator not returning to zero? Explore collector insights on this common service issue, winding techniques, and movement specifics.

Costa (aka Connie)

WPS member · IWC forum

31 replies6309 views1 photos

Costa (aka Connie) brings a critical service issue to light concerning his IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002, specifically a persistent problem with the power reserve indicator not returning to zero after multiple service attempts. This thread delves into the nuances of IWC's 7-day power reserve movements, offering valuable insights for owners experiencing similar issues and highlighting the complexities of diagnosing and resolving such technical quirks.

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I sent it back once for this problem after the initial service. It still does not go to zero.

What do I do. ? Send it ba k again ?
Thanks
Galen

Key Points from the Discussion

IWC's 7-day movements are essentially 8-day movements with a mechanism designed to stop them after 7 days, utilizing a 'Y' shaped clutch on the mainspring that engages the barrel's inner circumference. Overwinding or continuous wear after the indicator shows full can cause the spring to slip while the power reserve hand is maxed out.
An IWC Authorized Dealer clarified that after the power reserve reaches the 7-day mark, an additional 8 full rotations of the crown are required to fully charge the reserve, a procedure not mentioned in manuals or AD training.
The power reserve indicator should register zero when the watch is completely discharged, and if it doesn't, it indicates an internal movement issue requiring professional repair.
For watches with a mainspring clutch, such as 8-day Panerais and the IWC 7-day automatic, it's common practice to 'overwind' until the clutch audibly 'clicks over,' rather than solely relying on the power reserve gauge.
A similar issue with a Portuguese 5007 was resolved by fully winding the watch (to full reserve plus 7 additional turns) and then allowing it to run down completely, which corrected the sticking power reserve indicator for eight years.
After a second service, the power reserve indicator on the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002 began registering zero when the watch stopped, indicating the issue was potentially resolved.

The Discussion

bchankai

Sep 25, 2021

I had a similar issue with a brand new Portuguese 5007 and had a moment of sadness/rage, but a watchmaker friend advised me to give it a full wind (wind to full reserve plus 7 additional turns for whatever reason) and then letting it run down. Seemed to do the trick and it never stuck again through 8 years of ownership. Thanks, Brian

PalmSprings

Sep 25, 2021

Why does it need to go to 0?

Costa (aka Connie)

Sep 25, 2021

the power reserve goes to zero when completely discharged. That is the way the movement is supposed to work. If it does not then there is something wrong inside the movement. Ergo , it needs to go back and get fixed. Look at the pic below. Both of my BPs. Both not worn for a few weeks.

Costa (aka Connie)

Sep 25, 2021

I guess I will try that and see if it works. Thank you.

Costa (aka Connie)

Sep 25, 2021

I have purchased the other BP you see in the pic below , BP Petite Prince , brand new from my AD that sent the 5002 watch for service.

Costa (aka Connie)

Sep 25, 2021

Thanks for all the help. I hope it works

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