IWC 387802 - Movement Problems

Hello Commununity;

I'm about to get an IWC 387802 as a trade (with upgrade) for my 3777; I got a very fair trade for my Pilot Chrono but now, before closing the deal, I've started to do some research about the new watch, and I've found very different opinions; but the most scary ones are related to the movement the watch is equipped with. Some people say that when they started the flyback function the watch freezed. I havent found any recent posts (the newest one is from 2013), and that makes me wonder two things, is it that IWC solved the problem and thats why I dont find any recent complaints about the watch? or is just that they dont make it anymore?

Please help me with the following questions:

1- When was the last year IWC produced the watch reference 3878?
2- Can someone tell me how can I be sure that my watch doesn't come with the problem (beyond activating the flyback function a lot before leaving the AD)?
3- Is it possible that the problem was fixed by IWC?

Thanks a lot

I suspect you read a lot of posts from a few vocal people. Also, you'll only read when people have a negative experience vs a positive.

I would say if you love the watch, move forward.

Thanks Tonny and Slash... positive experiences, I do love the watch.

I'll let you know...

If you are into manufacture calibers you'll do the upgrade. If your perference is above all a trustful workhorse movement you will not upgrade. If some functions are important for you you'll decide on that: if you really need fly-back you'll upgrade. If you often time short intervals you won't upgrade (30 divisions of the circle is better visible than 60). If you need weekday feature and/or 12 hours chrono counter you won't upgrade. If cost and maintenance cost difference is important for you you won't upgrade. If you prefer the more elegant slate-grey dial you will upgrade. If you prefer easy reading of the mat black dial you won't upgrade.
So it depends on quite a few things - not easy to advice. I think I'd wait for the new cal. 69xxx-driven Fliegerchrono - caliber already in the pipeline.
Best,
Robert

I have my 3878 since 2012 and wear it quite often. The watch has zero problems and is constantly running within +2s/day. The flyback chrono function also is without any fault. I can only recommend this watch.

Thanks a lot for your responses... Roberto and JBW. Roberto, the truth is that I dont "need" any of the functions provided by the 387802, if I did, I'd use the same 50-buck Casio I wear for the gym, is just a matter of upgrading my watch.

JBW, the watch looks awesome on that strap!!!
Again, thanks a lot for your responses... let u know

Hi JFER,
I had one of 'those' Spitfires. IWC eventually replaced it. I sat down one day with the AD manager after numerous visits and all 3 the 3878s in his stock exhibited the same range of 'issues' - some so faint you had to be pedantic to notice it... Regardless, I have made peace with the movement because it is one stunning piece!

I had the same issue on my Portugese Chrono Classic and returned it. The replacement watch has the same issue. I simply stopped using the fly back feature as I like the watch so much otherwise. Also, unless one has a photographic memory, a fly back really isn't all that necessary. Anyone know why they discontinued the 3878? It was/is a beauty.

I still have my Spitfire and the flyback works without any issues.

I suspect - but this is only a my personal opinion, not backed with any actual research nor do I claim the following being the actual cause - that the issue MIGHT come with people "being afraid of pushing the button". It's a mechanical device and you need to be decisive about interfere with it and forcing the wheels to to do what you want (fly back) and not what it is currently doing (measuring time). If you "tickle" it, that doesn't do any good. If you press it fast a firm, it works.

Just go for that watch. Should there still be a problem, IWC will fix it anyway.

Not in my case. The first watch became inoperable and would no longer reset to + or - 20 seconds of 0. I have other chronos, but I have never had an issue activating a pusher. In the end though, IWC stepped up and I kept the replacement despite being offered a full refund. It's just that good looking. Also, asides from the fly back, the movement has been very accurate.

I agree with your thoughts Marian.