New Big Pilot, interesting observation

Hi All, new to the forum but have owned IWCs for over 10 years.  I recently picked up a brand new Big Pilot with the new 52110 caliber movement.  I noticed something very unique with this new piece when adjusting the time, if I turn the time backwards (counter clockwise) the second hand moves backwards from it's stopped position and then returns to it's original position when the crown is released.  Only happend when adjusting time backwards.  I was wondering why IWC built this characteristic into this new movement?

Welcome to the Forum.
I’m not that familiar with the new movement but generally when the seconds hand is driven backwards, it is due to a tight cannon pinion. 
This may or may not ease with time. 

The cannon pinion allows the hands to “slip” on the post of the mechanical drive, so we can adjust the time. 

I’m confident that there is nothing wrong with your watch. 

If you want a finite answer to the paticular behaviour of the BP calibre 52110,it's best that you contact SCHAFFHAUSEN directly,since most,if not all  boutique staff,have very limited,in my experience, knowledge about IWC watches. In the mean time, don't wind your watch anti-clockwise.
Regards, Kenneth.
BP5004-01

Thank you all for the comments.  Interestingly I played with the same big Pilot at the the boutique before purchasing mine from a different AD, and they both did the same thing in terms of the second hand jumping backwards when setting the time in reverse.

In anycase I took your collective advise and emailed IWC service to confirm this is in fact normal.  If it's not normal then what are the odds that 2 out of 2 pilots I handled had the same flaw LOL!

I'll circle back with an updarte once I get feedback from IWC.

Best
Art

It’s true. Rob, the in-house watchmaker at the London boutique is always on hand to answer these sorts of questions. Exceptionally knowledgeable and a really great guy as well.  

quick update, receveid the following reply from the service center:

"In regards to your inquiry, our watchmaker has advised that what you are experiencing is the backwards setting action of the hands transmitting a reversing power through the train in the backlash of the gears, which is perfectly normal for the 52110 movement in your timepiece."

doesn't explain exactly why they engineered it this way, but sounds like there is no slack in the new movement.  I know the older movements required the minute hand to be dialed back a bit to take up the slack, otherwise the minute hand wouldn't start to tick immediately. 

That's good news!!

If it makes you feel better, my BP Safari IW501007 (with the same movement) does that exact same thing!!! So 3 for 3. I had been meaning to contact service myself but I kept getting distracted.....

thanks for that!  seems like this new 52110 movement has some interesting characteristics.  My only thought is that IWC has geared this to have zero slack in the movement to help keep the minute and second hand in sync at all times.  Anyway, good to know it's normal and doesn't require service.