⌚ Guide to Setting your Watch
Whether you’ve just purchased a new timepiece or are adjusting one you've worn for years, setting your watch correctly ensures accuracy and longevity.
Watches can vary slightly depending on the movement (quartz, automatic, or mechanical) and features (date, chronograph, dual time zone, etc.), but most models follow a similar process.
⌚ Setting the Time (Standard Analogue Watches)
For most classic quartz or mechanical watches:
1. Gently pull out the crown (the small knob on the side of the watch) to the second position.
- First click = date setting (if applicable)
- Second click = time setting
2. Turn the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise (depending on your model) to move the hands to the correct time.
3. Push the crown back in firmly when done. This will start the movement again and ensure water resistance is maintained.
Tip: If your watch has a screw-down crown, gently unscrew it first before pulling it out. Be sure to screw it back in after setting to maintain water resistance.
🗓️ Setting the Date (For Date Display Watches)
1. Pull the crown to the first position (you’ll feel a light click).
2. Turn the crown until the correct date is shown.
3. Avoid setting the date between 9pm and 3am, as the internal date-change mechanism may already be engaged — setting during this time can damage the movement.
4. Push the crown back in after setting.
Note: Some watches may show the date as one day ahead or behind if the AM/PM cycle is not aligned. To fix this, rotate the hands past 12 noon and check if the date changes — adjust accordingly.
⏱ Chronograph Watches
If your watch features a chronograph (stopwatch) function:
- Top button (pusher) usually starts and stops the timer.
- Bottom button (pusher) resets the chronograph.
- The crown still controls time and date settings as above.
Refer to your specific brand’s instruction manual for advanced functions like split timing, flyback, or lap memory.
⚠️ Important Watch-Setting Tips
- Never force the crown or buttons — if it feels stuck or tight, stop and check the manual or contact us.
- After setting, always ensure the crown is pushed in and secured tightly to protect against dust and moisture.
- Avoid exposing your watch to magnetic fields or sudden shocks when setting the time.
- For automatic watches, give it a few gentle shakes or a wind (if manual-wind compatible) to get it running again before setting the time.
🔧 Need Assistance?
If you're unsure how to set your watch — especially if it includes special functions like moonphase, GMT, or perpetual calendar — we’re here to help.
Visit us in-store or contact our team for assistance with your specific model. We’re happy to walk you through it or assist in person.
