Alright, so I figured I’d share a bit about something I do pretty regularly – changing the time on my Rolex. It’s not rocket science, but there’s a way I go about it, and maybe someone will find it useful. It’s one of those little routines, you know?
Getting Started: The Crown
First thing’s first. My Rolex, like many, has a screw-down crown. That’s the little winder knob on the side. You can’t just pull it out straight away. So, the very first step I take is to unscrew it. I usually place the watch in my left hand, steady, and then with my right, I grip the crown and turn it counter-clockwise. Like you’re unscrewing a tiny bottle cap. I do this gently. No need to force anything with these things.
You’ll feel it kind of pop free after a few turns. That’s it, it’s unscrewed and usually in what folks call the first position. From here, I can typically wind the watch if it’s stopped, just by turning the crown clockwise.
Setting the Actual Time (and Date, if needed)
Now, for changing the time itself. I gently pull the crown out a bit further. You’ll often feel a little click. On my watch, this is the position for setting the time. The second hand usually stops, which is handy for getting it precise.
So, I turn the crown, and the hands move. I generally move the hands forward (clockwise) to get to the correct time. I find it’s good to go a few minutes past the actual time and then turn it back a tiny bit to settle the hands right on the minute mark I want. Just a little habit I’ve picked up.
If the date is off too, that’s usually handled by the crown in a specific position – often one click out from fully screwed in, before you pull it all the way out for the time. I turn the crown, and the date flips over. Now, a little something I always keep in mind, and it’s a good practice, is to try and avoid changing the date when the watch hands are somewhere between, say, 9 PM and 3 AM. I’ve always heard this is to guarantee smooth and precise date changes and protect the movement. So, if it’s in that zone, I’ll move the hands past 3 AM first, then set the date, then set the correct time.
Finishing Up: Super Important Step
Once I’ve got the time and date set just right, this next part is crucial. I push the crown all the way back in towards the case. You’ll feel it seat firmly. Again, gentle but firm does the trick.
Then, while pushing it in slightly, I start turning it clockwise. This screws the crown back down. I keep turning until it’s snug. Not crazy tight, mind you, just snug. This is super important because that’s what keeps the watch water-resistant. You really don’t want to forget this part.
And that’s pretty much my process. I give it a final look, make sure the second hand is sweeping along, and everything looks good. It becomes second nature after a while. Just a little mechanical ritual.
