An automatic watch is a fine mechanical timepiece that will function properly for a long time with proper care and handling. This guide will provide the steps required to get started wearing your watch and to care for it for years to come.
SETTING YOUR AUTOMATIC WATCH (WITH DATE)
Screwed-down position (position 0):
Crown is screwed down completely against the case. Crown must be in this position to ensure it is water resistant.
Manual winding (position 1):
Crown is unscrewed. Turn the crown clockwise to manually wind the watch. If the watch has stopped, perform 20-30 turns to partially wind it. The movement of your arm while you wear the watch will continue to wind it.
Setting the date (position 2):
Crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the first notch. Turn the crown clockwise to set the date (some watches may also allow you to turn the crown counterclockwise to set the date in the opposite direction). Avoid setting the date when the watch is between 9PM and 3AM. The watch’s date mechanism has begun to automatically change the date and could become damaged during this time if the date is manually set.
Setting the time (position 3):
Crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the second notch. The second hand will stop in this position. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the time. To distinguish between AM and PM, turn the hour hand past 12 o’clock. If the date changes, it’s midnight.
SETTING YOUR AUTOMATIC WATCH (WITHOUT DATE)
Screwed-down position (position 0):
Crown is screwed down completely against the case. Crown must be in this position to ensure it is water resistant.
Manual winding (position 1):
Crown is unscrewed. Turn the crown clockwise to manually wind the watch. If the watch has stopped, perform 20-30 turns to partially wind it. The movement of your arm while you wear the watch will continue to wind it.
Setting the time (position 2):
Crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the second notch. The second hand will stop in this position. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the time. To distinguish between AM and PM, turn the hour hand past 12 o’clock. If the date changes, it’s midnight.
SETTING YOUR AUTOMATIC WATCH
(APPLIES TO ROLEX MODELS 1500, 1501, 1503, 1601, 1603, 6517, 6916, 6917)
Screwed-down position (position 0): Crown is screwed down completely against the case. Crown must be in this position to ensure it is water resistant.
Manual winding (position 1):
Crown is unscrewed. Turn the crown clockwise to manually wind the watch. If the watch has stopped, perform 20-30 turns to partially wind it. The movement of your arm while you wear the watch will continue to wind it.
Setting the time and date (position 2):
Crown is unscrewed and pulled out to the second notch. The second hand will stop in this position. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the time and date. The date will change at midnight. The time can be set once the correct date has been reached. Be sure to distinguish between AM and PM, moving past 12 o’clock once for PM.
CARE AND HANDLING OF YOUR WATCH
- Clean your watch occasionally with a microfiber cloth to preserve its luster. You can also wash the case and bracelet from time to time using soapy water and a soft brush. Before cleaning your watch, be sure the crown is screwed down against the case to guarantee water resistance.
- If you wear your watch in the sea, it is important to rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt or sand deposits. Note that custom diamond watches with aftermarket bezels are not recommended to be worn in water as they may no longer be water resistant.
- Avoid extreme temperatures, generally below 32 degrees and above 140 degrees.
- Keeping your watch wound will ensure that all parts of the movement remain properly lubricated.
- Do not wind your watch while wearing it. This may put unnecessary tension on the winding stem and damage the watch’s movement.
- Avoid magnets, which can damage delicate parts of the watch movement.
