How To Set Time on Rolex – A Comprehensive Guide

Changing the time on a Rolex is easy once you understand the basics.  There’s three main steps: unscrew the crown, pull it out to the correct position, and then turn it to move the hour and minute hands.  Of course, the exact steps you’ll need to follow vary depending on the model and whether it has a date or another complication, such as a GMT function.  We’ll cover it all in detail below.

Key Takeaways:

• Unwind the Crown: Rotate the crown counter-clockwise until it pops free (Position 0).
• Hacking Feature: When the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position, the seconds hand will stop (hack) on all modern movements, allowing for precise synchronization.
• Crown Position 2 (Date): For watches with a date function (Datejust, Submariner), this position changes the date quickly (Quick-Set).
• Crown Position 3 (Time): This is the outermost position used to manually rotate the hour and minute hands to set the time.
• Screw Down: Always fully screw the crown down clockwise afterward to ensure the Oyster case’s water resistance up to its certified depth.

Even if you’ve done it a hundred times, it pays to follow the correct procedure when setting a Rolex. It’s the easiest way to keep the movement protected and the watch performing at its best. And if this is your first Rolex, this guide will walk you though the process step by step. Below is the full step-by-step.

The Universal 5-Step Guide to Changing the Time on Any Rolex

The steps below apply to all Rolex Oyster Perpetual models, with or without a date. Here’s how to set the time properly.

1. Unwind the Crown (Position 0): Gently turn the crown counter-clockwise to unlock it from the case threads. You’ll feel the crown pop out slightly when it’s released.
2. Wind the Watch (Position 1 – Optional): If the watch has stopped or hasn’t been worn recently, turn the crown clockwise in this position approximately 40 times to add power to the mainspring.
3. Pull to Time-Setting Position (Position 3): Gently pull the crown out to its furthest position. The seconds hand should stop immediately, which is the hacking feature that allows for precise time synchronization.
4. Set the Time: Turn the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise to advance the time to the correct hour and minute. If you’re changing from PM to AM or vice versa, make sure to pass through 12 o’clock to ensure proper date function.
5. Secure the Crown (Position 0): Push the crown back in against the case and screw it down clockwise firmly. This seals the watch and restores its water resistance.

Understanding the Triplock Crown Positions

Crown Position	Action	Function	Applies to
Position 0 (Screwed Down)	Locked & Secure	Guarantees water resistance and protects the movement.	All Oyster Models
Position 1 (Unscrewed/Winding)	Hand-Winding	Manually winds the mainspring to power the watch.	All Models
Position 2 (First Notch/Date)	Quick-Set Date	Allows for rapid adjustment of the Date/Day wheel. (See warnings below)	Datejust, Submariner, Day-Date, Sky-Dweller
Position 3 (Second Notch/Time)	Time Setting (Hacking)	Stops the seconds hand and allows setting of the hours and minutes.	All Models

Changing the Time on Rolex Models: Date, No-Date, and Complications

Some Rolex models are simpler than others, especially when it comes to time and date settings. A quick understanding of your watch’s functions goes a long way in getting it set properly.

How to Set the Time on a No-Date Rolex (Oyster Perpetual, No-Date Submariner)

The Rolex no date is the easiest watch to set since there’s no additional complications.

1. Unscrew the Crown: Turn counter-clockwise until it pops out to Position 1.
2. Wind if Needed: Give the crown 30-40 clockwise rotations if the watch has stopped.
3. Pull to Time Position: Pull the crown out one more notch to Position 3. The seconds hand will stop.
4. Set the Time and Secure: Rotate the crown to set the correct time, push it back in, and screw it down clockwise.

How to Set the Time and Date on a Rolex Datejust or Submariner (Quick-Set)

Follow these steps if your watch has a date on the dial.

1. Unscrew and Wind: Release the crown and wind the watch if necessary (Position 1).
2. Pull to Time Position: Pull the crown out to Position 3 and set the time, making sure to advance past 12 o’clock at least once to establish the correct AM/PM.
3. Push to Date Position: Push the crown back in one notch to Position 2.
4. Quick-Set the Date: Rotate the crown to advance the date wheel to the correct day.
5. Screw Down: Push the crown all the way in and screw it down firmly.

Important Warning: Before setting the date on a Rolex, there are two things you should always keep in mind:

1. Rule 1 (Older Movements): Avoid using the Quickset date between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. During that window, the movement is already preparing to change the date, and forcing it can cause damage.
2. Rule 2 (Modern Movements, e.g., Calibre 3235): Even though modern Rolex movements are designed for everyday use, it’s still best to play it safe. Move the hands outside the “danger zone” first by setting the watch to around 6:00 AM, then use the Quickset date.

Adjusting the Time on a Rolex GMT-Master II (Traveler’s Watch)

The Rolex GMT-Master II uses a different time setting system for people who want to track more than one time zone.

1. Unscrew the Crown: Turn counter-clockwise to Position 1 and wind if necessary.
2. Rotate the Bezel: Rotate the 24-hour bezel so that the inverted triangle marker points to 12 o’clock.
3. Pull to First Notch (Position 2): This position allows the hour hand to jump independently in one-hour increments. Use this to set your local time without affecting the 24-hour hand or minute hand. You can adjust the date from this position as well.
4. Pull to Second Notch (Position 3): This position moves all hands simultaneously. Use this when you need to set the 24-hour hand (home time) or perform a complete time reset.
5. Screw Down: Always push the crown back in and screw it down to maintain water resistance.

The GMT-Master II’s jumping hour hand feature lets you quickly adjust to new time zones without disturbing your reference time on the 24-hour hand. We have a full guide on what is a GMT watch for more details.

Essential Tips & Watch Care: The Do’s and Don’ts of Rolex Time Setting

Here’s a few tips to keep your watch in top shape while setting the time.

DO:

• Use the hacking feature to set the time exactly to a reliable time source like an atomic clock or smartphone.
• Ensure the crown is screwed down firmly to secure the water resistance rating.
• Advance the time past midnight before setting the date if you’re unsure of the watch’s current AM/PM status.

DON’T:

• Force the crown or pull it too hard. The crown positions require only a gentle touch.
• Use the quick-set date feature if the hour hands are positioned between 9 PM and 3 AM, or first move the time outside this zone.
• Frequently adjust the time backward unless necessary. If you must, rotate the hands slowly and gently.

While the general process for setting the time on a Rolex watch remains consistent across most models, certain watches may have slight variations or additional steps due to their unique features and complications. Refer to the list below for model-specific instructions.

• How to set time on Datejust
• How to set Rolex Date
• How to set Rolex Oyster Perpetual
• How to set Rolex Submariner
• How to set Rolex Sea Dweller
• How to set Air-King
• How to set Yacht-Master
• How to set Sky-Dweller
• How to set Milgauss

Mastering Your Rolex Crown: Time Setting Made Easy

Setting the time on a Rolex is simple once you learn each of the crown’s positions and functions. It’s an essential skill that comes with owning a mechanical watch. Doing it correctly ensures your watch maintains the precision Rolex expects from every timepiece it produces, and, with practice, it will become second nature.

Remember, screwing the crown back into the case after setting the time is the single most important step because it reseals the case.  This step protects the movement from dust and moisture.  Along with regular recommended servicing, your watch will read true for many generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if the watch has stopped or hasn’t been worn for a day or more. Give the crown 30-40 full clockwise rotations in Position 1 to make sure the movement has enough power reserve before setting the time.There are three main functional positions: Position 1 (Winding), Position 2 (Quick-Set Date, for models with date complications), and Position 3 (Time Setting with hacking). Position 0 is when the crown is fully screwed down against the case.While modern Rolex movements can handle backward adjustment, it’s mechanically smoother to advance the hands clockwise (forward) to set the time. If you must adjust backward, do so slowly and gently to avoid unnecessary stress on the movement.