How to Set the Time and Date on a Rolex

Owning a Rolex is more than just owning a timepiece embedded in the rich, vibrant hues of the luxury Swiss horology; owning a piece picked from some of the finest pieces of Swiss artistry and finesse, Rolex is a testament to elegance, craftsmanship, timeless style and a statement of luxury, precision. However, enthusiasts and collectors, though appreciating every creation from the brand, wanting their timepiece to function flawlessly and remain accurate, are still unsure, finding themselves clueless, still perplexed about the correct way to set date and time on a Rolex. Be it a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, getting into the intricacies and discovering how to adjust your watch is essential for maintaining its functionality and protecting its minute mechanisms. 

The guide explores every step to guide you into everything you need to know to decipher how to set a time and date on a Rolex. Whether it’s the iconic Datejust, the ultra-complex Day-Date, or the versatile GMT-Master II, we ensure, by the time you near the end of the article, you are well-versed in adjusting your Rolex, ensuring it’s always on time and looking its best.

Setting the Time and Date on a Rolex Watch

It becomes of the utmost importance to unfurl the very minute detail, familiarizing yourself with the crown(a tiny little knob on the side of the case). A key to adjusting your Rolex is going in-depth and understanding all minor details. How to use it will depend on the model specifications. Always handle the crown carefully, as it is a precision component.

Before diving into the specifics, familiarize yourself with the crown positions on your Rolex:

• Position 0: Crown screwed down (locked) to ensure water resistance.

• Position 1: Crown unscrewed for manual winding.

• Position 2: Crown pulled out one click for date setting.

• Position 3: Crown pulled out two clicks for the time setting.

1. Winding Your Rolex

Rolex, engineered to perfection with the finest elements of prestigious Swiss horology incorporated with a keen attention to detail, this classic masterpiece is powered by automatic movement. This means a Rolex winds itself when worn. However, if the watch has not been worn for a couple of days, the power reserve might deplete, leading to it being manually wound. Follow these steps to wind your Rolex safely:

• Unscrewing the Crown: Turning the crown counterclockwise, doing it till the time the crown pops out to the first position.

• Wind your Rolex: To wind the mainspring, the crown needs to be rotated for about 30-40 rotations. Do not overwind; you will start feeling the resistance when the watch reaches its winding potential.

• Push and Screw Back: The crown needs to be pushed and screwed back. Remember, press the crown gently and screw it in to maintain the watch’s water resistance.

Pro Tip: Always wind your Rolex before setting the time or date to ensure consistent movement.

2. Time Setting

• The Crown to Move to the Second Position: Now that you are done with the winding, you must pull the crown to the second position. The second hand will stop moving.

• Rotate the Crown: Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hands to the correct time. When setting the time, be mindful of AM and PM.

• Push the Crown Back: Once you have adjusted to the correct time, push the crown back into the case and lock it with clockwise turns. 

Key Takeaway: if the watch has accidentally stopped, your primary focus should be adjusting the time first and the date afterwards. Avoid turning the hands backward to reduce wear on the movement.

3. Date Setting

For those iconic Rolex models adorned with Swiss grace and charm, known for their precision engineering, fine craftsmanship, attention to specifics, and unbeatable accuracy, here are methods to set your Date properly. 

• Pull the Crown(to the first position): Gently pull out the crown to the first click after winding.

• Counterclockwise Turning of the Crown: The crown must be rotated to adjust the date. Stay cautious, do not intervene, and change the date when in the “danger zone” period. The time ranges typically between 9AM and 3PM; the watch’s date-change mechanism is engaged during this period, and manual adjustment can damage the movement.  

Pro Tip: If unsure whether the hands indicate AM or PM, move them past 12 o’clock. If the date changes, it’s midnight, not noon.

4. Quickset vs. Non-Quickset Models

• Quickset Models: Quickset date functions on modern Rolex watches facilitate changing the date on this classic Swiss masterpiece without changing the time. The Quickset Date function, allowing you to not move the hour and minute hand and still adjust the date, brings versatility. The luxury watchmaker introduced the feature with the Datejust line in 1977, alongside the Caliber 3035 movement.

• Non-Quickset Models: For older models that lack the proficiency of a Quickset function, the hands need to be turned through a 24-hour cycle to change the date manually. Although the process is longer, it ensures precision and accuracy.

Notes for Collectors:

For vintage Rolex models, consult a professional like On Demand Luxe, a trusted retailer specializing in premium unworn and pre-owned Swiss luxury watches, to learn about the nuances of your specific timepiece.

Setting the Time for a Non-Date Rolex(Rolex Oyster Perpetual)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual, for instance, incorporated the self-winding movement, so if the watch has remained non-functional for around two days, you will likely have to wind it down manually before you can reset the time. These fully wound Rolexes will hold power for nearly two days. Setting the time for non-date models like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is relatively straightforward.

• Pull the Crown(to the second position): The second has stops for a precise time setting. 

• Rotating the Crown: The crown is to be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The hands are adjusted to the desired time. 

• Screw in the Crown: Push and screw the crown in. Once the hours are adjusted, the crown, after being pushed, is screwed in via a clockwise movement. Remember, your case’s waterproofing is vulnerable if you do not screw the crown in properly. Moisture, dust, and dirt are sure to accumulate and damage the movement. 

Watch Reference #: 1002, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1010, 1014, 1018, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1030, 1038, 114300, 116000, 116034, 176200, 176210, 176234, 177200, 177210, 177234, 6085, 6103, 6177, 6202, 6284, 6532, 6546, 6548, 6549, 6551, 6552, 6556, 6564, 6565, 6567, 6569, 6580, 6582, 6584, 6590, 6618, 6623, 6634, 6718, 6719, 6723, 6724, 67180, 67183, 67188, 67193, 67194, 67197, 67198, 67230, 67233, 67243, 76030, 76080, 76094, 76180, 76183, 76188, 76193, 76198, 76243, 77080, 77014, 77518, 14203, 14203M, 14208, 14208M, 14233, 14238

NOTE:

Non-Date Rolex models are as elegant as they are simple. A favorite amongst Rolex enthusiasts and collectors, these quintessential pieces of timeless luxury are aesthetic.

Adjusting the Time, Date, and Day on a Rolex Day-Date

Known for its exclusive status, elegance, and elite stature, the Rolex Day-Date is renowned for its iconic designs, garnished with rich Swiss elegance. It has gained the much-coveted status of being associated with visionaries and world leaders. Also known as the President, here’s how to set the date, time, and day in this celebrated collection. 

A little more complicated to set, comprising a separate window for the day of the week and the date, here’s how to get started with things:

1. Setting the Date

• Pull the Crown(to the first position): The date is adjusted by turning the crown clockwise. 

• Avoid the Danger Zone: Avoid making changes between 9 PM and 3 AM, like any date function.

2. The Day Setting

• Crown turned Counterclockwise: Unlike the date, the day is set by turning the crown counterclockwise, that is, in the opposite direction. Turn the hands backward until the correct day of the week is displayed.

• Note the Language: The Day-Date is available in multiple languages, so ensure you set the correct day for your desired language.

3. Setting the Time

• Pull the Crown(to second position): The watch's design adjusts the hour and minute hands well to fit. 

• Refer to a Time Source: Rolex recommends using an official time source to refer to or give an accurate check. This could be a radio signal or an atomic clock.

4. Crown to be Returned

Once all the adjustments have been made, you can very carefully push the crown back and screw it in. Once screwed in, the crown ensures high water resistance. 

Watch Reference(Non-Quickset)#: 1802, 1803, 1804, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1831, 6511, 6611

Watch Reference(Single-Quickset)#: 18026, 18028, 18029, 18038, 18039, 18046, 18049, 18078, 18079

Watch Reference(Double Quickset)#: 118135, 118138, 118139, 118205, 118206, 118208, 118209, 118235, 118238, 118239, 118296, 118338, 118339, 118346, 118348, 118366, 118388, 118389, 118395, 118398, 118399, 128235, 128238, 128239, 128345, 128348, 128349, 18206, 18208, 18238, 18239, 18248, 18249, 18296, 18308, 18338, 18346, 18348, 18349, 18366, 18368, 18378, 18388, 18389, 18946, 18948, 18956, 18958, 218206, 218235, 218238, 218239, 218348, 218349, 218398, 218399, 228206, 228235, 228238, 228239, 228345, 228348, 228349, 228396, 228398

NOTE:

Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues while setting your Day

Adjusting a GMT Rolex (GMT-Master II or Explorer II)

Rolex’s GMT models are designed for travelers, offering the ability to track multiple time zones. Here’s how to use this feature:

1. Setting the Time

• Pull the Crown to the Second Position: Rotate the hour and minute hands to set the local time. Unscrew counterclockwise to unlock. Stay hung onto the crown until you reach position 3.

• Setting the Date: Pull the Crown to the First Position. Rotate it clockwise to adjust the date.

• Setting the Second Time Zone(24-hour hand): The independent 24-hour hand marker is set via the initial position of the crown. The hand shows the watch’s versatility, seamlessly tracking another time zone while traveling. 

Watch Reference(Non-Quickset)#: 1675, 6542

Watch Reference(Quickset)#:16700, 16713, 16750, 16753, 16758

Pro Tip: Align the 24-hour bezel with the GMT hand to read the second time zone effortlessly. 

Conclusion

More than a mere timepiece, adorning the timeless elegance and draped in the Swiss luxuriousness, Rolex is an icon deep in prestigious watchmaking. It is a masterpiece crafted with meticulous artistry, with every piece in the iconic collection ready to charm with the resplendence of eminent Swiss horology.  Every watch here has to be handled with utmost care, and the guidelines associated with each of them have to be strictly adhered to. Whether you’re a new Rolex owner or adding to your collection, resources like On Demand Luxe can help you make informed decisions, from purchasing your next timepiece to properly maintaining it. Conveniently headquartered in Miami, FL, On Demand Luxe offers a curated selection of unworn and pre-owned Rolex watches. Visit On Demand Luxe today to explore their collection or consult their experts.