No. 2 - How to adjust the date on a mechanical watch

Welcome back to the series of Timepiece assembling tutorials! If this is your first time visiting this blog, it is recommended for you to start with the first step: Installing and Removing the dial with the TMI Movement. If not, we will continue the second step with the Instruction No.2 - How to adjust the date on a mechanical watch - Steve Muller Timepiece DIY

Video Instruction

The Role of the Crown

The crown of your watch plays a pivotal role in setting the time and date. However, the specific functions of the crown can vary depending on the watch's design.

• Screw Down Crown: Some watches feature a screw-down crown. In such cases, you'll need to unscrew the crown before making any adjustments.

• Crown Positions: The crown can have three or two positions, contingent on whether your watch houses a date watch movement.

  • Fully Pulled Out: When you pull the crown all the way out, you'll be in the time-setting position.

  • Hacking Function: If your watch utilizes an NH36 movement, it likely has a hacking function. This function stops the second hand when you're setting the time, allowing for more precise adjustments.

  • Fully Pushed In: Pushing the crown all the way in places the movement in the winding position. This is where you can manually wind up the movement.

• Winding Your Watch: To ensure your watch maintains power, it's recommended to wind it approximately 20 to 40 times. This action will provide a full power reserve, typically lasting at least 40 hours.

Adjusting the Date

Now, let's delve into the specifics of adjusting the date on your mechanical watch. This step is crucial, especially if your watch has been dormant for an extended period, and you're unsure whether it's currently displaying 10 AM or 10 PM.

1. Position the Hour Hand: Start by setting the hour hand to the 12 o'clock position on your watch's dial.

2. Check the Date Transition: Observe the date on your watch. If it doesn't transition immediately, it should be around noon and not midnight. In this scenario, you can proceed with adjusting the date.

3. Triggering the Date Transition: To trigger the date transition, set the time forward. As you approach midnight (12 AM), the day will automatically jump.

4. Fine-Tuning the Date: Continue setting the time until the day jumps a second time automatically. Now, you can manipulate the crown to adjust both the day and date.

   • Rotate Up: Turn the crown upwards to adjust the day.

   • Rotate Down: To adjust the date, rotate the crown downwards.

5. No Hands, No Date: For watches without hands, it's advisable not to set the date unless you're certain the date mechanism is activated. This will prevent any unintentional adjustments.

6. Understanding the Rotor: The prominent rotating part on the back of your watch movement is called the rotor. It's responsible for winding the watch as you move throughout the day.

7. Maintaining Proper Winding: Some individuals have a habit of removing their watches while working or have lifestyles that result in minimal wrist movement. This can lead to insufficient winding.

   • To combat this issue, consider manually winding your watch in the morning when you put it on. A few rotations should suffice.

   • By following this practice, you can ensure your watch won't stop during the day or experience accuracy deviations exceeding 15 seconds.

8. Screw-Down Crown Reminder: If your watch features a screw-down crown, don't forget to push it back to the default postion to maintain your watch's water resistance.

Stay tuned for more enlightening tutorials from Steve Muller Timepiece DIY!