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How to Set a Rolex Watch

31st Mar 2023

Setting up a Rolex watch might seem intimidating because the timepiece is so valuable, and the last thing you’d want to do is damage it. To avoid damage, it’s best that you inspect the type of watch you’ve invested in to see if there are specific nuances. If you’ve invested in a men’s Rolex watch or a women’s Rolex, the style matters when you’re tinkering with changing the date or time.

Rolex wristwatch model cosmograph daytona oyster perpetual superlative chronometer with black ceramic bezel stainless steel body

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Excelling in Function and Features

Founded in 1905 in London, England, by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex produces many of the world’s most coveted timepieces. Now based in Geneva, Switzerland, this company continues to provide finely crafted luxury watches with prices that start in the thousands and top out in the millions.

Rolex watches are built to be fashion-forward yet classic and timeless. They are also loaded with practical, functional features. For example, many Rolex timepieces, like the pre-owned Submariner, have a built-in compass so that you can always know what direction you are heading.

If you travel frequently or conduct business with others in several time zones, Rolex watches, like the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 BLNR, also allow you to set various time zones on the same watch. Based on the type of Rolex it is, you could have two to three time zones at hand.

 ROLEX WATCH GMT-MASTER II MODEL 116710 CERAMIC BEZEL BATMAN BATGIRL

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When you invest in a Rolex watch, you’ll typically enjoy high-quality materials such as sapphire crystal in the timepiece. And Rolex is the only watch company that produces its own gold. Another standard for this brand is the quick set date function. By simply turning the watch’s crown, you can set the date.

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How to Set the Date and Time on Different Rolexes

To set the date feature on a watch like the Rolex Datejust Black Roman Dial P16014BRJ or the Rolex Yellow Gold President Day Date 40 228238 CX, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps.

Close-up, shallow focus image of a famous, Swiss manufactured men's diving watch showing detail

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First, locate the crown of the watch. Typically, the crown is the small round button on the watch’s right side. Unscrew the crown by turning it several times. Some models need at least 30 to 40 turns before it releases. Once you’ve unscrewed the crown, it is in the first position. Depending on the type of watch, you can adjust the days of the week in the counterclockwise direction when you’re in the first position. Once you’ve completed that adjustment, turn the mechanism clockwise to set the month’s date.

Next, pull the crown out to the second position. There, you can adjust the clock to the actual time and set if it’s a.m. or p.m. Once you’ve adjusted the date and time, push in and screw the crown until it’s tightly wound again. Once you’ve secured the crown, enjoy the accurate date and time feature on your watch.

Setting the Date by Turning to the Previous Day

Another approach to setting the date and time on a Rolex involves starting by turning the date to the previous day. For example, if it’s the 10th of the month, you’ll want to set the date to the 9th. Once you set the date, move the crown to the second position and set the time. When you change the time on the watch and move it forward, it’ll naturally change the date to go to the 10th of the month. This method will give you the most accurate reading of your desired date and time.

Conclusion

When you own a Rolex, you have an amazing watch that holds its value and may even appreciate over time. In addition to accurate time and date tracking, many Rolex watches offer handy features that offer practical, everyday uses. By following the tips above, you can set it for the best timekeeping possible.