An automatic watch is a marvel of engineering, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Unlike quartz watches, which are battery-powered, automatic watches rely on the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to power the movement. While automatic watches are designed to keep accurate time, they can lose or gain a few seconds over time or stop running entirely if not worn regularly. Knowing how to set the time properly on your automatic watch is essential to keeping it running smoothly and accurately.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting the time on your automatic watch, along with some key tips to ensure you don’t accidentally damage its delicate mechanism.
Understanding How an Automatic Watch Works
An automatic watch is basically a mechanical watch powered by a rotor, a semicircular weight inside the watch that spins with the motion of your wrist. This spinning motion winds the mainspring, which stores energy and releases it gradually to power the watch. So the weight of the rotor spinning acts and mimics the same function as the winding of the crown, to essentially wind the tension in the Mainspring. The ticking sound you hear is the controlled release of the tension in the Mainspring.
When an automatic watch is not worn for a day or two, the mainspring can lose its stored energy, causing the watch to stop. To get it running again and ensure accurate timekeeping, you’ll need to wind it and set the time manually.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting the Time
1. Wind the Watch First
Before setting the time, you’ll need to wind the watch to ensure it has enough power to run smoothly.
- Unscrew the crown (if your watch has a screw-down crown) by turning it counterclockwise until it pops out.
- Turn the crown clockwise about 20 to 30 times to wind the mainspring. You should feel a slight resistance, but don’t overwind it — most modern automatic watches have a mechanism that prevents overwinding.
2. Pull the Crown to the Correct Position
Most automatic watches have multiple crown positions for different functions:
- Position 1: Fully pushed in – for manual winding. Screw-down crowns need to be unscrewed to pop into Position 1.
- Position 2: Pulled out halfway – for setting the date (if your watch has a date function). This position can only arrive from Position 1, meaning you can’t go from Position 3 to 2.
- Position 3: Fully pulled out – for setting the time.
Gently pull the crown to Position 3 to set the time.
3. Set the Time Carefully
We recommend setting the time first before the date to ensure you are in the correct 12-hour mark, AM or PM, when setting the date.
- Turn the crown clockwise (or as directed in your watch’s manual) to set the correct time.
- If your watch has a date complication, avoid changing the date between 10 PM and 2 AM — doing so can damage the date mechanism, as it’s very close to the final click that causes the date wheel to jump to the next day.
4. Push the Crown Back In
Once you’ve set the time, push the crown back to Position 1.
- If your watch has a screw-down crown, gently press and turn it clockwise, press only until you feel it has caught on the thread, and then continue clockwise until it’s secure to ensure water resistance.
5. Start Wearing the Watch
An automatic watch needs movement to keep running. Once set, wear your watch regularly to keep it wound. If you don’t plan to wear it daily, consider using a watch winder to keep it powered and running accurately. Think of an automatic as a reservoir of energy; when you are wearing it, it’s filling and draining energy. When it’s not worn, it is only draining, so if you’re not very active, the reserve won’t be as high. This is why winding it initially is important — it ensures you’re not starting with an empty tank.
Additional Tips and Precautions
- Set the time forward, not backward: Some watches have delicate gears that can be damaged by setting the time backward.
- Avoid adjusting the date near midnight: This is when the date wheel is engaged, and it can be damaged by manual adjustment.
- Keep it clean and dry: Ensure that the crown is properly screwed down to prevent moisture or dust from entering the case.
- Service your watch regularly: Automatic watches require maintenance every 3 to 5 years to keep the movement in good condition.
Conclusion
Setting the time on an automatic watch may seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. Following these steps carefully will help you maintain the accuracy and longevity of your timepiece. An automatic watch is more than just a way to tell time — it’s a work of art and a symbol of craftsmanship that deserves proper care.
So, take your time, handle it gently, and enjoy the smooth ticking of your automatic watch!
Interested in purchasing an Automatic Timepiece? Check out our next article for our Top Recommendations here at Metals in Time!