Changing the date of an automatic watch
Recently I read/heard somewhere, I believe it was in a random YT video if I recall correctly, that you should NOT change the date of your automatic watch between 11am-3pm or something?
If changing during this timeslot ( I don't recall the exact times mentioned) it could damage your watch internally. Is this really the case? If so, can someone provide me the idea and logic behind it and the timeslot of when NOT to change the date?
Thanks in advance, from a learning watch enthusiast!
(For reference an older pic of my Certina DS Action Diver attached 🙂)
Fairly new to collecting real (automatic-mechanical) watches after having some fashion watches in my collection right now. My first automatic watch is the Certina DS Action Diver 38MM Black; absolutle...
Because the mechanism has already started its change of day/date you shouldn’t interfere with this process as you could damage the changeover mechanism , I personally have a Breitling watch that states to avoid between the hours of 8pm and circa 4-6 am…. Hope this helps
Certina super underrated, unfortunately, I think that’s what the watch group wants them to be. Love the watch and love the brand.
Because the mechanism has already started its change of day/date you shouldn’t interfere with this process as you could damage the changeover mechanism , I personally have a Breitling watch that states to avoid between the hours of 8pm and circa 4-6 am…. Hope this helps
Thanks, this does help a lot! I just found the user manual on the Certina website stating that I should rapid-change the date between 22pm and 02am.
Thanks, this does help a lot! I just found the user manual on the Certina website stating that I should rapid-change the date between 22pm and 02am.
You must have read it wrong. That is the time you SHOULD NOT change the date.
You must have read it wrong. That is the time you SHOULD NOT change the date.
Well, my tiredness is taking its toll haha. That is what I meant, but didn't write. Thanks for reminding me haha!
Thanks, this does help a lot! I just found the user manual on the Certina website stating that I should rapid-change the date between 22pm and 02am.
I think that may be the time to avoid changing it!
Move the time to half past 6, then adjust day/date using quickset. You'll never any issues.
I try not to change the date in the 3 hours before midnight to 3 hours after midnight. So basically between 9 pm and 3 am is the danger zone.
Rule of thumb: It's always safe when you change dates at 6 (am or pm).
If the hour hand is in the "upper half of the dial", i. e. between 9 and 3, you SHOULDN'T change the date. The gears and the little thingy that actually does the change of the date could be interlocked already.
If you've ever tried to forcibly remove a key from a slightly twisted lock you can get an idea of what the mechanism works like. Now just imagine the key and the lock being out of an easily bendable or breakable material and you know why you just shouldn't do it ;)
Rule of thumb: It's always safe when you change dates at 6 (am or pm).
If the hour hand is in the "upper half of the dial", i. e. between 9 and 3, you SHOULDN'T change the date. The gears and the little thingy that actually does the change of the date could be interlocked already.
If you've ever tried to forcibly remove a key from a slightly twisted lock you can get an idea of what the mechanism works like. Now just imagine the key and the lock being out of an easily bendable or breakable material and you know why you just shouldn't do it ;)
Very thorough explanation and I get how the movement work now, thanks a lot!
Very thorough explanation and I get how the movement work now, thanks a lot!
Check this 40 sec clip out (the key was only an example):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Zx0DNbWlM
What I do: pull out the crown, start moving the hour hand until the date flips over, then keep going until it hits 12 again, that’s noon. Push the crown in one position, and set the date. Then pull the crown out again and set the time. Sounds like a lot of work but it’s the safest way, and you get fast at it once you’ve done it as many times as I have 😜
Just dont chang the date with the hours unless its past 3 and before 9
My understanding is that this isn't an issue with watches that feature an instant date change, such as Rolex models, but I err on the side of caution.
Set the hands to 6:30, set the date to the day before the actual day, adjust the hands to the correct time while passing 12 AM to correct day.
That way you never risk damaging anything and the watch is correctly set to night/daytime.
That said, I sold all my automatic watches with a day or date functionality. Guess it was too much hassle for me. 😄