How To Set The Date and Time On a Rolex Datejust

To set or adjust a Rolex Datejust, unscrew the winding crown, wind it about 25 clockwise turns, then pull the crown out one notch to adjust the date and out to the final notch to set the time. Crown positions vary slightly by model, and older non-quickset versions change the date only by advancing the hands past midnight. When finished, push the crown back in and screw it down against the case. The guide below covers how to set, adjust, or change the time and date on both quickset and non-quickset versions.

Part of the brand’s collection since 1945, the Rolex Datejust is the ultimate everyday luxury watch. While the model comes in a vast assortment of styles including different sizes, metals, bracelets, bezels, and dial designs, what remains constant across all Datejust watches is its time and date functionality. The hour, minute, and seconds hands are always placed at the center while the date window is always found at the 3 o’clock position. In true Rolex fashion, the Datejust watch is easy to use and operate but there are a few things to keep in mind when setting the time and date. Read on for our quick guide on how to set or adjust the date and time on a Rolex Datejust.

Quickset vs Non-Quickset Datejust

Earlier models of the Rolex Datejust did not yet have the quickset date feature. A quickset date feature means that the date can be set independently from the timekeeping hands. Conversely, on a non-quickset Datejust, the minute and hour hands have to be advanced past midnight to change the numeral in the date window.

Rolex introduced the quickset date function to the Datejust lineup in 1977 with the introduction of Caliber 3035 movement. So if your Datejust was made in 1977 or later and is powered by Caliber 3035 or subsequent movements (Cal. 3135, 3136, or 3235) then it has the quickset feature.

Here is a simple way to identify which version you own:

• Non-quickset Datejust: models produced before 1977, powered by earlier movements such as Calibers 1065, 1565, and 1575
• Quickset Datejust: models powered by caliber 3035 and later quickset movements, including calibers 3135, 3136, 2235, 2236, and 3235.

Regardless of when a Datejust was produced, they all come equipped with a screw-down winding crown to ensure the watch’s water resistance. Therefore, a Rolex winding crown must be unscrewed first before any adjustments can be made.

Setting the Date and Time on a Non-Quickset Rolex Datejust

If you have a vintage Rolex Datejust manufactured prior to the introduction of Caliber 3035, then your particular model is a non-quickset Datejust. To set the date and time on a Non-Quickset Rolex Datejust, follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the winding crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case.
2. Turn the crown clockwise around at least 25 times to manually wind the watch (it’s always a good idea to hand-wind the watch while setting it even if it is an automatic movement).
3. Pull the crown out to the last notch.
4. Rotate the crown to advance the timekeeping hands. Keep turning until the correct date appears in the date window. When the correct date appears, you are now in AM hours; now set the time accordingly taking into consideration if it is currently AM or PM.
5. Push the crown all the way back in and screw it down to the case.

Since the date on a non-quickset Datejust only advances with the hands, it can take a few minutes to move through several days on the calendar. Be patient and always move the hands forward rather than backward for long stretches. If you pass the correct date, simply continue turning forward until it comes around again.

Setting the Date and Time on a Quickset Rolex Datejust

One important note from the watchmakers at Bob’s Watches before you use the quickset function: on older quickset models powered by movements that predate Caliber 3235, including Calibers 3035, 3135, and 3136, avoid adjusting the date while the hands sit between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM. During those hours, the date change mechanism is already engaged, and forcing the date forward can damage the movement. Our watchmakers recommend a simple workaround: if the hands are in that window, pull the crown out to the final notch and advance the hands to a safe position, such as 6:30, before adjusting the date. Current models equipped with Caliber 3235 include protection against this, so the date can be adjusted safely at any time of day.

To set the date and time on a quickset Datejust follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the winding crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case
2. Turn the crown clockwise around at least 25 times to manually wind the watch (it’s always a good idea to hand-wind the watch while setting it even if it is an automatic)
3. Pull the crown out one notch to set the date (the timekeeping hands will continue to run in this position).
4. Rotate the crown to adjust the date. We recommend setting the date to the day before today.
5. Pull the crown out to the last notch to adjust the time. Rotate the crown to move the hands past midnight so that today’s date appears in the window. You are now in AM hours; now set the time accordingly taking into consideration if it is currently AM or PM
6. Push the crown all the way back in and screw it down to the case.

Always remember to keep the winding crown on your Rolex watch screwed down onto the case if you are not adjusting the time and date to protect the watch from moisture and dust. Also, never unscrew the crown if you are in or around water, such as a pool, the ocean, or even the sink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Owners often have a few common questions about how to set or adjust a Rolex Datejust, especially when handling one for the first time or inheriting a vintage Rolex. Below are quick answers to the questions we hear most often at Bob’s Watches.

Unscrew the winding crown, then pull it out to the final notch. Turn the crown until the hour and minute hands show the correct time, making sure the date changes at midnight rather than noon. Push the crown back in and screw it down when finished. To adjust the time on a Rolex Datejust, unscrew the crown and pull it out to the final notch, which stops the seconds hand so the watch can be synced to the exact second. Turn the crown until the hands show the correct time, and confirm AM or PM by checking that the date flips at midnight. Push the crown in and screw it down to restore water resistance. On quickset models from 1977 onward, unscrew the crown and pull it out one notch. Turn the crown to advance the date without moving the hands. On non-quickset models, the date only changes by rotating the hands past midnight, one full day at a time. The hands are set 12 hours ahead or behind. The watch cannot tell AM from PM, so advance the hour and minute hands one full 12 hour cycle. Once the date flips at midnight, the time and date will stay in sync. Rolex movements are built to handle brief backward movement of the hands without damage. That said, watchmakers generally recommend moving the hands forward when setting the time or date. If you overshoot the correct date, keep turning forward until it comes around again. Not at all during daily wear. The Datejust is an automatic watch, so the movement of your wrist keeps it wound. If the watch stops after sitting unworn, unscrew the crown and give it about 25 clockwise turns before setting the time and date, then screw the crown back down. No. The screw-down crown is what seals the case against moisture. Only unscrew it in a dry environment, and always confirm the crown is fully screwed down before swimming, washing your hands, or wearing the watch in the rain.