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 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.
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:
- Unscrew the winding crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case.
- Turn the crown clockwise around 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).
- Pull the crown out to the last notch.
- 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.
- Push the crown all the way back in and screw it down to the case.
Setting the Date and Time on a Quickset Rolex Datejust
To set the date and time follow these steps:
- Unscrew the winding crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case
- Turn the crown clockwise around 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)
- Pull the crown out one notch to set the date (the timekeeping hands will continue to run in this position).
- Rotate the crown to adjust the date. We recommend setting the date to the day before today.
- Pull the crown out to the last notch to set 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
- 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 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.
