How to Set Your Rolex: a Complete Guide

Understanding the Rolex Crown

The crown is where everything begins. It’s the small, ridged knob on the side of your watch, and it's your access point to all adjustments. Unscrew it counterclockwise until it pops free. Once it’s unscrewed, you'll access the three key positions:

1. Position one is for winding. Turn the crown clockwise around 30 to 40 times to power up the movement. This is especially useful if your Rolex has been sitting idle. Don’t worry about overwinding, it’s built to stop once it’s fully charged.
2. Position two is for setting the date, but only if your Rolex has the quickset function. This was introduced in the late 1970s and lets you jump the date forward without spinning the hour hand past midnight every time. It’s a simple but brilliant feature that saves a lot of time. Most 5-digit references have it, but if you're working with a 4-digit model or an older movement, chances are it doesn’t. In that case, you'll need to rotate the hands past midnight over and over until the date rolls over. It takes longer, sure, but that’s part of the charm when you're dealing with vintage.
3. Position three lets you set the time. On Rolex models with hacking seconds, that is, watches where pulling the crown stops the seconds hand, you can sync the time down to the exact second. It’s a simple but useful feature, especially if you’re setting your watch to a reference clock. Almost all modern Rolex movements have hacking. So if the seconds hand doesn’t stop when you pull the crown all the way out, and your watch should hack, that could be a sign it needs a service. A few older vintage pieces never had this feature to begin with, but for most Rolexes, hacking should be there, and working properly.

Always screw the crown down firmly when you’re done. Rolex uses a screw-down crown system to ensure water resistance. If the crown isn’t sealed, even slightly, moisture can creep in. So double-check it before you head out. Want to know more about the markings on the Rolex crown? We’ve got you covered in this Rolex Crown article that we’ve written! 

Clockwise vs Counterclockwise

Understanding when to turn the crown clockwise and when to turn it counterclockwise is crucial. When winding your Rolex or setting the date and time, always turn the crown clockwise. You’ll feel the mechanism respond smoothly. Counterclockwise turns are used primarily for unscrewing the crown to begin adjustments. Avoid turning the crown counterclockwise when setting the date or time, as this can put unnecessary stress on the movement. As always, refer to your specific model’s manual for any unique instructions.

Setting the Date

If your Rolex has a date window, like on a Datejust or Day-Date, you’ll need to adjust it when the watch hasn’t been running. On most 5-digit references, like the Datejust 16000 series and Submariner 16800, you’ll get the quickset function. But there are exceptions. Some 5-digit Oyster Perpetual Date models (like the 15000 series) still used older movements without quickset, so you’ll have to advance the date by rotating the hands past midnight.

On older 4-digit references without quickset, you’ll need to turn the hands past midnight repeatedly to advance the date. A bit slower, but that’s how it’s done. One thing to always keep in mind: never change the date between 9 PM and 3 AM. That’s when the movement is already doing it for you, and forcing it can cause real damage.

Setting the Time

To set the time, pull the crown all the way to position three. Nearly all modern Rolexes have the hacking seconds feature. If yours doesn’t, it’s either a vintage piece or might need a service. Turn the hands clockwise until you hit the right time. Want to get it spot-on? Wait for the seconds hand to reach 12, then push the crown back in the moment your reference clock ticks over. That’s called hacking to the second, and once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back.

Adjusting Rolex Watches with Extra Functions

GMT-Master II

Setting a GMT-Master II gives you a bit more functionality. Start by pulling the crown to the second position and adjust the local hour hand; it moves in one-hour jumps without affecting the minute or GMT hand. This is perfect for switching time zones on the go. Next, pull the crown to the third position to set the minute and GMT hand together. The 24-hour GMT hand is used to track a second time zone, and the rotating bezel lets you monitor a third. It’s a versatile setup that’s ideal for travellers.

Day-Date

With a Day-Date, you’re working with both the date and the day of the week. On modern models with double quickset, like most 5-digit and 6-digit references, you can use the second crown position to adjust the date, and the third to set the time or change the day by advancing the hands.

On older models like the 1803, there’s no quickset at all, so both changes require rotating the hands past midnight. As always, avoid adjusting anything between 9 PM and 3 AM, that’s when the calendar mechanism is engaged. Once everything’s in place, the perpetual calendar keeps track of 30- and 31-day months for you.

Sky-Dweller

The Sky-Dweller brings even more functionality to the table, combining dual time zones with an annual calendar. It’s the most mechanically complex Rolex in the lineup—and the only current model with a fully rotatable solid gold bezel. To set it, start by unscrewing the crown and pulling it to position one. Rotate the Ring Command bezel to one of its three designated settings, reference time, local time, or date. Each bezel position activates a different crown function. Once you've selected your mode, use the crown to make adjustments. Setting the Sky-Dweller does take a little more time than a standard model, but it becomes second nature after a few tries. If you're unsure, Rolex's online manual offers a model-specific walkthrough.

Cellini Moonphase

Now for something a bit different. The Moonphase on the Rolex Cellini is the most poetic complication. Alongside the time and date, it shows the phase of the moon using a blue enamel disc and a meteorite moon. It’s elegant, subtle, and doesn’t get adjusted often, but when it does, you want to do it right. To set the Cellini Moonphase, start by adjusting the time and date through the crown as you would on any standard model. Then, to align the moonphase, you’ll need to know the current phase of the moon, easily found via a moonphase app or calendar. Turn the crown (or use the recessed corrector near 8 o’clock, depending on the model) to rotate the moonphase disc until it reflects the current lunar phase. Once set, the complication stays accurate for over a century with minimal correction. It’s a detail you might only glance at now and then, but it’s a quiet reminder of Rolex’s craftsmanship every time you do.

Rolex Not Running Right? Here’s What It Means (and What to Do)

You check your Rolex and the time’s off. A few minutes behind. Or maybe the second hand isn’t moving at all. That little moment of doubt kicks in. Is something wrong? Relax. This happens, and it doesn’t mean your watch is broken. I’ve seen it way too often, I don’t wear my Submariner everyday and most of the time it needs a good wind. These watches rely on movement to stay powered, and if it’s been off your wrist for a couple of days, it probably just ran out of juice. Give the crown about 30 to 40 turns, set the time, and wear it as usual. That’s usually enough to bring it back to life. Once it’s going again, your Rolex should run smoothly for 48 to 72 hours, depending on the model. But if it’s still not keeping time quite right, running fast, running slow, drifting a few seconds a day, then it’s worth digging a little deeper.

Rolex is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, which means it’s been tested both by COSC and again by Rolex after casing. Meaning accuracy within −2 to +2 seconds per day. So if you’re seeing bigger changes than that, something’s off. Could be magnetism. Even though modern Rolex movements use anti-magnetic Parachrom hairsprings, strong magnetic fields, like those from laptop chargers, phone cases, or speakers, can still mess with the movement. And once that happens, you’ll probably need to have it demagnetized. Or maybe your watch is just due for a service. Lubricants dry out. Parts wear down. Over time, precision starts to slip. I recommend servicing every five to seven years, depending on how often you wear it and how it’s been handled. It’s preventative, not just corrective.

If your watch does need a full service, you’re looking at around €500 to €1.000, depending on the model, its age, and what needs doing. Yeah, it’s not cheap. But it keeps the movement running as it should, and protects the long-term value of the watch on your wrist.

Before You Screw That Crown Back In

Setting your Rolex properly is part of the ownership experience. Whether you’re dealing with a modern Submariner or a 1970s Datejust, taking your time to do it right helps protect the movement and keeps things running smoothly. If you’re ever unsure, your model’s reference number can help you find official setting instructions on Rolex.com. Or you can reach out to us directly. We’re always happy to help.