How to Set the Date on an Automatic Watch (and Avoid the Danger Zone)
Setting the date on an automatic watch takes ten seconds, but doing it at the wrong time of day is one of the few everyday mistakes that can actually damage the movement. Here is the safe, step-by-step method, plus a clear explanation of the "date danger zone" and why it exists. A classic date window at 3 o'clock. Behind it, a date wheel is slowly being pushed forward every evening. Photo: anna2005 , CC0 , via Wikimedia Commons. In this guide The short answer What is the date danger zone? Step-by-step: setting the date safely Crown positions explained Day-date watches Common mistakes FAQ The short answer Move the hands to around 6:30 first, then quick-set the date, then set the time. At 6:30 the hands are as far as possible from the date-change mechanism, so the quick-set can turn the date wheel freely. Avoid using the date quick-set when the time shown is roughly between 9 pm and 3 am . What is the date danger zone? A date doesn't flip instantly at ...