The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is one of the most iconic and enduring models in the Rolex collection. Known for its timeless design, precision, and craftsmanship, the Datejust has been a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors alike since its inception in 1945.
A key feature of the Datejust is its automatic movement, which powers the watch without the need for winding, as long as it is worn regularly. However, like all watches, the time and date need to be adjusted when not worn for some time or if there are discrepancies in the timekeeping. Adjusting your Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a straightforward task once you understand the components of the watch and the steps involved.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of adjusting the time on your Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, explain the importance of maintaining the watch’s accuracy, and provide some essential tips to keep your Rolex in top condition.
The Anatomy of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Before diving into the steps for adjusting the time, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the components of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust.
- The Case: Made from stainless steel or precious metals, the Oyster case is renowned for its durability and water resistance. The case features a fluted bezel or smooth bezel, depending on the model, and houses the dial and movement inside.
- The Dial: The dial is where the hour, minute, and second hands move. It also includes the date window at the 3 o’clock position, which can be adjusted separately.
- The Crown: Located at the 3 o’clock position, the crown is the control element for winding and adjusting the time and date on your Rolex. It is screwed down to ensure water resistance and needs to be unscrewed to perform adjustments.
- The Movement: The Caliber 3235 movement (in modern Datejust models) powers the watch. It is a self-winding mechanical movement, which means it relies on the motion of the wearer’s wrist to keep running.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Time on a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Step 1: Unscrewing the Crown
The first step in adjusting your Rolex Datejust is unscrewing the crown, which is crucial for activating the adjustment functions.
- Hold the Watch Firmly: Place the watch on a soft surface or hold it gently in your hand to prevent scratching or damaging the case.
- Unscrew the Crown: To engage the adjustment function, unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise. It should loosen and pop out to the first position.
Step 2: Setting the Time
The Rolex Datejust has two main settings for time adjustment: Hour & Minute and Date. These adjustments are controlled by pulling the crown to different positions.
- Pull the Crown to the Second Position: Gently pull the crown out to the second position (the furthest position). This is the time-setting mode.
- Rotate the Crown to Set the Time: Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the desired time. You will notice that the minute hand moves first, and the hour hand will follow.
- Adjust the Time to the Desired Hour: Rotate the crown until you reach the correct time. Make sure to adjust the time according to AM/PM correctly if your Rolex has a 24-hour format.
- Do Not Adjust the Time Between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM: If you need to adjust the time during this period, avoid doing so, as it may interfere with the date-change mechanism, potentially damaging the movement. The Datejust’s date-change function engages automatically during this period.
Step 3: Setting the Date
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust features a date complication, which automatically updates as the time moves forward. Here’s how to adjust the date:
- Pull the Crown to the First Position: After adjusting the time, pull the crown to the first position, which is one step out from the watch’s resting position.
- Rotate the Crown to Set the Date: Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to change the date in the date window. Be gentle when turning the crown to avoid damaging the date-change mechanism.
- Ensure the Date Matches the Correct Day of the Month: It’s essential to check that the date aligns with the actual day of the month. You may need to adjust the time slightly to ensure the date changes correctly.
Step 4: Pushing the Crown Back In
Once you’ve adjusted both the time and the date, make sure to:
- Push the Crown Back into the Case: Push the crown back into the case once you’re satisfied with the settings. Ensure it is pushed in all the way to avoid water entering the watch.
- Screw the Crown Down: Once the crown is securely in place, screw it back in by turning it clockwise until it’s tightly sealed. This is important for maintaining the waterproof capabilities of the Oyster case.
Additional Tips for Adjusting Your Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Keep Your Rolex Wound
Your Rolex will continue to keep time as long as it is regularly worn or wound. If left unworn for a period of time, the watch may stop. It’s important to manually wind your Rolex if you haven’t worn it for a while, which can be done by turning the crown clockwise while it is in the resting position (crown pushed all the way in).
Regular Time Checks
Since Rolex watches are known for their precision, it’s a good idea to check the time regularly to ensure it’s running accurately. Keep in mind that mechanical watches can gain or lose a few seconds per day, which is perfectly normal for such high-end watches.
Avoid Rapid Date Adjustments
As previously mentioned, never adjust the date during the date-change period (8:00 PM to 4:00 AM) to avoid damaging the internal movement. If you’re unsure about the time, it’s better to skip past midnight to ensure the date changes at the right time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adjusting Your Rolex Datejust
- Forcing the Crown: If the crown feels resistant or doesn’t click into position, don’t force it. Always be gentle when adjusting to avoid damaging the crown or the movement.
- Over-Winding the Watch: Over-winding can damage the movement. Rolex watches are designed to stop winding once fully wound, so never twist the crown excessively.
- Incorrect Date Adjustments: Setting the date incorrectly, especially during the restricted time period, can damage the watch. Always double-check before making adjustments.
Conclusion
Adjusting the time on your Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a simple and easy process once you are familiar with the watch’s components and how they work. Regularly maintaining your Rolex and ensuring it’s wound correctly will keep it in optimal condition for years to come.
Whether you’re adjusting the time for daylight saving or just resetting the watch after not wearing it for a while, understanding the correct steps and taking care with the adjustments will keep your Rolex running like new. Always handle your Rolex with care, and it will continue to be a reliable companion for years of enjoyment.