Embarrassing noob question: setting a Datejust

[OPfan]

Hi all!

On a modern Datejust, when setting the date, is there a "danger zone" for the hour and minute hand?

Also, can the time be set in either direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise?

Thanks!

[zjd168]

No.

I also set the time in both directions. No issue

[CharlesN]

It is good practice not to set the date during the hours of 21:00 and 03:00

Most watch manufactures advise against setting between those hours as the date change gears may be in use still.

[tyler1980]

no.... however why would you set the date without knowing if you are in AM or PM?

Moving the hands past midnight to the correct time and then adjusting the date usually you are out of the danger zone anyway that some watches have so to me its more of a best practice.... not required.

I actually dont even know the mechanics if the quick set date defaults to AM when you move it or if it is whatever the watch is set at when it stopped.... just cant stand to have ambiguity so its always past midnight(usually 5 or 6 am which is the current time when i get up) and then quick set for multiple day changes

[padi56]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

It is good practice not to set the date during the hours of 21:00 and 03:00

Most watch manufactures advise against setting between those hours as the date change gears may be in use still.

With all the Rolex movements not a problem to change hands and date at any time.

[pepsiretail]

As above I always advance the hands forward until the date changes. I then set the time and finally the date.

[OPfan]

Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice!

It seems that, unlike with many other watches, there isn't a danger zone for setting the date.

And advice I got years ago to always move watch-hands clockwise to set the time doesn't apply either.

Thanks again!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by OPfan

Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice!

It seems that, unlike with many other watches, there isn't a danger zone for setting the date.

And advice I got years ago to always move watch-hands clockwise to set the time doesn't apply either.

Thanks again!

its a problem on a lot of other movements. I believe a common ETA base movement there is a danger zone and its very common on complicated watches with pepertual calendars/annual calendars etc

I just threat them all the same as far as how i set them so i dont have to keep track of what is what.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by OPfan

Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice!

It seems that, unlike with many other watches, there isn't a danger zone for setting the date.

And advice I got years ago to always move watch-hands clockwise to set the time doesn't apply either.

Thanks again!

Correct, no issues with doing so with Rolex. Other brands will vary.

[OPfan]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

its a problem on a lot of other movements. I believe a common ETA base movement there is a danger zone and its very common on complicated watches with pepertual calendars/annual calendars etc

I just threat them all the same as far as how i set them so i dont have to keep track of what is what.

Tyler, that makes a lot of sense, to make it a habit of setting the date outside the danger zone, no matter what watch you're handling.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by OPfan

. . .
It seems that, unlike with many other watches, there isn't a danger zone for setting the date.
. . .

This is correct, other watches engage gears that slowly turn the date wheel into position. If you force a change while the gears are engage, they may incur damage

Rolex uses a cam and wheel that rotates once every 24 hours. When the wheel reaches a certain position, the cam moves and it releases a spring paddle that slaps the date wheel exactly one day. No gears to engage, no damage..

[Dsmith1974]

Out of practice I wouldn’t set a date watch a few hours before or after midnight. Don’t know if it’s strictly necessary but it don’t hurt none either.

Whenever setting the date I’d advance the date to the before (or after) today first and then advance (or rewind) the hour and minute hands. That way you know you know you’re in AM or PM.

[OPfan]

Originally Posted by Tools

This is correct, other watches engage gears that slowly turn the date wheel into position. If you force a change while the gears are engage, they may incur damage

Rolex uses a cam and wheel that rotates once every 24 hours. When the wheel reaches a certain position, the cam moves and it releases a spring paddle that slaps the date wheel exactly one day. No gears to engage, no damage..

Thanks, Tools, for the explanation!

[42itus]

I always thought you weren't supposed to set the date between 23:00 and 1:00. Nice to learn something rather than read about new AD policies to curb flipping.

[Ichiran]

I set date for all my watches at 6am. It is the safest time and there is no need to remember the safety hours of every manufacturer.