These winding instructions are for watches with Oyster Perpetual movements and screw-down crowns. If you have a Rolex with a non-screwdown crown or a hand-wind movement, please refer to the additional sections below.
Most modern Rolex watches feature self-winding mechanisms that utilize the motion of your wrist to power them. However, if your watch isn’t worn for 48 hours or more it will stop running and need to be wound manually.
Winding
If you own a Rolex watch, you’ll want to know how to wind it and reset the date and time. The process is relatively simple and doesn’t require any tools. All it takes is a little bit of practice and understanding how the process works.
Most automatic watches wind from the kinetic movement of your wrist, but some models will need to be manually wound once in awhile. If you wear your Rolex daily, it may not need to be winded, but if you don’t, it will lose power and stop working after a while. The good news is that it’s very easy to manual wind a Rolex, and the process only takes a few minutes.
The first step in the process is to open your Rolex and pull out the crown until it’s in position 0 or “wearing position.” This will allow you to set the time or date (if your Rolex has this feature). It is important that you don’t completely pull the crown out, as this would damage it and can potentially cause it to stop working altogether.
Once you have the crown in the wearing position, you will need to rotate it clockwise several times to fully wind it. After you have done this, the watch will be fully charged and ready for use.
There are also ways to prevent your Rolex from running out of power over the weekend if you don’t plan on wearing it during this time. One option is to purchase an automatic watch winder, which is a small box that uses electric motors to periodically rotate the watch and provide it with a constant amount of motion.
Another way to get your watch back up and running is to shake it – but be careful, as shaking your watch could damage its internal mechanisms. If your watch won’t even start ticking after being shaken, it likely means that the mainspring has broken and will need to be replaced by a Rolex dealer. This is a fairly common problem, and it is generally an inexpensive part to replace.
Setting
The crown is the circular screw knob on the right side of the watch that you use to set your time and date. It also winds the mainspring inside your watch, which keeps it running. It’s important to keep your Rolex properly oiled and wound because the automatic movement requires kinetic motion. If it’s tucked away and not worn for a long period of time, it can stop working completely.
To begin setting your Rolex, first unscrew the crown. You do this by turning it counterclockwise, or towards you, to loosen it from the screws within the watch. When the crown has been fully unscrewed, it will pop into the winding position.
Depending on the model, some Rolex watches have two or three crown positions that control different elements of the watch. Typically, the first position winds your watch, the second allows you to set the date, and the third changes the time on the watch. Once you’ve successfully set your watch, it’s important to close the crown back into place. This will prevent moisture, dust, and other debris from entering your watch’s case and damaging the movement.
Once your crown is in the correct position, you can start to wind it manually. You’ll need to turn it clockwise, or away from you, for 35-40 rotations in order to have a full wind. You’ll know when you have a full wind because the movement will start to vibrate and make a soft clicking sound.
While it’s important to know how to properly set and wind your Rolex, it is recommended that you purchase a watch winder. These small boxes hold your watch and rotate it for you to ensure that it gets the proper amount of movement. This will save you the hassle of having to wind your Rolex every day, and it’ll help to preserve its value.
Troubleshooting
Even if you wear your Rolex daily, it is important to periodically wind it. Automatic watches lose power if they aren’t worn and will eventually stop working. It takes about 40 full rotations of the crown to fully wind a watch. The best way to keep your Rolex in top condition is by following this simple step-by-step process to properly wind it and set the time and date.
To begin, locate and release the crown on the right side of your watch. The crown is a small dial that controls the mechanism of your watch, including its hands and the display date. The crown is easily identified by its bright, circular shape. To unscrew the crown, start by turning it counterclockwise (or backwards if you’re holding your watch with the dial facing you). After a few turns, the crown will pop out to the winding position.
Once the crown is in the winding position, slowly turn it clockwise (as if you were setting your time). After a few turns, the date will begin to move. If you can’t get the date to move, try turning the crown one day early. This will correct the problem. Once you’ve finished setting the time, push the crown back in to lock it. This will ensure that your watch is water-tight and protected from dirt and debris.
If you don’t have the patience to regularly wind your watch, consider getting a watch winder. Watch winders will slowly rotate your automatic watch to give it the movement it needs to keep running. Watch winders are available for most popular watch models, and they can be purchased online or at many fine retailers. If your Rolex continues to have problems after winding it, you may need to take it to a professional for service and repair. This is a common issue with automatic watches, but it can be resolved with the proper care and attention. The professional will be able to assess the problem and recommend the best course of action for your watch. Getting a Rolex repaired can help ensure that it is in top condition for years to come.
Repair
The Automatic movement of a Rolex watches gets its power from kinetic energy, meaning the natural movements of your wrist. This is how your watch stays fully wound and powered. But, if your Rolex isn’t worn for an extended period of time, it will slow down and eventually stop working. This is why it is important to know how to properly wind and set your Rolex.
When you need to repair a Rolex, you want to make sure that it is done by a certified watchmaker. The first step in an authorized Rolex repair involves separating the bracelet or watch band from the case. This allows the watchmaker to examine the movement for signs of wear and tear and to lubricate the components.
During the lubrication process, the crown is popped out into position three. This is the position that allows you to set the date and time for your watch. Using the crown in this position, you can rotate clockwise for 35 to 40 rotations until you reach the correct date. Then, you can push the crown back into place and your Rolex is ready to go!
Having a Rolex is a great way to show off your wealth and status. But, like any other piece of expensive jewelry, it must be maintained and cared for properly. Knowing how to wind and set a Rolex will ensure that it lasts for generations to come. For those who don’t have the time to keep their watch on their wrist, a watch winder is a great solution. These small boxes spin your watch to simulate regular movement, reducing the need for manual winding. If you have any questions about winding, setting or repairing your Rolex, feel free to reach out to us at BQ Watches. We are happy to help!
