How to Wind A Rolex
Winding Your Rolex
Oyster Date and Datejust Models
Position 0 – Wearing Position |
Fully screwed down the crown. In this position, the Datejust chronometer is pressure-proof to a depth of 330 feet (100meters). The watch is ready to be worn. |
Position 1 – Manual Winding Position |
Crown unscrewed and in the first (popped-out) position. In this position the watch is able to be manually wound by turning in the clockwise direction. |
Position 2 – Date Changing Position |
Crown pulled out to the first notch. Turning the crown (Lady’s – counter clockwise| Men’s – clockwise) advances the date rapidly which is particularly useful at the end of the month of less than 31 days. During these operations, the watch movement continues to function normally. |
Position 3 – The Time Setting Position |
Crown pulled out to the last notch. Position for resetting the hands either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The second hand is stopped automatically and will not advance again until the crown is pushed back to position 2. Screw the crown down fully to make the watch pressure-proof once again. |
Male President Day-Date
Position 0 – Wearing Position |
Fully screwed down the crown. In this position, the Day-Date chronometer is pressure-proof to a depth of 330 feet (100meters). The watch is ready to be worn. |
Position 1 – Hand Winding Position |
The crown is unscrewed to the point where it is free of the screw threads. Turn the crown clockwise to manually wind your watch. |
Position 2 – Day and Date Changing Position |
Crown pulled out to the first notch. Turn the crown clockwise and the numeric date will change rapidly. Turn the crown counter-clockwise and the day will change. |
Position 3 – The Time Setting Position |
Crown is pullout of to the last notch. The second hand is automatically stopped in this position and the correct time can be set. After setting your watch, the crown should be pushed in and screwed down tightly. |
GMT II – Explorer II
Position 0 – Wearing Position |
Fully screwed down the crown. Watch ready to wear, water resistant to depth of 330 feet (100 meters). |
Position 1 – Hand Winding Position |
Crown unscrewed and just free of the screw threads. Turn the crown clockwise to manually wind your watch. |
Position 2 – Date and Time-Zone Changing Position |
Pull the crown out to the first notch. Turning the crown moves the hour hand clockwise or counter clock-wise, in an hour jumps. During these operations the watch continues to run normally; the precise time is not affected when the hour hand is reset for a new time zone. The date changes every midnight each time the hour hand has traveled twice around the dial. |
Position 3 – The Time Setting Position |
Pull the crown out to the last notch. The sweep second hand stops, and the watch can best be set to the exact time. The second hand will move again after the crown is pushed back in. Screw down the crown tightly so that the watch is water resistant. |
Other:
Rolex has developed a wonderful type of watch movement called the perpetual self-winding movement. Rather than having to wind your watch daily, this perpetual watch movement winds itself with the simple movement of the wrist while the watch is being worn. However, if it sits motionless for 48 hours it will not continue to self-wind. If your watch has stopped working and needs to be wound, follow these simple steps:
- Place your watch on a soft, flat surface
- Unscrew the crown. The crown is located on the side of the watch at the 3 o’clock mark. To unscrew the crown turn it clockwise until you feel it release. When it releases it will pop out slightly from the watch case
- To wind your watch, use your thumb and index finger to slowly turn the crown clockwise a full rotation. This is about 30 to 40 times. This will fully wind the watch. Do not worry about over winding your watch. Rolex watches are built to prevent this from happening
- Screw the crown gently back into the watch
If your watch does not work after winding and gently rotating it, may need to get it serviced and/or repaired.
The Perpetual Rotor:
The “Perpetual Rotor” term means that the watch’s movement is equipped with the automatic selfwinding rotor which transforms the slightest gesture of the wrist into a power reserve stored by the mainspring. This is more than simply a practical device to avoid the tiresome daily task of rewinding. The Perpetual Rotor in ingenious system that keeps the mainspring at a constant optimum tension, a guarantee of a long-lasting precision. The mechanism consists of a balanced weight rotating freely on a central axis, backwards, and forwards, pivoting slightly and effectively. When the Mainspring is fully wound, a slipping clutch prevents overwinding. This is a system that has been intensively tested and proved utterly reliable. IT is not uncommon for automatic watches to require hand winding after an extended period of time.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Rolex
A Rolex watch is a valuable investment that must be cared for and maintained, not only for value but for proper function. Wearing a Rolex every day is great, but this often leads to it getting dirty or scratched. If your Rolex is looking dull, it is time for a cleaning. If your Rolex utilizes Oyster technology, as most do, you can easily wash your watch without fear of damaging it. To properly wash your waterproof Rolex:
- Use clean hands and start by ensuring the winding crown is tightly screwed into the case
- Use lukewarm water to rinse any loose particles from the watch
- Use ammonia free soap to gently wash the exterior of the watch. An old soft toothbrush is a useful tool for removing dirt from the watch’s crevices, such as between bracelet links
- When scrubbing is complete, gently submerge the watch into water in short intervals to gently wash away any remaining soap and dirt
- Complete the cleaning process by using a soft and clean cloth to gently pat the watch dry. You can also use a blow dryer, set on low, to dry hard-to-reach places like between links
Along with cleaning your watch when it begins to look dirty or dull, it is important to have your Rolex serviced every 5 years by a certified Rolex dealer.