The two ways to adjust a Rolex: crown position matters
A Rolex has two positions for the crown (the knob on the side), and which one you use depends on whether you need to change the time or just wind the watch. Pull the crown out one click to adjust the hour and minute hands. Pull it out two clicks — all the way out — to wind the mainspring when the watch has stopped. Pushing the crown back in locks it, and on many models it screws down for water resistance.
The difference between one click and two clicks is the single most common source of confusion. One click lets you turn the hands. Two clicks lets you wind. If you pull only partway and try to adjust the time, nothing happens, and you may think the watch is broken.
On older Rolex models and some current ones, the crown does not pull out in stages — it either screws out or it does not. If your crown has a grooved edge, unscrew it counterclockwise first, then pull it out to adjust the time. Screw it back down when you are finished.
Key Takeaways
- Pull the crown out one click to reach the time-adjustment position; turning it moves the hour and minute hands.
- On screw-down crowns, unscrew counterclockwise before pulling out, then screw back down after adjusting.
- Always push the crown back in and listen for a click to confirm it is locked.
- Avoid adjusting the time between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., when the date mechanism is engaged and can jam.
- If the hands do not move when you turn the crown, you may not have pulled it out far enough, or the watch may need servicing.
Step-by-step: pulling the crown and turning the hands
Locate the crown on the right side of the watch case, at the 3 o'clock position. Hold the watch steady with your non-dominant hand. With your other hand, grip the crown between your thumb and forefinger and pull it straight out toward you. You should feel or hear a soft click as it reaches the first position. This is the time-adjustment position.
Once the crown is pulled out one click, turn it clockwise to move the hands forward or counterclockwise to move them backward. Turn slowly and watch the hands move. There is no detent or stopping point — you can turn the crown as many times as you need to reach the correct time. Many people prefer to overshoot slightly and then turn backward to land exactly on the minute, because this removes any slack in the mechanism.
When the time is correct, push the crown straight back in toward the watch case. You should hear or feel a click as it locks into the closed position. This click confirms the crown is sealed. If you do not hear it, push a bit harder. On screw-down models, screw the crown clockwise until it is snug — do not force it, as the threads are delicate.
Screw-down crowns: the extra step
Rolex sports models like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and Sea-Dweller have screw-down crowns for water resistance. These require an additional step before you can adjust the time. Hold the watch steady and grip the crown between your thumb and forefinger. Turn it counterclockwise — the direction away from you — until it stops. You will feel it loosen and back away from the case. Do not force it; it should unscrew smoothly in three to five turns.
Once unscrewed, pull the crown out one click, adjust the time as described above, and push it back in. Then screw it clockwise — the direction toward you — until it is snug against the case. You should feel slight resistance as the threads engage. Stop when you feel it seat; over-tightening can strip the threads or crack the crown.
If the crown is very tight and will not unscrew, do not use pliers or force. The crown may be stuck due to salt, dirt, or corrosion. Soak the watch in warm fresh water for a few minutes, dry it thoroughly, and try again. If it still will not move, take it to an authorized Rolex service center.
Why you should avoid adjusting the time between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Rolex watches with a date window use a mechanical cam that advances the date at midnight. Between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., this cam is engaged and moving into position for the date change. If you turn the hands during this window, you risk jamming the cam or stripping the gears that drive it. The damage may not be obvious when ready, but it can cause the date to skip, fail to change, or change at the wrong time.
If you must adjust the time and it is currently between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., move the hands forward past 3 a.m. first, adjust to the correct time, and then move forward again if needed. This keeps the date mechanism out of the way. Alternatively, wait until after 3 a.m. to adjust.
What to do if the hands do not move
If you pull the crown and turn it but the hands do not move, the most common cause is that you have not pulled the crown out far enough. Release it, pull it all the way out with a firm, steady motion, and try again. You should feel a distinct click or resistance as it reaches the time-adjustment position.
If the crown is pulled out and the hands still do not move, the watch may have stopped and the mainspring may be fully unwound. In this case, you need to pull the crown out two clicks — all the way out — and turn it to wind the watch. Turn it clockwise 20 to 30 times in smooth, steady motions. You should feel the resistance increase slightly as the spring winds. Once the watch is wound, push the crown back in, pull it out one click, and adjust the time.
If the hands move but feel stiff or grinding, or if the crown spins without moving the hands, the watch likely needs professional service. Do not force it. Contact an authorized Rolex service center or a may have access to independent watchmaker.
Checking that the crown is sealed
After you adjust the time and push the crown back in, confirm it is locked. On models with a push-in crown, you should hear a soft click and feel the crown seat flush against the case. On screw-down models, the crown should be snug but not tight — you should not be able to turn it by hand without significant force.
An unsealed crown allows moisture and dust to enter the case, which can damage the movement and cause rust. If you are unsure whether the crown is sealed, push it in again or screw it down again. It is better to be certain than to risk water damage.
If the crown does not seem to seal properly — if it feels loose or will not click — do not wear the watch in water or humid environments. Take it to a service center. The crown gasket may be worn and need replacement, or the crown itself may be damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the time backward, or should I always move it forward?
You can turn the crown either direction. Moving backward is fine for small adjustments. However, many people prefer to overshoot and turn forward to the correct time, because this removes slack in the mechanism and can be more accurate. For large adjustments, moving forward multiple times is often easier than turning backward many rotations.
What if the crown is stuck and will not unscrew?
Do not force it. Soak the watch in warm fresh water for several minutes to loosen salt or corrosion, dry it completely, and try again with a gentle, steady motion. If it still will not move, take it to an authorized service center. Forcing a stuck crown can crack it or strip the threads.
Does adjusting the time void the warranty?
No. Adjusting the time is normal maintenance and does not void the warranty. However, if you damage the crown or case while adjusting, that damage is not covered. If you are uncomfortable adjusting the time yourself, any Rolex dealer or watchmaker can do it for you.
How often should I wind my Rolex if it has stopped?
If your watch has stopped, pull the crown out two clicks and turn it clockwise 20 to 30 times to wind the mainspring. This should give the watch enough power to run for a day or more, depending on the model. If the watch stops frequently, it may need servicing — Rolex recommends service every five to ten years.
Can I adjust the time while wearing the watch on my wrist?
Yes, but it is easier and safer to remove the watch and hold it steady in your hand. This prevents accidental damage to the crown or case and gives you better control over the adjustment. If you do adjust it while wearing it, hold your wrist very still and use your other hand to grip the crown firmly.