How to set the minute hands spot on the index?

[bofon13]

I tried and tried but it seems that i can not get it perfectly right.
I set the time but when the hands start moving i realize that when the seconds hand is at 12, the minutes hand is a little bit to the right or to the left... just a litttttle bit, but never exactly spot on the marker.
I triet setting the time moving the hands clock wise, and then the other way, but the result is always the same, not perfect. :)
How do you do it? Or you don't care that much? I know, i should enjoy he watch and all the rest... i do, i was just asking if you have a way to set the time.
My watch is 116610lv, the Sub C.

[santiagoe]

go tu your AD hi can fix it its unther 2 year warenty

[tomallen]

You won't. Of the five Rolex watches I own each one sets or "hacks" differently. Plus if you get it to be spot on at one part of the dial it will probably be a whisker off at another part.

[Andad]

I'm with Tom. There is always going to be some play in the gears.

[bofon13]

Thanks! This is what i was thinking but i also think there is a "way" i can do it so.... lets say at 12:00 all three hands will be spot on. :) I had several Omega, JLC, VC, Breguet, Breitling, Baume Mercier.... and at some i managed to find the "right way" to adjust the time. Never had a problem with Omega and JLC. :)
I fill find the way for Submariner, too... if i dont give up! :)

[padi56]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I'm with Tom. There is always going to be some play in the gears.

Exactly and with out some gear slack it would be very hard on any purely mechanical movement.

[Dan Pierce]

When setting the time hack the second hand at 12:00. Move the minute hand past the desired time [15 minutes or so], then counterclockwise back to the exact time you want to set. This releases the gear slack. Each watch is different and it might take a bit of practice.
dP

[Megalobyte]

Most mechanical watches will never hit each marker dead on. My Sub C is pretty close. In addition to what Dan suggested try putting some slight counter clockwise turning pressure on the crown when you push it in, this will help to not reintroduce the slack you removed by overshooting and going back when setting the minute hand. My IWC Vintage Collection Aquatimer, also with an in house mvt. is tricky to get just right, it's close enough though. :)

I find that as time goes by, if I choose to continue to own nice watches, out of necessity, and to preserve sanity, I have learned that good enough is, good enough. :)

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

When setting the time hack the second hand at 12:00. Move the minute hand past the desired time [15 minutes or so], then counterclockwise back to the exact time you want to set. This releases the gear slack. Each watch is different and it might take a bit of practice.
dP

Spot on. They all seem to be slightly different but it is possible to achieve what you're trying to do if you've the paitience for it.

[cpo]

I don't like it either when the minute hand isnt on the marker center when the second hand is at 12.

As Dan and Richard said...

Whenever I set the time, I am conscious to ensure that I hack the second hand at the 12...an then set the watch. Then I set the minute to the center of the marker. When done, the second and minute hands seem to be aligned where I expect them.

I have other watches that don't mind where the second hand is hacked when you set the time, but the Rolex seems to work best if stopped at 12.

[bofon13]

Should i start a a subject called : "Is it safe to set the time 100 times one after the other in order to get it perfectly aligned?" :)))))) :)))))

Best advice - good enough is good enough. :) I know it should be like that, but i am like you all... a little bit... you know how. ;)

[cedargrove]

Ha. This thread just reminded me to re-set my Milgauss as I set it in a hurry yesterday.

I'm not really that anal, rather just an excuse to enjoy my watch.