Always move hands forwards?

[kamaran]

I remember hearing on a youtube review that when adjusting the time, you should only move the hands forwards in time.

That's a nightmare if you haven't worn the watch for a few days and want to adjust time backwards by a few mins (and use quick date change).

Does it really matter?

[NYC6]

AFAIK, It doesnt matter. I do it all the time. Not sure about vintage Rolex but for modern, no worries.

[AF_Rob]

Conventional wisdom always says forward. My AD says the same thing. I'm sure an expert will chime in soon.

[azguy]

I always move my forward, figured the movement was made to work in that direction.... ........I know with Breitling's any backward direction between 10:00 PM and 2 AM is a big no, no and serious damage could occur.

With Rolex, I'm less sure about the proper procedure so I always go clockwise.

Lets see what the real expert say......

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kamaran

I remember hearing on a youtube review that when adjusting the time, you should only move the hands forwards in time.

That's a nightmare if you haven't worn the watch for a few days and want to adjust time backwards by a few mins (and use quick date change).

Does it really matter?

Thats another Internet myth makes no difference whatsoever the way you turn the hands to set the time back or forward.Now on some movements like the cal 3035 and the ladies cal 2135 2235 the hands turn the opposite way when the crown is moved clockwise.

[Quackers]

I think that particular "internet myth" came about a long time before the internet.

[jay1988]

Check whatever manual/instructions came with your Rolex. Surely if it was a big enough issue, they would have put something in there ?

I once had a watch that said between 10 and 2 the date was changing so you should not manually change the date. I always wind forward anyway. Don't ask why.

[kilyung]

I'll usually go backwards then forwards to reduce gear lash but otherwise in modern watches, it's not an issue.

[GradyPhilpott]

Forward and reverse.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by kamaran

Does it really matter?

Yes it can matter but it depends on the watch and movment.

With a simple watch with no complications it does not matter.

If the watch is complex it could actually damage the movement. Watches with date functions of other complications begin their changes usually after 9:00 pm. Any backward movement of the gears could cause problems.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=175955

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=35190

[Tools]

Modern Rolex movements can be turned either way, but you always need a quickset model to change dates..

The GMT/Explorer II manuals specifically tell you that you can advance the date or decrease the date by going in either direction..

[Dante221]

Originally Posted by Tools

Modern Rolex movements can be turned either way, but you always need a quickset model to change dates..

The GMT/Explorer II manuals specifically tell you that you can advance the date or decrease the date by going in either direction..

I just received my Explorer II Polar & could not figure how to set the date. Now I know I can advance or back-up the hour hand in crown position 2
to set the date. Thanks again
Dante

[JV588]

Originally Posted by Tools

Modern Rolex movements can be turned either way, but you always need a quickset model to change dates..

The GMT/Explorer II manuals specifically tell you that you can advance the date or decrease the date by going in either direction..

Thanks for the info

[crowncollection]

does not matter on modern rolex

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'll usually go backwards then forwards to reduce gear lash but otherwise in modern watches, it's not an issue.

This is what I was told too. I always use this method.

[jolimont]

for me:

My 1601 (and other date watches)- forwards
My 14060- doesn't matter- whichever way gets the correct time quickest

[DrLindaPhD]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my vintage Rolex watches. I have to set them every time I wear them because I rotate them (4 of them) and they run down. It keeps me in charge of time. I don't know if I am ready for a big girl watch yet or not but I do love the old wind up watches the best.

[Linzjnr]

Moved in both directions for years and had no issues

[GrahamF]

Originally Posted by Linzjnr

Moved in both directions for years and had no issues

That's great Linz, but what about your watch...........??

[joe100]

Either way

[mannyv11]

Ya either way. I'm pretty sure in the Omega book I had that came with the PO I bought it told me not to move the watch in reverse during certain times.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kamaran

I remember hearing on a youtube review that when adjusting the time, you should only move the hands forwards in time.

That's a nightmare if you haven't worn the watch for a few days and want to adjust time backwards by a few mins (and use quick date change).

Does it really matter?

Makes no difference whatsoever which way you turn the hands or set the date on any Rolex with the 3 or 4 series movements.

[GeoGio Greece]

As a watch movement is an assembly of gears, the question is if the gears profile allows a reverse rotation while in engagement. ( Pure engineering design principle ).

Some driving gears, designed for "one way rotation" SHOULD NOT be reversed, but by moving the hands, by the use of the crown, we do not act on these parts.

So, both ways movement is possible, excluding the 21:00-03:00 range if there is a spring loaded cam mechanish for changing the date, as this may cause damage.

If reverse movement would cause damage, be sure that the construction would be as such as to lock and PREVENT such movement ( fool proof ).

Can you unwind a watch ? No. The lock, a small cam that blocks reverse rotation allows only one way movement, that is winding it only.

[Memphis]

what i do is go backwards maybe a half-hour prior to the current time and then go forwards to the exact minute. that's probably just me being a little OCD.