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How to Set the Time and Date on a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date

A step-by-step guide to setting the time and date on a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, with crown positions and a reminder to verify your exact reference.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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To set a date-equipped Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, unscrew the crown, use its first pulled-out position to change the date, and its second to set the time. First confirm your exact reference: some Oyster Perpetual watches have no date display, so their crown does not have a date-setting function. Check the Rolex user-guide index and follow the guide for your reference before changing the date.

Confirm whether your Oyster Perpetual has a date

“Oyster Perpetual” covers different references and functions. For example, Rolex lists the current Oyster Perpetual 36, reference 126000, with central hour, minute, and seconds hands but no date function. The Oyster Perpetual Date instructions below apply to a date-equipped reference, not every watch in the family. Rolex notes that functions vary by model; identify your reference and consult its specific guide if you are unsure.

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The current Oyster Perpetual 36 reference 126000 is specified by Rolex as water resistant to at least 100 metres (330 feet), but that rating is not permission to operate the crown underwater. Rolex says never to unscrew the crown underwater.

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Set the date and time on an Oyster Perpetual Date

The Oyster Perpetual Date manual labels the crown positions 0 through 3. Position 0 is fully screwed down; position 1 is for winding; position 2 is for the date; and position 3 is for setting the time.

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  1. Unscrew the crown. Turn it counterclockwise until it releases from the case. This is position 1. Do not pull it outward while it is still screwed down.
  2. Wind the watch if it has stopped. In position 1, turn the crown clockwise. The Date manual says turning it the other way has no effect and advises at least 25 turns for partial winding when setting the watch for the first time or after it has stopped. Rolex’s care guidance likewise recommends winding a stopped watch before setting and wearing it.
  3. Set the date. Pull the crown gently to the first notch, position 2. Turn it clockwise to advance the date; turning the other way has no effect, according to the Date manual. The watch continues running while you change the date.
  4. Set the time and identify midnight. Pull the crown to the second notch, position 3. The seconds hand stops. Turn the hands in either direction to set the hour and minute. To distinguish midnight from noon, move the hour hand to 12 and watch the date: if it changes, it is midnight.
  5. Finish setting the date as needed. The Date manual describes date adjustment at position 2 and time adjustment at position 3. Establish the correct midnight cycle before finalizing the date so the displayed date changes at the intended midnight. Follow the instructions for your exact reference if its guide specifies a different sequence.
  6. Screw the crown down fully. Push it back to position 1, apply light pressure, and turn it clockwise against the case until it is fully screwed down. Rolex says to screw it down after use and not to unscrew it underwater.

Why the setting order can vary by manual

The Oyster Perpetual Date manual separates date setting in position 2 from time setting in position 3. A separate official Oyster Perpetual manual gives an initial-setting sequence that establishes the midnight date change and sets the time before setting the date. That sequence should not be treated as universal for every Oyster Perpetual. Use the guide for your own reference; the key is to establish whether the hands are on the a.m. or p.m. cycle before you finalize the date.

If the crown or date does not behave as expected

  • You cannot find a date-setting position: Your reference may not have a date display. Confirm its functions and guide rather than assuming it uses the Date procedure.
  • The crown will not unscrew, feels damaged, or will not screw down correctly: Do not force it. The cited Rolex instructions do not give a repair procedure for a stuck or damaged crown. Consult the guide for your reference or an Official Rolex Retailer. Rolex says its official retailers have the skills, technical knowledge, and equipment to maintain its watches.
  • You are setting the watch near water: Do not unscrew the crown underwater. Screw it fully down after winding or setting.

For reference 126000 specifically, Rolex lists an approximately 70-hour power reserve. That figure belongs to this current Oyster Perpetual 36 reference and should not be assumed for other sizes or references.

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