Edward Hale
Changing the time on a pocket watch is usually as simple as turning the crown, the knob at the top. On some watches you turn it directly; on others you gently pull it out one stop first, then turn. The hands move, you line them up, and you are done.
I am Edward, and after thirty years at the bench I can tell you the only mistakes here come from forcing things. Let me show you how to set the time on each kind of pocket watch, gently and correctly.
- Most pocket watches set by turning the crown.
- Some need the crown gently pulled out one stop first.
- On a hunter, open the lid before setting.
- Turn the hands forward, slowly, and never force the crown.
- Push the crown back in after setting so the watch runs again.
Find out how your crown works
The first step is knowing which kind of crown you have. Try turning it gently. If the hands move, it is a direct crown-set watch. If nothing happens, ease the crown out by one click and try again. This table covers the common cases.
| Crown type | How to set the time |
|---|---|
| Direct crown-set | Simply turn the crown to move the hands |
| Pull-out crown | Gently pull the crown out one stop, then turn |
| Hunter case | Open the lid first, then set as above |
| Key-set antique | Use the key on the dial-side setting square |
★★★★★ 4.7 · 15 reviews
Black Mechanical Pocket Watch
A straightforward crown that winds and sets in one place. An easy watch to learn the basics on.
Shop now · $69.99Setting the time, step by step
Once you know your crown, the rest is the same for almost every watch.
- If it is a hunter, press the crown to open the lid.
- For a pull-out crown, ease it out gently by one stop.
- Turn the crown slowly to move the hands forward.
- Line the hands up with the correct time.
- Push the crown back in so the watch starts running.
Set the time by moving the hands forwards rather than backwards. Forward setting is gentler on the gear train, and it avoids any strain on watches that do not like being wound back.
★★★★★ 4.7 · 16 reviews
Old Gold Pocket Watch
A classic crown-set piece with a clear roman dial, so lining the hands up to the minute is effortless.
Shop now · $69.99
Quartz, mechanical and hunter watches
A quartz pocket watch sets the same way and then keeps very accurate time, so you will rarely need to touch it again. A mechanical watch may drift a little each day, so a small nudge of the crown now and then keeps it honest, ideally just after you wind it. On a hunter, always open the lid first, since setting against a closed cover risks bending the hands. If you are not sure how to open yours, see my guide on how to open a pocket watch.
★★★★★ 4.7 · 14 reviews
Antique Quartz Pocket Watch
Quartz accuracy means you set it once and barely touch it again. Vintage looks, dependable timekeeping.
Shop now · $44.99Never force the crown. If turning feels stiff or the crown will not pull out, stop and check you have the right type rather than pushing harder. Forcing a setting crown can bend the hands or damage the keyless works inside.
★★★★★ 4.7 · 17 reviews
Silver Skeleton Pocket Watch
Set this one and watch the gears respond through the open dial. Setting the time becomes a small pleasure.
Shop now · $99.99Frequently asked questions
On some watches, yes. Many older and simpler pocket watches set by turning the crown directly. If turning does nothing, ease the crown out one stop and try again.
Turn it so the hands move forwards. Forward setting is gentler on the movement than winding the hands backwards.
The crown is probably in the winding position. Pull it out one gentle stop to switch to setting, then turn. Never force it if it resists.
No. Winding powers the watch; setting moves the hands. The same crown often does both, in different positions. See what a pocket watch is for the basics.
That is all there is to changing the time: know your crown, turn the hands forward gently, and push the crown home. Do it with a light touch and your pocket watch will read true every time you lift it.
