rolex submariner date change | Rolex Submariner timeline

The Rolex Submariner, an icon of horological excellence and a symbol of adventure, has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. Its ruggedness, reliability, and timeless design have solidified its place as one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world. While the Submariner's reputation is built on more than just its functionality, understanding the nuances of its operation, particularly the date change mechanism on date-equipped models, is crucial for any owner or aspiring collector. This article will delve into the intricacies of changing the date on a Rolex Submariner Date, exploring the mechanics, historical context, and troubleshooting tips that will enhance your appreciation for this legendary watch.

The Crown: Your Gateway to Time and Date

The crown of your Rolex Submariner Date is the primary interface for interacting with the watch's movement. It's the key to winding the watch, setting the time, and, of course, adjusting the date. Before attempting to change the date, you need to properly access the crown's different positions.

Unlocking the Crown:

1. Unscrew the Crown: The Rolex Submariner Date features a Triplock winding crown, designed for exceptional water resistance. The first step is to unscrew the crown. Grip the crown between your thumb and index finger and turn it counter-clockwise (opposite to the direction you would turn it to tighten it). You'll feel the crown disengage from the screw threads. Continue unscrewing until the crown is fully free.rolex submariner date change

2. Position 1 (Winding): Once the crown is unscrewed, it will naturally pop out to its first position. In this position, you can wind the watch. If your Submariner Date is an automatic (self-winding) watch, it winds itself through the motion of your wrist. However, if the watch has been unworn for a period, or if you want to ensure it's fully powered, you can manually wind it. Turn the crown clockwise to wind the movement. You'll feel a slight resistance as you wind. Avoid over-winding; approximately 30-40 turns should be sufficient to fully power the watch.

3. Position 2 (Date Setting): Gently pull the crown out one more click to reach the second position. This is the date-setting position. In this position, you can turn the crown to advance the date. On most Rolex Submariner Date models, turning the crown clockwise will advance the date.

4. Position 3 (Time Setting): Pull the crown out fully to its third position. This is the time-setting position. In this position, the seconds hand will stop ("hacking" the movement), allowing you to precisely set the time. Turn the crown in either direction to move the hour and minute hands.

Changing the Date on Your Submariner Date:

Now that you understand the crown positions, here's the process for changing the date on your Rolex Submariner Date:

1. Unscrew the Crown: As described above, unscrew the crown by turning it counter-clockwise until it's fully free.

2. Pull to Position 2: Gently pull the crown out one click to position 2 (the date-setting position).

3. Turn the Crown: Turn the crown clockwise to advance the date. As you turn, you'll hear and feel a distinct click as the date changes. Continue turning until the correct date is displayed in the date window.

4. Set the Time (If Necessary): If you need to adjust the time, pull the crown out to position 3 (the time-setting position) and set the time as desired. Remember that the seconds hand will stop in this position, allowing for precise time setting.

5. Push and Screw Down the Crown: Once you've set the date and time, push the crown all the way back in to its initial position. Then, carefully screw the crown down clockwise until it's fully tightened. This ensures the watch remains water-resistant.

Important Considerations and Potential Issues:

* The Danger Zone: Avoid changing the date between 9 PM and 3 AM. During this period, the date change mechanism is engaged, and manually forcing the date change could damage the delicate gears and levers within the movement. If you need to adjust the date during this time, advance the hands forward to a time outside this "danger zone" before changing the date.

* Quickset Date vs. Non-Quickset Date: Older Submariner models (primarily those pre-dating the 1680 model) may not have a quickset date function. This means that you cannot simply turn the crown to advance the date. Instead, you need to advance the hour hand past midnight repeatedly until you reach the correct date. This process can be time-consuming, but it's the only way to change the date on these vintage models.

* Sticking Date: If you find that the date is sticking or not changing properly, it could indicate a problem with the movement. Do not force the date change. Instead, take your watch to a qualified Rolex service center for inspection and repair.

* Crown Stripping: Be careful when screwing down the crown. Avoid cross-threading or over-tightening, as this can damage the screw threads on the crown and the case tube. If you feel any resistance, stop and try again, ensuring that the crown is properly aligned before tightening.