Watch Care & Usage Guide
How to Use Your Rolex Watch
1. Winding an Automatic Watch
Mechanical watches require a stable supply of power from the mainspring to maintain accurate timekeeping.
Automatic watches are designed to assist in winding the mainspring through the movement of your wrist.
If you notice any of the following symptoms:
・The watch is running fast or slow
・The power reserve is shorter than usual
the mainspring may not be sufficiently wound.
In this case, please manually wind the mainspring using the crown before wearing the watch.
When using a watch that has stopped, or when using your watch for the first time after it has been returned from maintenance,
we recommend manually winding the crown approximately 30–40 turns before use.
2. Effects of Magnetism on Your Watch
Strong magnetism can cause a watch to run significantly fast or slow.
Magnetic fields are generated by devices containing magnets and by electrical appliances in which electric current flows through coils.
Many such devices are commonly found in everyday life.
Examples include magnetic necklaces, magnetic bracelets, speakers, and other electrical appliances.
Please keep your watch away from devices with strong magnetic fields.
In particular, take care when choosing where to place your watch after removing it from your wrist.
3. Using the Quick-Set Calendar Function
To avoid possible damage to the calendar mechanism, please do not use the quick-set calendar function during the following periods:
● For the six-hour period from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m., after the date changes at midnight.
● If the hands have been turned counterclockwise, avoid using the quick-set calendar function for the eight-hour period after the date changes, until 4:00 p.m.
How to Use an Automatic Watch
When using a stopped watch for the first time, or when the mainspring has completely unwound,
slowly wind the mainspring approximately 20–30 turns using the crown and make sure the watch has started running.
Please avoid turning the crown too quickly, as doing so may damage the automatic winding mechanism.
Set the correct time. If the watch has a calendar function, make sure the a.m./p.m. setting is also correct before wearing the watch.
● During normal daily use
Generally, wearing an automatic watch for eight hours or more per day allows normal wrist movement to gradually wind the mainspring,
helping maintain sufficient power reserve even after the watch is removed.
If the time is still correct the following morning, you may continue wearing the watch as usual.
● If your wrist movement is limited
Even while wearing the watch, limited wrist movement may result in insufficient winding.
This can cause the watch to run fast, run slow, or stop by the following morning.
This is particularly common for people who spend long periods doing desk work or otherwise move their arms very little.
A shorter power reserve in these circumstances does not necessarily indicate a malfunction.
In this case, after removing the watch, slowly wind the crown approximately 20–30 turns.
If the time remains correct the following morning, you may continue using the watch as usual.
If the time is incorrect or the watch has stopped, the mainspring may still be insufficiently wound.
Try increasing the number of manual turns slightly.
★ Automatic watches do not have a hard winding stop when fully wound.
Power Reserve of an Automatic Watch
An automatic watch generally operates without power-reserve problems when worn by a reasonably active person
and wound by normal wrist movement sufficiently each day.
However, if the wearer is relatively inactive and the watch does not receive enough movement to replenish approximately one day's power,
the remaining power reserve will gradually decrease and the watch may eventually stop.
The amount of winding generated while wearing an automatic watch therefore varies significantly depending on the wearer's level of activity.
Even for the same person, the amount of wrist movement can vary considerably from day to day.
★ For active wearers
With normal wrist movement, the mainspring may become nearly fully wound,
allowing the watch to continue running for more than a day after it is removed.
★ For less active wearers
If wrist movement is limited, the amount of automatic winding will also be reduced.
If the watch is left unworn for approximately 11–24 hours,
it may eventually stop unless it is manually wound on a regular basis.
In this situation, we recommend manually winding the crown approximately 20–30 turns per day.
Important Precautions for Use
| Environment to Avoid | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| High or low temperatures and high humidity | Bathrooms, saunas, leaving the watch inside a vehicle, near humidifiers, storage in enclosed humid spaces, etc. | |
| Areas exposed to water | The sea, swimming pools, bathrooms, saunas, rainy conditions, washing a car, etc. | |
| Prolonged direct sunlight | At the beach, swimming pools, near windows, etc. | |
| Areas near chemicals | Medical facilities, schools, chemical plants, hot springs, etc. | |
| Near magnetic products | Magnetic Product | Magnetic Field Strength (Gauss) |
| Hair dryers / Electric blankets | 10 | |
| TV speakers | 30 | |
| Telephones / Electric shavers | 50 | |
| Microphones / Magnetic board magnets | 60 | |
| Mobile phones / Large speakers | 100 | |
| Automatic mahjong tables | 200–500 | |
| Magnetic patches / Magnetic bracelets | 600–1,300 | |
Replace a Depleted Battery Promptly
Leaving a watch with a depleted battery for a long period may cause the battery to leak.
Battery leakage can corrode movement components and cause additional damage,
in which case simply replacing the battery may no longer be sufficient.
We recommend replacing a depleted battery as soon as possible.
Regular Overhaul and Maintenance
A watch movement contains lubricating oils that allow its many components to operate smoothly.
Because these oils gradually deteriorate and dry out over time,
continued use without adequate lubrication may accelerate wear or damage internal components.
Lubrication is generally considered to require maintenance after approximately 3–5 years.
For this reason, periodic overhaul servicing every 3–5 years is recommended.
Even Stainless Steel Can Rust
Stainless steel is commonly regarded as a rust-resistant metal.
Its corrosion resistance is provided by a thin protective layer formed on its surface.
This layer, known as a passive film, is regenerated through a reaction between chromium contained in the stainless steel and oxygen in the air.
However, when the surface remains covered with sweat, dirt, or other contaminants,
it may not receive enough oxygen for the protective film to regenerate properly.
As a result, corrosion may occur.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is therefore not permanent.
Regular cleaning and wiping are important for maintaining its condition.
Regular Care
Regular maintenance can have a significant effect on the lifespan and condition of your watch.
● Bracelet
One effective method of cleaning a metal bracelet is gentle washing with water,
provided that this is appropriate for your watch and bracelet.
Using a soft toothbrush can help remove dirt that has accumulated between bracelet links and other small spaces.
After cleaning, always wipe away all moisture thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Accumulated dirt can act like an abrasive,
which may accelerate scratches and wear on the bracelet.
● Watch Case
Although washing can also be effective for cleaning a watch case,
water-resistance specifications vary from one watch to another.
For this reason, we generally recommend wiping the watch with a soft cloth.
If the watch becomes wet, particularly after being worn in the rain,
wipe away moisture thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
If You Think Your Watch May Be Malfunctioning
| Issues Caused by Lifestyle or the Operating Environment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Explanation |
| Stops / Runs fast / Runs slow |
Exposure to a strong magnetic field (Magnetization) |
Many components inside a watch are made from materials that can be affected by magnetism.
Exposure to a strong magnetic field may cause the watch to stop or lose accuracy. If magnetism remains in the watch after it has been removed from the magnetic field, the watch may continue to operate incorrectly. Many electrical appliances and electronic devices used in everyday life generate magnetic fields. If the watch has become magnetized, demagnetization may be required. |
| Stops / Runs fast / Runs slow |
Insufficient mainspring winding (Automatic watches only) |
An automatic watch winds its mainspring through the rotation of an internal rotor.
Even when the watch is being worn, limited wrist movement may result in insufficient rotor movement and therefore insufficient winding. This is commonly seen among people who spend long periods doing desk work or who leave their watches unworn for extended periods. |
| Runs fast / Runs slow | Temperature differences |
Most watches are designed to operate normally at temperatures of approximately 0°C to 40°C. If a watch is left for an extended period outside this temperature range without the effect of body heat, a mechanical watch may tend to run faster below 0°C and slower above 40°C. Quartz watches may also experience reduced accuracy. Normal operation generally returns once the watch returns to a normal temperature. |
| Condensation / Fogging |
The inside of a watch contains air, which naturally includes a certain amount of moisture.
When the outside temperature becomes lower than the temperature inside the watch,
this moisture may temporarily appear as condensation on the inside of the crystal. This is more common during seasons with large differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures, such as summer and winter. Temporary fogging may not indicate a problem. However, if the condensation does not disappear or forms visible water droplets, inspection or repair may be required. |
|
| Common Issues That May Not Require Repair | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Explanation |
| Stops / Runs fast / Runs slow | Exposure to a strong magnetic field | This occurs only while the watch is exposed to a strong magnetic field. If magnetism remains in the watch and the problem continues afterward, inspection or repair may be required. |
|
Insufficient mainspring winding (Automatic watches only) |
This occurs when the mainspring has not been sufficiently wound. | |
| Runs fast |
Intense movement (Mechanical watches only) |
If you participate in sports or other vigorous activities while wearing a mechanical watch, the watch may temporarily run fast during periods of intense movement. |
|
Temporary hairspring entanglement (Mechanical watches only) |
The hairspring of the balance may temporarily become entangled. In rare cases, it may return to its normal position on its own. | |
| Runs fast / Runs slow | Temperature differences |
These symptoms may occur when a watch is exposed to temperatures outside the approximate range of 0°C to 40°C.
Normal operation generally resumes once the watch returns to normal room temperature. Moisture in the air inside the watch may also temporarily appear as condensation due to temperature differences. If visible water droplets form or the condensation does not disappear, inspection or repair may be required. |
| Condensation / Fogging | ||
| Issues Caused by Impact (Repair May Be Required) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Explanation |
| Stops / Runs fast / Runs slow | Shock-protection spring displaced |
A shock-protection spring is designed to help protect delicate and expensive components such as the balance assembly when the watch receives an impact. A sufficiently strong shock may cause the spring to become displaced, which can cause the watch to stop. If the impact is severe enough, additional internal components may also be damaged. Even if the spring does not become completely displaced, a strong impact may still cause a significant loss of accuracy. |
| Runs fast |
Hairspring entanglement (Mechanical watches only) |
Mechanical watches use a balance assembly to regulate timekeeping.
The hairspring is an extremely delicate component that controls the oscillation of the balance. If the watch receives a strong impact, the hairspring may become entangled, which can cause the watch to run fast or otherwise lose accuracy. |
| Issues Caused by Incorrect Operation (Repair May Be Required) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Part | Possible Problem | Explanation |
| Crown | Calendar malfunction |
The calendar may have been adjusted during a restricted adjustment period.
Operating the calendar mechanism during certain hours may cause damage. Please follow the operating instructions applicable to your specific watch model when adjusting the calendar. |
| Crown has come out | Internal components may have been damaged if excessive force was used when pulling the crown. | |
| Winding stem is broken | Excessive force may have placed more stress on the winding stem than it could withstand, causing it to break. | |
| Rotating Bezel | A unidirectional bezel rotates in both directions |
Many rotating bezels are held in place by small components such as springs and pins.
These parts are not designed to withstand excessive force. Forcing a unidirectional bezel in the opposite direction may damage the small components that secure it, which can cause the bezel to rotate in both directions or become detached. |