How to Use Your Watch

HOW TO USE YOUR WATCH

A practical guide to winding, setting and operating your mechanical watch.

Your WatchModLab watch may use different movements depending on the selected configuration. The exact crown positions and functions may vary slightly, but the following instructions apply to many common automatic mechanical watches.

STARTING YOUR AUTOMATIC WATCH

An automatic mechanical watch is powered by a mainspring that is wound by the movement of your wrist.

If the watch has stopped after being left unworn, you can restart it by manually winding the crown.

With the crown in its normal position, rotate the crown clockwise approximately 20–30 turns.

The seconds hand should begin moving.

You can then wear the watch normally, allowing the automatic rotor to continue winding the movement as you move.

MANUAL WINDING

Manual winding is useful when the watch has stopped or has not been worn for some time.

Turn the crown slowly and smoothly.

Avoid applying excessive force if you feel unusual resistance.

Once the watch is running, normal wrist movement will continue to wind the movement automatically.

SETTING THE TIME

Pull the crown out to the time-setting position.

On movements with hacking seconds, the seconds hand will stop.

Turn the crown until the hour and minute hands display the correct time.

When finished, push the crown fully back into its normal position.

SETTING THE DATE

For watches with a date display, pull the crown to the date-setting position.

Turn the crown in the appropriate direction until the correct date appears.

IMPORTANT:

Avoid using the quick-set date function when the watch is approximately between 9 PM and 4 AM.

During this period, the movement may already be engaging the automatic date-change mechanism. Changing the date manually at the same time may place unnecessary stress on the calendar components.

If you are unsure whether the displayed time is AM or PM, move the hands forward until the date changes. The date change indicates midnight.

SETTING A GMT WATCH

GMT watches include an additional 24-hour hand that can display a second time zone.

The GMT hand makes one full rotation every 24 hours and is read against a 24-hour scale.

Depending on the movement installed in your watch, the GMT hand can be adjusted using the crown.

For example, your main hour and minute hands can display local time while the GMT hand displays the time in another city or country.

The exact adjustment method may vary depending on the movement used in your watch.

USING A SCREW-DOWN CROWN

Some WatchModLab watches use a screw-down crown to improve water resistance.

To open the crown:

Rotate the crown counterclockwise until it releases from the case.

After setting or winding the watch:

Gently press the crown toward the case and rotate it clockwise until it is securely closed.

Do not overtighten the crown.

Always make sure the crown is fully closed before exposing the watch to water.

POWER RESERVE

Automatic watches store energy in the mainspring.

The amount of time the watch can continue running without being worn depends on the movement.

Many common automatic movements provide approximately 40 hours or more of power reserve.

If the watch is left unworn longer than its available power reserve, it may stop and need to be wound and reset before use.

MECHANICAL WATCH ACCURACY

Mechanical watches do not operate with the same precision as quartz watches.

Small daily variations are normal.

Accuracy can be affected by:

• Wearing habits
• Temperature
• Position
• Power reserve
• Magnetic fields
• Movement condition

If you notice a large or sudden change in timekeeping performance, contact WatchModLab for assistance.

BRACELET ADJUSTMENT

Metal bracelets can usually be resized by removing or adding links.

Depending on the bracelet design, the links may use:

• Screws
• Pins
• Friction-fit components

For best results, we recommend using the correct watchmaking tools or having the bracelet adjusted by a professional.

Incorrect tools may scratch the bracelet or damage the link components.

LEATHER AND RUBBER STRAPS

Most straps can be changed using spring bars or quick-release mechanisms.

When changing a strap, make sure both spring bars are fully seated before wearing the watch.

After installation, gently pull each side of the strap to confirm that it is securely attached.

BEFORE EXPOSING THE WATCH TO WATER

Before swimming or exposing the watch to water:

• Make sure the crown is fully closed
• Make sure a screw-down crown is securely screwed into place
• Check that the caseback is properly secured
• Follow the water-resistance rating provided for your specific watch

Do not operate the crown underwater.

Water resistance varies depending on the case and configuration.

IF YOUR WATCH STOPS

If your automatic watch stops:

1. Manually wind the crown approximately 20–30 turns
2. Set the correct time
3. Set the date if necessary
4. Wear the watch normally

If the watch repeatedly stops while being worn or shows unusually low power reserve, contact WatchModLab for support.

NEED HELP?

If you are unsure how to operate your specific watch, contact WatchModLab with your order number or movement model.

We can provide guidance based on the movement and configuration installed in your watch.