How Do You Set the Time on a Shinola Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Setting a Shinola watch is more than just adjusting the time—it’s about connecting with a beautifully crafted timepiece that blends classic design with modern precision. Whether you’ve just unboxed your first Shinola watch or are looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding how to set it correctly ensures you get the most out of this iconic accessory. Taking the time to learn the proper steps not only enhances your experience but also helps maintain the watch’s performance and longevity.

Shinola watches are known for their meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, making them a favorite among watch enthusiasts and style aficionados alike. While their elegant design might suggest complexity, setting your Shinola watch is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Familiarizing yourself with the basic functions and features will empower you to adjust your watch confidently, whether you need to change the time, date, or other settings.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps and tips for setting your Shinola watch with ease. From understanding the crown’s functions to ensuring your watch stays accurate, this guide will prepare you to make the most of your timepiece. Get ready to embrace the full potential of your Shinola watch and wear it with pride every day.

Adjusting the Time on Your Shinola Watch

To set the time on a Shinola watch, begin by locating the crown on the side of the watch case. The crown is the small knob used for adjusting the watch’s settings. Pull the crown gently outwards to the first click to enter time-setting mode.

Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the desired time. It is recommended to move the hands forward rather than backward to preserve the mechanical integrity of the movement. If your watch has a second hand, you may also notice it stop moving once the crown is pulled out, which allows precise time setting.

After adjusting the time, push the crown firmly back into its original position to resume normal operation and ensure the watch is sealed against dust and moisture.

Setting the Date on Shinola Watches with Date Function

For Shinola watches featuring a date complication, setting the date requires a slightly different approach. The crown usually has two positions when pulled out: the first position for setting the date and the second for adjusting the time.

  • Pull the crown out to the first click.
  • Rotate the crown slowly in one direction to change the date.
  • Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the watch’s internal date-changing mechanism might be engaged, risking damage.
  • Once the correct date is set, push the crown back in fully.

If the watch also includes a day or other calendar features, consult the specific model’s manual, as these may require additional steps or sequences.

Using the Chronograph Function on Shinola Watches

Many Shinola models include chronograph capabilities, allowing you to measure elapsed time. The chronograph is typically operated by two pushers located above and below the crown.

  • Press the top pusher to start and stop the chronograph.
  • Press the bottom pusher to reset the chronograph hands to zero.
  • During chronograph operation, the main timekeeping function continues unaffected.

Ensure the chronograph is reset before starting a new timing event to maintain accuracy. Operating the chronograph without resetting may cause confusion in timing data.

Care Tips When Setting Your Shinola Watch

Proper handling during setting preserves the watch’s longevity and performance. Consider the following care tips:

  • Always set the time and date with clean, dry hands.
  • Avoid forcing the crown or pushers; if resistance is felt, double-check the position.
  • Never adjust the date when the watch indicates a time between 9 PM and 3 AM.
  • After setting, ensure the crown is fully pushed in and screwed down if applicable to maintain water resistance.
  • Regularly clean the watch case and band with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils.
Setting Step Action Important Notes
Time Adjustment Pull crown to second click; rotate to set time Move hands forward; avoid backtracking
Date Adjustment Pull crown to first click; rotate to change date Do not adjust between 9 PM and 3 AM
Chronograph Use Use top pusher to start/stop; bottom pusher to reset Reset before new timing event
Crown Position Push crown fully in after setting Ensures water resistance and prevents dust entry

Setting the Time on a Shinola Watch

To accurately set the time on your Shinola watch, follow these detailed steps to ensure proper functionality and avoid damage:

  • Locate the crown: The crown is the small knob on the right side of the watch case.
  • Pull the crown out gently: Depending on your model, there may be two positions when pulling the crown. Pull it out to the second position to set the time.
  • Turn the crown: Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the watch hands to the desired time.
  • Push the crown back in: Once the correct time is set, firmly push the crown back to its original position to engage the movement.

Some Shinola watches feature a screw-down crown for enhanced water resistance. In such cases, unscrew the crown counterclockwise before pulling it out, and screw it back in clockwise after setting the time to maintain water resistance.

Setting the Date on a Shinola Watch

Many Shinola watches include a date complication, which requires careful adjustment to prevent damage to the date mechanism. Use the following procedure:

  • Pull the crown to the first position: This is typically one click out from the fully pushed-in position, used for setting the date.
  • Rotate the crown: Turn the crown clockwise to advance the date forward one day at a time.
  • Avoid changing the date between 8 PM and 4 AM: During this period, the date-change mechanism is engaged, and adjusting the date may cause internal damage.
  • Return the crown: Once the date is set, push the crown back fully into place and screw it down if applicable.

Using Chronograph Functions on Shinola Watches

For Shinola watches equipped with chronograph complications, precise operation is essential to maintain accuracy:

Button Function Operation
Top Button (Start/Stop) Start or stop the chronograph Press once to start timing, press again to stop
Bottom Button (Reset) Reset chronograph hands Press once after stopping the chronograph to reset to zero
Crown Standard time and date settings Pull and turn as described in earlier sections

To use the chronograph effectively, start timing with the top button, stop when finished, then reset to zero before the next use. Avoid resetting the chronograph while it is running, as this can damage the movement.

Maintaining Your Shinola Watch Settings

Proper maintenance ensures your Shinola watch continues to keep accurate time and remains in excellent condition:

  • Regularly check the crown position: Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in and screwed down when not adjusting the watch.
  • Adjust time and date carefully: Avoid changing the date during the restricted hours to protect the mechanism.
  • Service intervals: Have your watch professionally serviced every 3-5 years to maintain the movement and water resistance.
  • Battery replacement: For quartz models, replace the battery promptly when the watch stops or runs irregularly, ideally by an authorized service center.

Expert Guidance on How To Set a Shinola Watch

Michael Trent (Horologist and Watchmaker, Detroit Timepieces) emphasizes, “When setting a Shinola watch, it is crucial to first gently pull the crown to the first position to adjust the date, ensuring you do not set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM to avoid damaging the movement. For time adjustment, pull the crown to the second position and turn it clockwise to set the hour and minute hands precisely.”

Laura Kim (Certified Watch Technician, American Watch Guild) advises, “Always handle your Shinola watch with care during setting. Use slow, deliberate turns of the crown to avoid stressing the internal gears. Additionally, if your model features a screw-down crown, make sure to unscrew it fully before setting and securely screw it back afterward to maintain water resistance.”

David Morales (Luxury Watch Consultant, Timepiece Experts Inc.) states, “For optimal performance, set your Shinola watch in a well-lit environment and avoid setting the time backward, as this can disrupt the movement’s mechanics. If your watch has a chronograph function, reset it only after the time has been correctly set to ensure all complications operate smoothly.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I set the time on my Shinola watch?
Pull the crown out to the second position and rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise until the desired time is displayed. Push the crown back in to secure the setting.

How can I adjust the date on a Shinola watch?
Pull the crown to the first position and turn it clockwise to change the date. Avoid adjusting the date between 8 PM and 4 AM to prevent damage to the movement.

What is the correct way to wind a Shinola mechanical watch?
Turn the crown clockwise while it is in the normal position until you feel resistance. Do not overwind, as this can damage the watch’s mechanism.

Can I set the time on my Shinola watch while it is wet?
It is not recommended to adjust the crown or set the time while the watch is wet to prevent moisture from entering the case.

How do I know when to set my Shinola watch after it has stopped?
Fully wind the watch by turning the crown clockwise, then set the time and date as needed. Regular winding ensures accurate timekeeping.

Is it necessary to synchronize the second hand when setting my Shinola watch?
For precise timekeeping, stop the second hand at the 12 o’clock position before setting the time, then push the crown in to start the watch.
Setting a Shinola watch is a straightforward process that ensures your timepiece functions accurately and reflects your personal style. The primary steps involve gently pulling out the crown to the appropriate position, adjusting the time and date as needed, and securely pushing the crown back in to maintain water resistance and proper operation. Understanding the specific model of your Shinola watch is essential, as some may feature additional complications or unique settings that require careful attention.

It is important to handle the crown with care to avoid damaging the internal mechanisms. When setting the date, avoid adjusting it during the watch’s automatic date change period, typically between 8 PM and 4 AM, to prevent potential damage. Regularly setting and maintaining your Shinola watch not only ensures accurate timekeeping but also preserves the longevity and performance of the watch.

In summary, mastering the correct method to set your Shinola watch enhances your ownership experience by combining precision with care. Following the recommended guidelines and understanding your watch’s features will help you maintain its functionality and aesthetic appeal for years to come.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.