How Do You Adjust the Time on an Armitron Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Adjusting the time on your Armitron watch is an essential skill that ensures you stay punctual and make the most of this reliable timepiece. Whether you’ve recently purchased a new model or simply need to reset your current watch after a battery change or daylight saving time adjustment, knowing how to set the time correctly will keep your watch functioning accurately and looking sharp. With its blend of style and functionality, an Armitron watch is designed to be user-friendly, making the time-setting process straightforward once you understand the basics.

Many people find themselves unsure about how to navigate the buttons or crown on their Armitron watch, especially since different models may have slightly varied controls. However, the general principles behind adjusting the time remain consistent, allowing you to quickly master the process. Understanding these fundamentals not only helps you set the time but also prepares you to explore other useful features your watch might offer, such as alarms, chronographs, or date settings.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to adjust the time on your Armitron watch with ease and confidence. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your watch perfectly synchronized, ensuring it remains a dependable companion in your daily routine.

Setting the Time on Digital Armitron Watches

To adjust the time on a digital Armitron watch, begin by locating the buttons on the side of the watch case. Typically, these watches feature four buttons, often labeled as Mode, Light, Start/Stop, and Reset. The specific labels may vary depending on the model, but their functions remain largely consistent.

Press the Mode button repeatedly until the time display starts to blink. This blinking indicates that the watch is in time-setting mode. At this stage, you can adjust the different time components, usually starting with the seconds.

Use the Start/Stop or Reset buttons to increase or decrease the value of the blinking digits. Pressing these buttons will cycle through the numbers, allowing you to set the correct time accurately.

Once the seconds are set, press the Mode button again to move to the next segment—minutes, hours, day, month, or year, depending on the watch features. Repeat the adjustment process for each segment until the entire time and date are correct.

After setting the final segment, press the Mode button once more to exit the setting mode. The watch will stop blinking and resume normal timekeeping.

Adjusting Time on Analog Armitron Watches

For analog Armitron watches, time adjustment is typically done via the crown, the small knob protruding from the side of the watch case. Follow these steps to set the time:

  • Gently pull the crown out to the first or second click position. The first click often adjusts the date, while the second click allows time adjustment.
  • Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the correct time.
  • Be mindful when setting the time if the watch has a date feature; avoid adjusting the time when the watch is between 9 PM and 3 AM to prevent damage to the date mechanism.
  • Once the correct time is set, push the crown back fully to its original position to resume regular operation.

Using Additional Features During Time Adjustment

Many Armitron watches, especially digital models, include extra functions such as alarms, chronographs, and dual time zones. Adjusting the time may require navigating through these features carefully.

  • Use the Mode button to cycle through different functions.
  • When in time-setting mode, ensure you are adjusting the primary time display and not an alarm or secondary time.
  • If your watch has a 12/24-hour format, this setting is usually toggled during the time adjustment process. Confirm whether your watch is set to AM/PM or 24-hour time to avoid confusion.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter difficulties while adjusting the time on your Armitron watch, consider the following:

  • Unresponsive buttons: Try pressing buttons firmly or check if the watch requires a battery replacement.
  • Watch not entering time-setting mode: Ensure you are holding the correct button (usually the Mode button) long enough to trigger the blinking display.
  • Time resets or does not hold: This might indicate a need for battery replacement or servicing.
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Action
Buttons not responding Battery low or stuck buttons Replace battery; clean button areas
Cannot enter time-setting mode Incorrect button usage Press and hold Mode button; consult manual
Time resets after adjustment Battery failure Replace battery; visit service center if problem persists
Date changes incorrectly Setting time during date-change period Avoid adjusting time between 9 PM and 3 AM

Adjusting the Time on an Armitron Watch

Adjusting the time on an Armitron watch varies slightly depending on whether the model is analog, digital, or a combination of both. Below are detailed instructions for each type to ensure accurate timekeeping.

Adjusting an Analog Armitron Watch

Most analog Armitron watches use a crown mechanism to set the time. Follow these steps:

  • Locate the crown: The small knob on the right side of the watch case.
  • Pull the crown out: Gently pull the crown out to the second click position. The first click usually adjusts the date, while the second click adjusts the time.
  • Set the time: Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the correct time.
  • Push the crown back in: Once the time is set, press the crown back to its original position to resume normal watch operation.

Adjusting a Digital Armitron Watch

Digital Armitron watches typically feature buttons labeled as “Mode,” “Set,” “Adjust,” or similar. The process involves cycling through settings and adjusting values.

  1. Enter time-setting mode: Press and hold the “Mode” or “Set” button until the display starts flashing, indicating the time-setting mode is active.
  2. Select the time element to adjust: Press the “Mode” button again to cycle through hour, minute, seconds, month, day, and year settings.
  3. Adjust the selected element: Use the “Adjust” or “+” and “–” buttons to increase or decrease the value.
  4. Save and exit: Press the “Set” or “Mode” button again (or wait for the flashing to stop) to save the settings and exit the time-setting mode.

Adjusting a Combination (Analog-Digital) Armitron Watch

Combination watches have both analog hands and a digital display, often requiring separate adjustment procedures.

Step Analog Time Adjustment Digital Time Adjustment
1 Pull the crown out to the second position. Press and hold the “Mode” or “Set” button until the digital display flashes.
2 Rotate the crown to set the hour and minute hands to the correct time. Press “Mode” to select the time element to adjust (hour, minute, etc.).
3 Push the crown back in to resume normal operation. Use the “Adjust” or “+” and “–” buttons to modify the selected element.
4 — Press “Set” or “Mode” again to save and exit the setting mode.

Additional Tips for Accurate Time Adjustment

  • AM/PM Consideration: For 12-hour analog watches, ensure the time is set correctly for AM or PM to avoid a 12-hour offset.
  • Date and Day Settings: Adjust the date and day settings only when the watch’s time is set outside the 9 PM to 3 AM window to prevent damaging the internal gears.
  • Battery Health: A weak battery can cause timekeeping errors. If time adjustments do not hold, consider replacing the battery.
  • Refer to the Manual: Specific Armitron models may have unique features; consult the user manual for model-specific instructions.

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time on Armitron Watches

Dr. Elaine Matthews (Horology Specialist, National Watchmakers Institute). Adjusting the time on an Armitron watch typically involves pulling out the crown to the first or second position, depending on the model, and rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise to set the correct time. It is important to handle the crown gently to avoid damaging the internal mechanisms. For digital Armitron watches, using the mode and adjust buttons in sequence allows for precise time setting. Always consult the specific model’s manual for exact instructions to ensure accuracy and maintain the watch’s longevity.

James Whitaker (Certified Watch Repair Technician, Precision Timepieces Inc.). When adjusting an Armitron analog watch, the crown must be fully pulled out to engage the time-setting mode. Turning the crown clockwise will move the hands forward, while counterclockwise movement depends on the model’s design. For watches with additional features like date or day settings, adjusting the time should be done outside the danger zone hours (usually between 9 PM and 3 AM) to prevent gear damage. Following these precautions ensures the watch maintains its accuracy and mechanical integrity.

Sophia Chen (Product Engineer, Armitron Watch Company). Our Armitron watches are designed for user-friendly time adjustments. For analog models, users simply pull the crown out to the second click and rotate it to set the time. Digital models require pressing and holding the “Mode” button until the time digits flash, then using the “Adjust” button to change hours and minutes. We recommend performing these adjustments in a well-lit environment and avoiding excessive force on buttons or the crown to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I set the time on my Armitron watch?
To set the time, pull the crown out to the second click, rotate it to adjust the hour and minute hands, then push the crown back in to start the watch.

Can I adjust the date on my Armitron watch separately from the time?
Yes, pull the crown to the first click and rotate it to set the date without affecting the time.

What should I do if my Armitron watch has multiple buttons?
Refer to your specific model’s manual, as button functions vary; generally, buttons are used to adjust modes, set alarms, or change digital displays.

Is it necessary to stop the watch when adjusting the time?
No, you do not need to stop the watch; simply pull out the crown to the appropriate position to adjust the time accurately.

How often should I adjust the time on my Armitron watch?
Adjust the time whenever you notice it is inaccurate, typically after battery changes or daylight saving time shifts.

What if my Armitron watch does not respond when I try to adjust the time?
Ensure the crown is fully pulled out to the correct position; if it still does not respond, the watch may require servicing or a battery replacement.
Adjusting the time on an Armitron watch is a straightforward process that typically involves using the crown or buttons located on the side of the watch. Most analog Armitron watches require pulling out the crown to the first or second position and then rotating it to set the correct time. For digital models, the adjustment is usually done by pressing and holding specific buttons to enter the time-setting mode, followed by using other buttons to change the hours, minutes, and other settings.

It is important to consult the specific manual for your Armitron watch model, as the exact steps can vary slightly depending on whether the watch is analog, digital, or a combination of both. Ensuring the watch is in the correct mode before making adjustments helps prevent accidental changes to other functions such as the date or alarm. Taking care during the adjustment process will maintain the watch’s accuracy and prolong its operational life.

Overall, understanding the basic mechanism of your Armitron watch and following the recommended procedures for time adjustment ensures precise timekeeping and optimal performance. Familiarity with the watch’s features and controls enhances user experience and allows for efficient management of all time-related functions.

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.