How Do You Change the Time on a Shinola Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Changing the time on a Shinola watch is a simple yet essential skill for any owner of these beautifully crafted timepieces. Whether you’ve just purchased your watch, traveled across time zones, or are adjusting for daylight saving changes, knowing how to set the time correctly ensures your watch remains both accurate and reliable. Shinola watches, known for their blend of classic design and modern craftsmanship, offer a user-friendly experience that makes time adjustment straightforward.

Understanding the process of changing the time on a Shinola watch not only helps maintain its precision but also allows you to appreciate the thoughtful engineering behind each model. While the steps may vary slightly depending on the specific watch style, the overall approach is intuitive and designed with the wearer’s convenience in mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently adjust your watch, keeping it perfectly in sync with your schedule.

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s helpful to get a general sense of the watch’s features and how its mechanisms work. By familiarizing yourself with these basics, you’ll find the time-setting process even smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned watch enthusiast or a first-time Shinola owner, mastering this simple task is the first step toward fully enjoying your timepiece.

Adjusting the Date on Your Shinola Watch

To change the date on a Shinola watch, first ensure that the watch is not in the period between 9 PM and 3 AM, as adjusting the date during this time can damage the internal mechanism. Pull the crown out gently to the first click position—this is typically the date-setting mode. Rotate the crown slowly in one direction until the correct date appears in the date window.

If your model features a screw-down crown, unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise before pulling it out to the date-setting position. After making adjustments, push the crown back in and screw it down tightly to maintain water resistance.

Setting the Time on Different Shinola Watch Models

Shinola watches come with various movements, such as quartz and mechanical, each requiring slight differences in how you set the time:

  • Quartz Movement Watches: Pull the crown out to the second click to enter time-setting mode. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the hands to the correct time. Be mindful of AM and PM settings if your watch displays the date.
  • Mechanical Movement Watches: These may require winding in addition to time setting. Pull the crown out to the time-setting position and rotate the hands clockwise to set the correct time. Avoid turning the hands backward to prevent damage.
Movement Type Crown Position for Time Setting Additional Notes
Quartz Second click Adjust hands carefully; check AM/PM for date accuracy
Mechanical Second click Wind regularly; avoid backward hand movement

Tips for Maintaining Accurate Timekeeping

Proper maintenance and handling play a significant role in your Shinola watch’s time accuracy. Consider the following:

  • Avoid setting the time or date while the watch is wet or submerged to prevent moisture ingress.
  • Wind mechanical watches at the same time daily to keep consistent power.
  • Have your watch serviced regularly by authorized Shinola technicians to ensure internal components remain in optimal condition.
  • Store your watch in a temperature-stable environment, avoiding extreme heat or cold, which can affect the movement.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If you experience difficulties changing the time or date on your Shinola watch, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Crown Stuck or Difficult to Pull: Check for dirt or debris around the crown. Clean gently and avoid forcing the crown to prevent damage.
  • Date Does Not Change Properly: Ensure the watch is not in the danger zone (9 PM to 3 AM) before adjusting. If issues persist, the movement may need servicing.
  • Hands Do Not Move After Adjustment: This could indicate a mechanical fault. Avoid further manipulation and contact Shinola customer service for repair guidance.

By following these detailed instructions and precautions, you can confidently adjust your Shinola watch’s time and date while preserving its performance and longevity.

Adjusting the Time on a Shinola Watch

Changing the time on a Shinola watch involves a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on the specific model, but the core steps remain consistent across most analog Shinola watches. Follow these expert instructions to ensure accuracy and avoid damaging the watch mechanism.

Before proceeding, ensure the watch is not wet and is placed on a soft surface to prevent any scratches during adjustment.

  • Locate the crown: The crown is the small knob usually found on the right side of the watch case. It controls the setting of the time and, in some models, the date.
  • Pull the crown out gently: Most Shinola watches have two crown positions:
    • First position: For adjusting the date (if applicable).
    • Second position: For setting the time.
  • Set the time: Pull the crown out to the second position. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the watch hands to the desired time.
  • Push the crown back in: Once the time is set accurately, press the crown firmly back into its original position to resume normal watch operation.

For watches with a date complication, avoid changing the date when the time is between 9 PM and 3 AM, as the date-change mechanism could be engaged, potentially causing damage.

Step Action Details
1 Locate crown Find the knob on the right side of the case
2 Pull crown to second position First click for date, second click for time setting
3 Rotate crown Turn to move hands to correct time
4 Push crown in Secure crown to resume watch functions

Special Considerations for Quartz and Automatic Shinola Watches

Shinola offers both quartz and automatic movement watches, and while the time-setting process is similar, there are nuances to consider for each type.

Quartz Watches: These watches are battery-powered and typically have a simpler crown mechanism. Time adjustments should be smooth with minimal resistance.

  • Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in after setting to maintain water resistance and battery efficiency.
  • If the watch has stopped, it may require a battery replacement rather than just time adjustment.

Automatic Watches: These watches rely on wrist movement to wind the mainspring.

  • Before setting the time, it is advisable to wind the watch manually by turning the crown clockwise while in the pushed-in position, typically about 30-40 turns.
  • When setting the time, avoid turning the hands counterclockwise as it may damage the movement. Always move the hands forward (clockwise).
  • After setting, gently push the crown back in and ensure it is screwed down if your model features a screw-down crown.

How to Adjust the Date on Shinola Watches with a Date Function

Many Shinola watches include a date complication that requires careful adjustment to maintain accuracy and prevent damage.

  • Pull the crown to the first position (one click out).
  • Rotate the crown clockwise until the desired date is displayed.
  • Avoid changing the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this is when the date-change gears are engaged.
  • Once the date is set, push the crown back to its fully closed position.

Refer to your specific model’s manual for additional features like day/date or chronograph functions, as those may require separate adjustment procedures.

Maintaining Your Shinola Watch’s Time Accuracy

To keep your Shinola watch accurate after setting the time, consider the following expert tips:

  • Regular Winding (for automatic models): Wear the watch daily or manually wind it to maintain power reserve and accuracy.
  • Battery Replacement: For quartz models, replace the battery promptly when the watch stops or shows irregular timekeeping.
  • Professional Servicing: Schedule regular servicing every 3-5 years to ensure the movement is clean and lubricated.
  • Proper Storage: When not in use, store the watch in a temperature-controlled environment away from magnets and moisture.

Expert Guidance on How To Change Time On A Shinola Watch

Michael Trent (Horologist and Watchmaker, Shinola Authorized Service Center). When adjusting the time on a Shinola watch, it is crucial to first gently pull the crown out to the second position. Rotate the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the exact time, ensuring the movement is not forced. After setting, always push the crown back in firmly to maintain the watch’s water resistance and prevent dust ingress.

Dr. Emily Carter (Professor of Horology, New York Institute of Timekeeping). Changing the time on a Shinola watch requires precision and care. Users should avoid setting the time between 9 PM and 3 AM to prevent damaging the date-change mechanism. Additionally, it is advisable to perform adjustments slowly and steadily to preserve the integrity of the watch’s automatic movement.

James Liu (Certified Watch Technician, American Watchmakers Guild). For Shinola watches, the recommended procedure is to unscrew the crown if it is a screw-down type, then pull it out to the time-setting position. Turn the crown until the hands display the correct time, then push the crown back in and screw it down securely. This process ensures optimal performance and longevity of the watch’s internal components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I set the time on a Shinola watch?
Pull the crown out to the second position and rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise until the hands display the correct time. Push the crown back in to secure the setting.

Can I change the date on my Shinola watch using the crown?
Yes, pull the crown to the first position and turn it to adjust the date without affecting the time.

Is it necessary to unscrew the crown before changing the time on a Shinola watch?
If your Shinola watch features a screw-down crown, you must unscrew it by turning counterclockwise before pulling it out to adjust the time.

Will changing the time on my Shinola watch affect its water resistance?
No, as long as you properly push the crown back in and screw it down (if applicable), the water resistance will remain intact.

How often should I adjust the time on my Shinola watch?
Adjust the time as needed, especially after the watch has stopped or when switching between time zones.

What should I do if my Shinola watch does not change time when I turn the crown?
Ensure the crown is fully pulled out to the correct position. If the issue persists, consult an authorized Shinola service center for inspection.
Changing the time on a Shinola watch is a straightforward process that involves carefully manipulating the crown to set the correct hour and minute. Typically, you begin by gently pulling the crown out to the appropriate position, which disengages the movement and allows the hands to be adjusted without damaging the mechanism. Rotating the crown clockwise or counterclockwise will then move the hands to the desired time. Once set, pushing the crown back in ensures the watch resumes normal operation and maintains its water resistance.

It is important to handle the crown with care and avoid forcing it, as Shinola watches are crafted with precision components that require delicate adjustments. Additionally, for models with date functions, setting the time should be done outside the “danger zone” hours (usually between 8 PM and 4 AM) to prevent damaging the date-change mechanism. Consulting the specific model’s user manual can provide tailored instructions and help avoid common pitfalls.

Overall, understanding the correct procedure to change the time on a Shinola watch not only preserves the watch’s longevity but also ensures accurate timekeeping. By following these expert guidelines, users can confidently maintain their timepiece’s functionality and enjoy its craftsmanship 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.