Rolex OYSTER DAY-DATE - User Manual

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Courtesy of Amsterdam Vintage Watches ™!
ROLEX OYSTER DAY-DATE, NO QUICKSET
To change the time or date, or to wind the watch by hand, you must first unscrew the crown from
the case, then pull it until the required position is reached. Always perform these operations with the
watch in your hand and not on your wrist. When you are done, make sure the crown is screwed
down to the case again before you wear it.
Position 0 Wearing position
Crown fully screwed-down:
Only wear the watch when the crown is fully
screwed down to the case for it to be water and
dustproof. (although we would recommend to
prevent any contact with water. We do not
guarantee that the watch is waterproof.
Position 1 Hand winding position
Unscrew the winding crown
(downwards) till it is disengaged from
the screw thread:
For manually wound watches this position is
used to wind the watch by hand before you
wear it. (Don’t wind it while on the wrist!) To
ensure long power reserve (one full day) make
sure you wind the crown upwards fully till the
crown can’t go any further. This position can
also be used for automatic watches to give it a
boost of extra power, for example when the
watch hasn’t been worn for some time.

Summary

Wearing Position (Position 0)

Crown fully screwed-down

Only wear the watch when the crown is fully screwed down to the case for it to be water and dustproof.

Hand Winding Position (Position 1)

Unscrew the winding crown (downwards)

Unscrew the winding crown (downwards) till it is disengaged from the screw thread for manual winding.

Setting Time, Date & Day Position (Position 2)

Pull out crown after it is unscrewed

Pull out crown to set time by turning it in both directions; day/date change every 24 hours.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Crown Positions and Their Functions
4. Maintenance Features

The Rolex Oyster Day-Date, a timepiece without a quickset function, requires specific steps for time, date, and day adjustments, as well as for manual winding. These operations should always be performed with the watch in your hand, never on your wrist, to ensure proper handling and prevent potential damage. Once any adjustments or winding are complete, it is crucial to screw the crown back down to the case to maintain its integrity before wearing the watch again.

Function Description

The Rolex Oyster Day-Date serves as a sophisticated timekeeping device that displays the hour, minute, second, day of the week, and date. Its design emphasizes precision and durability, characteristic of Rolex watches. The absence of a quickset feature means that setting the day and date requires a more deliberate process, involving turning the crown through 24-hour cycles to advance or reverse these indications. This method, while requiring more manual interaction, is a hallmark of certain vintage Rolex movements, reflecting a particular era of watchmaking. The watch is designed for daily wear, with features aimed at ensuring its reliability and longevity under normal conditions.

Usage Features

Crown Positions and Their Functions:

The crown of the Rolex Oyster Day-Date is a multi-functional component that controls winding and setting operations. Understanding its various positions is key to proper usage:

• Position 0: Crown Fully Screwed-Down (Wearing Position)

  • In this position, the crown is fully screwed down against the watch case, ensuring that the watch is sealed against water and dust. This is the only position in which the watch should be worn, as it guarantees its water and dust resistance. While the watch is designed to be resistant, it is generally recommended to prevent any contact with water to preserve its condition. The manufacturer does not guarantee complete waterproofing, so caution is advised.

• Position 1: Unscrewing the Winding Crown (Hand Winding Position)

  • To access this position, the winding crown must be unscrewed downwards until it disengages from the screw thread. This action prepares the watch for either manual winding or further adjustment.
  • For manually wound watches, this position is used to wind the watch by hand before wearing it. It is important not to wind the watch while it is on the wrist. To ensure a full day's power reserve, the crown should be turned upwards until it can no longer go further, indicating a full wind.
  • For automatic watches, this position can be used to give the movement an initial boost of power, especially if the watch has not been worn for some time and has stopped. This manual winding helps to kickstart the automatic mechanism.

• Position 2: Pulling Out the Crown (Setting Time, Date & Day Position)

  • After unscrewing the crown to Position 1, it can then be pulled out further to Position 2. This position is dedicated to setting the time, date, and day.
  • Setting the Time: Once in Position 2, turning the crown in either direction will adjust the time. Turning the crown upwards (clockwise) advances the time forward, while turning it downwards (counter-clockwise) moves the time backward.
  • Setting the Day and Date (without Quickset): Due to the absence of a quickset function, adjusting the day and date requires turning the crown through 24-hour cycles.
    • To advance the day and date, turn the crown upwards (clockwise). Each full 24-hour rotation will change both the day and the date.
    • To move the day back by one day, turn the crown downwards (counter-clockwise) through a 24-hour cycle. This method allows for the day to be set independently, albeit through a full day's time adjustment. This process requires patience and careful manipulation to reach the desired day and date.

Maintenance Features

The primary maintenance feature highlighted in the manual is the importance of properly screwing down the crown. This action is critical for maintaining the watch's water and dust resistance, which are essential for protecting the delicate internal movement from environmental elements. Regular attention to this detail ensures the longevity and reliable performance of the watch.

While not explicitly detailed as a maintenance feature, the instruction to perform all operations with the watch in hand rather than on the wrist implicitly suggests a best practice for care. This approach minimizes the risk of accidental damage or improper handling that might occur if the watch were still attached to the wrist, thereby contributing to its overall maintenance and preservation.

The manual also subtly implies the need for careful handling during winding and setting to avoid over-winding or forcing the crown, which could lead to internal damage. The instruction to wind until the crown "can't go any further" for a full power reserve, rather than forcing it, is a key aspect of preventing wear and tear on the winding mechanism.

In summary, the Rolex Oyster Day-Date, with its non-quickset mechanism, offers a traditional approach to timekeeping and adjustment. Its usage requires a methodical understanding of the crown's positions for winding and setting, emphasizing careful handling and the crucial step of securing the crown to maintain its protective features. These practices are fundamental to ensuring the watch's enduring functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Rolex OYSTER DAY-DATE Specifications

General

Model	Oyster Day-Date
Case Size	36 mm or 40 mm
Power Reserve	Approximately 70 hours
Water Resistance	100 meters
Caliber	3255
Bracelet	President bracelet
Crystal	Scratch-resistant sapphire
Functions	Day and date display, time
Case Material	18k gold, platinum