Time change 2025: Tips for adjusting clocks on luxury watches

Time change is an ongoing topic that occupies people in this country at least twice a year. The watches are adjusted in March and October to set the summer and winter time. With luxury watches, this can pose significant problems for owners, as the unique watches may be equipped with sensitive mechanics or require an individual procedure. We have collected tips for adjusting your watch.

When will the watch be adjusted in 2025?

Of course, in 2025 the watches will again be adjusted to summer or winter time. On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the watches will be set forward one hour to summer time. In autumn, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the watch will be set back one hour to winter time.

Adjusting watches - quite simple?

In today's digitally connected world, the time change goes almost unnoticed for many people. Smartwatches, smartphones, and other internet-enabled devices adjust their time automatically – precisely and without any user intervention.

It is different with classic timepieces such as wristwatches, wall, or standing watches. Here, a manual adjustment is often required to ensure the correct time. However, with a simple guide or the appropriate expertise , this can be done without any problems.

Special care is required when adjusting luxury watches. Highly precise mechanical movements or sensitive mechanisms make it necessary to observe special procedures to avoid impairing the fine watchmaking art. It is advisable to take a close look at the manufacturer's instructions – or, if in doubt, to take a trip to the specialist.

Tips for the time change of luxury watches

Mechanical watches are masterpieces of precision mechanics, and when adjusting the time, there are some important points to consider to ensure their flawless function and longevity. With these tips, the time change succeeds safely and gently.

1. Avoid the "dangerous time span"

Many mechanical watches automatically change their date between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM . During this phase, the sensitive gears and levers of the date mechanism are active – manually adjusting the hands can therefore cause damage. The safest method: adjust the watch during the day, ideally at 10:00 AM.

2. Turn in the right direction

If possible, you should turn the hands only clockwise (forward) . Some watch mechanisms are sensitive to hands turned backward, which can cause problems. In case of doubt, it is worth checking the manufacturer's manual.

3. Handle the crown correctly

High-quality watches – for example from Rolex or Omega – often have a screw-down crown to ensure their water resistance. Before setting the watch, the crown must be carefully unscrewed. After setting, be sure to screw it back tightly to protect the watch from moisture and dust.

4. Wind Automatic Watches beforehand

Has the Automatic Watch stopped? Then it should be wound several times by hand before setting. This ensures the movement achieves even tension and runs precisely.

5. Use Power Reserve and second stop

Many high-quality watches have a second stop function – when pulling out the crown, the seconds display stops. This is ideal for an exact time setting and facilitates precise synchronization with a reference watch.

6. Check the date display

If your watch has a date display, it is worth a final look to see if the correct date is shown after the adjustment. Especially after switching between AM and PM , it may be necessary to adjust the date.

7. Do not turn the hands too quickly

Especially with complex complications (e.g., perpetual calendar, Moonphase), the hands should be adjusted slowly to avoid overloading the mechanics.

8. Adjust time zone watches correctly

For world time or GMT watches, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as incorrect settings can affect accuracy.

9. Consider temperature and humidity

Adjust watches preferably in a stable ambient temperature – extreme cold or heat can affect the oil in the movement.

10. Do not overwind the mainspring

When winding, be careful not to tension the spring too much – resistance signals that enough tension is present.

11. Avoid magnetism

When adjusting, do not work near magnetic fields (e.g., speakers, smartphones) to avoid affecting accuracy.

Mnemonics for the time change

• In summer, you put the garden furniture in front of the door, in winter back into the shed.
• The time change works like a thermometer: in summer, temperatures are in the plus, in winter in the minus.
• You always set the watch towards summer: in spring forward, in autumn back.

With these simple but essential tips, your mechanical watch remains in perfect condition and reliably accompanies you through time!