Most, but not all Rolex watches have the quickset feature. The quickset feature on a Rolex watch allows you to advance the “date” manually, and quickly instead of advancing the time 24 hours to advance to the next date. Here, I want to show you in a video, how the quickset feature works on a 3135 calibre movement. It is very similar on other modes, and this seems to be one of the most popular movements, and makes for a great example.
Here are some reasons why you might have a problem…
If the quickset feature on your watch is not working properly, there could be several causes. Any one of these can create an issue, and sometimes, it could be a combination.
Date Disk is dislodged: Sometimes, if a watch is dropped or even banged up against something hard, the shock can dislodge some of the parts, including the date disc. The date disk is the ring with the numbers of the month on it. If the disc comes displaced, it may not turn correctly, or may even become damaged.
Date Disk Snap Spring: This small spring, as shown in the video, forces the date disc into the correct position. Normally, if this breaks, which is rare, the date disc will still turn, but not make the “snapping” sound, and the date may appear to be in the wrong position through the face or dial of your watch. More often than not, the date disc will be wedged above the snap, and that will cause the date disc to be pushed up to the underside of the dial, keeping it from turning.
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Manual Advancing Wheel: This is not a common problem, however, once in a while, I see where these get very dirty and do not turn correctly. In addition, this is another area where if dropped, the date disk can wedge itself in between the dial and this wheel, and this will also cause the date disc not to turn. You will often here it make a small grinding noise if this happens.
QuickSet Intermediate wheel: These wheels, if dirty, may loose a tooth on the gear, or like the previous issues, can be dislodged if dropped. If this gear gets wedged or dislodged, other issues can arise from its damage, causing even further damage. It would take a hard drop to dislodge this wheel, but it could be a cause of the issue if your QuickSet isn’t working.
Conclusion…
If you’re watch is in need of a full service, the cleaning of these parts, as well as the examination and testing is part of that full service.
If you’ve dropped your watch, and the quickset stops functioning, consider this a repairable expense that will have to be corrected.
If all you need done is to have the quickset examined and repaired, and there are not damaged parts, only dislodged parts, it would be a repair which takes about an hour. Consider the rates you’ll pay based on where you take it, and of course your location in the world. Rates vary from location to location.
Also, consider that if any of these parts are damaged, you may have to replace them, at additional expenses.
Like I mentioned before, the quickset feature on a watch is not something that just stops working. It is usually do to a drop or bang against something. However, if your crown turns difficult in all three positions, there is generally a different issue with your watch. Something to keep in mind.
I hope that you found this information helpful and now understand how your watch works…