How Do You Properly Wind a Rolex Submariner Watch?

AvatarByArron Moss Watch Brands

Winding a Rolex Submariner watch is more than just a routine task—it’s an essential ritual that connects you to the craftsmanship and precision behind one of the world’s most iconic timepieces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new owner, understanding how to properly wind your Submariner ensures it performs flawlessly and maintains its legendary accuracy. This process not only keeps your watch ticking but also preserves its mechanical integrity for years to come.

The Rolex Submariner, renowned for its robust design and superior engineering, operates with an automatic movement that relies on both wrist motion and manual winding to stay powered. While daily wear usually keeps the watch running smoothly, there are moments when manual winding becomes necessary—such as after periods of inactivity or when setting the time. Grasping the nuances of this procedure helps prevent potential damage and maximizes the lifespan of your investment.

In the following sections, we will explore the fundamentals of winding your Rolex Submariner, highlighting why it’s important and what to keep in mind before you begin. Whether you’re looking to maintain peak performance or simply want to deepen your appreciation for this legendary watch, mastering the winding process is an essential step on your horological journey.

Setting the Time and Date on Your Rolex Submariner

After winding your Rolex Submariner, the next step is to set the time and date accurately. This ensures your watch functions perfectly and maintains its precision.

Begin by gently pulling the crown out to the first position. In this position, you can adjust the date without affecting the time. Rotate the crown clockwise to change the date. Be cautious not to adjust the date between 8 PM and 4 AM, as this is when the date-change mechanism is active and could be damaged.

To set the time, pull the crown out further to the second position. This stops the seconds hand, allowing for precise time setting. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the desired time. Ensure that you cycle through the hours correctly to avoid confusion between AM and PM, especially if your Submariner has a date function.

Once the time and date are set, push the crown back to its original position and screw it down tightly. This maintains the watch’s water resistance and protects its internal mechanisms.

Proper Care When Winding and Setting Your Submariner

Maintaining the integrity of your Rolex Submariner during winding and setting is crucial for its longevity and performance. Follow these best practices:

  • Avoid Over-Winding: Although the Submariner has a robust winding mechanism, excessive winding can cause undue stress. About 20 to 30 turns of the crown are typically sufficient to fully wind the watch.
  • Gentle Handling: Always wind and set the watch with gentle, deliberate movements. Avoid forcing the crown if you encounter resistance.
  • Screw-Down Crown: Always ensure the crown is securely screwed down after winding or setting to maintain water resistance.
  • Avoid Adjusting Date at Risk Times: Refrain from changing the date between 8 PM and 4 AM to prevent damage to the date mechanism.
  • Regular Use: Wearing your Submariner regularly helps keep the automatic movement wound. If not worn for extended periods, manual winding is recommended before use.

Comparison of Winding Methods for the Rolex Submariner

Understanding the differences between manual winding, automatic winding, and using a watch winder can help you maintain your Submariner efficiently.

Winding Method Description Advantages Considerations
Manual Winding Turning the crown clockwise by hand to build power reserve.
  • Immediate power boost
  • Full control over winding
  • Maintains watch when not worn
  • Requires regular attention
  • Risk of over-winding if careless
Automatic Winding Winding occurs through natural wrist movements during wear.
  • Convenient and effortless
  • Keeps watch running continuously if worn daily
  • Watch stops if not worn for extended periods
  • Winding efficiency varies with activity level
Watch Winder Device that rotates the watch to simulate wrist movement.
  • Keeps watch wound when not worn
  • Prevents stopping and resetting
  • Additional cost
  • Needs correct programming for Submariner’s requirements

Preparing Your Rolex Submariner for Winding

Before beginning the winding process, ensure that the Rolex Submariner is clean and free of moisture or dust. Follow these preparatory steps to protect the watch’s movement and maintain its water resistance:

  • Clean the case and crown area: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe any dirt or oils from the watch, especially around the crown.
  • Secure the watch: Hold the watch firmly in one hand to avoid slipping or dropping during winding.
  • Unscrew the crown: The Submariner features a screw-down crown to maintain water resistance. Gently rotate the crown counterclockwise until it pops free and is in the winding position.

Taking these precautions ensures the crown and stem mechanism remain undamaged and the watch retains its water-tight integrity.

Manual Winding Procedure for the Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement but can be manually wound to ensure optimal power reserve. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Position the crown: Once unscrewed, the crown will be in the first position, allowing manual winding.
  2. Wind the crown clockwise: Turn the crown gently clockwise (away from you) using your thumb and forefinger.
  3. Number of turns: Perform approximately 30 to 40 full rotations to fully wind the mainspring.
  4. Do not overwind: The Rolex Submariner is designed with a slipping mainspring to prevent overwinding, but avoid excessive force or resistance.
  5. Screw down the crown: After winding, press the crown gently toward the case and rotate it clockwise to screw it back securely, ensuring the watch is water-resistant.

Summary of the Winding Process

Step Action Details
1 Clean and Prepare Wipe watch clean, hold securely, unscrew crown counterclockwise
2 Manual Winding Turn crown clockwise about 30-40 rotations without force
3 Secure Crown Press crown inward and screw clockwise until firmly sealed

Additional Tips for Maintaining the Rolex Submariner’s Movement

Maintaining the movement’s longevity and accuracy requires proper handling alongside winding:

  • Regular winding schedule: If not worn daily, wind the watch once every two to three days to keep the lubricants evenly distributed.
  • Avoid winding when wet: Moisture ingress can damage the movement; always ensure the crown is fully sealed before exposure to water.
  • Handle the crown gently: Excessive force can damage the winding stem or crown threads.
  • Service intervals: Have the watch professionally serviced every 5 to 10 years to maintain optimal performance.

By following these expert guidelines, you can ensure your Rolex Submariner remains precise and reliable for many years.

Expert Guidance on How To Wind A Rolex Submariner Watch

James Caldwell (Certified Horologist, Swiss Watch Institute). When winding a Rolex Submariner, it is essential to first ensure the crown is fully unscrewed to avoid damaging the threading. Turn the crown clockwise gently for about 30 to 40 rotations to provide sufficient power reserve. Avoid overwinding, as modern Rolex movements have built-in mechanisms to prevent damage, but excessive force can still compromise the crown seal integrity.

Dr. Elena Martinez (Watchmaker and Restoration Specialist, Heritage Timepieces). The key to properly winding a Rolex Submariner lies in the tactile feedback from the crown. After unscrewing the crown, wind it slowly and steadily until you feel a slight resistance. This indicates the mainspring is fully wound. Always screw the crown back down firmly to maintain the watch’s water resistance, especially important for dive watches like the Submariner.

Michael Tanaka (Luxury Watch Consultant, Timepiece Experts Group). For optimal performance, wind your Rolex Submariner at the same time each day if it is not worn regularly. This routine helps maintain consistent power delivery to the movement. Remember to handle the crown delicately and avoid winding the watch while it is on your wrist to prevent undue pressure on the winding stem and crown tube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I properly wind a Rolex Submariner manually?
Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out to the winding position. Turn the crown clockwise slowly and smoothly about 30 to 40 times to fully wind the mainspring.

Can I wind my Rolex Submariner while wearing it?
It is recommended to remove the watch from your wrist before winding to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the winding stem and crown, ensuring smooth and safe winding.

How often should I wind my Rolex Submariner?
If not worn daily, manually winding your Rolex Submariner once a week is advisable to keep the movement lubricated and maintain accurate timekeeping.

What should I do if the crown feels resistant while winding?
Stop winding immediately if you encounter resistance. Check that the crown is fully unscrewed and in the correct position. For persistent issues, consult an authorized Rolex service center.

Does the Rolex Submariner have an automatic winding mechanism?
Yes, the Rolex Submariner features a self-winding automatic movement that winds the mainspring through the natural motion of your wrist during daily wear.

Is it necessary to screw the crown back after winding?
Yes, always screw the crown back down tightly after winding to maintain the watch’s water resistance and protect the movement from dust and moisture.
Winding a Rolex Submariner watch is a straightforward yet essential process to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. By unscrewing the crown to the first position and turning it clockwise, the user manually winds the watch, typically requiring about 20 to 40 turns to fully power the movement. It is important to perform this action gently and avoid overwinding, as the Submariner features a robust automatic movement designed to prevent damage from excessive winding.

Regular winding is particularly beneficial if the watch has not been worn for an extended period, as it helps maintain accurate timekeeping and keeps the lubricants inside the movement evenly distributed. Additionally, after winding, securely screwing the crown back down ensures the watch maintains its water resistance, a critical feature of the Submariner model.

In summary, understanding the correct technique for winding a Rolex Submariner not only preserves the mechanical integrity of the watch but also enhances its reliability and performance. Proper care through regular winding and crown handling reflects the attention to detail that is synonymous with Rolex craftsmanship.

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.