Interactive explanation of the different positions of a watch crown. Learn what each position does on automatic, manual and screw-down crown watches.
Tap a position button below to see what it does
Normal running position. The crown is fully against the case. On screw-down crowns this is the sealed, water-resistant position.
Position 0 – Crown fully in (or screwed down). Watch runs normally. Water resistance is at its maximum on screw-down models.
Position 1 – First click out. Usually used for manual winding (on automatic and manual watches) or for quick-set date on some movements.
Position 2 – Second click out. Most commonly used to set the time (hour and minute hands). On many watches the seconds hand stops (hacking).
Position 3 – Rare. Some older or special movements have a third position for independent hour-hand setting or other functions.
Many dive and sports watches use a screw-down crown. You must first unscrew it (turn counterclockwise) before you can pull it to Position 1 or 2. After setting, always push the crown in and screw it back down firmly to restore water resistance.
What is the normal position of the crown? Position 0 – fully pushed in (and screwed down if it is a screw-down crown). This is the position the watch should stay in during normal wear.
How do I wind an automatic watch? Unscrew the crown if necessary, pull it to Position 1 (first click), and turn it clockwise about 20–40 times. Then push it back in and screw it down.
Why does the seconds hand stop when I pull the crown out? This is called hacking. It allows you to set the time precisely to the second. Most modern mechanical watches have this feature.
Can I set the date at any time? Avoid changing the date between roughly 8 PM and 4 AM. During this period the date-change mechanism may already be engaged and forcing it can damage the movement.