Setting an Omega watch—whether automatic, manual, or quartz—requires understanding its crown positions, complications, and movement type. Below is a general guide for setting most Omega watches. Always refer to your specific model’s manual, but the following instructions apply to common Omega collections like the Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Constellation.

Crown Positions

Most Omega watches have a three-position crown:

• Position 0 (Pushed in): Normal position for wearing. In automatics, the rotor winds the movement passively.

• Position 1 (Pulled one click):

  • For date setting on models with date complication

  • May also adjust the GMT hand on dual-time models

• Position 2 (Pulled two clicks):

  • Sets the time

  • In watches with a hacking function, the seconds hand stops for precision setting

Setting Automatic Omega Watches

1. Wind the watch: Turn the crown clockwise in Position 0 about 30–40 turns to build power reserve.

2. Set the time:

   • Pull the crown to Position 2

   • Rotate the hands to the correct time (avoid setting the date near midnight)

3. Set the date (if applicable):

   • Return to Position 1

   • Turn the crown clockwise until the correct date appears

4. Push the crown back to Position 0 and screw it down if it’s a diver’s model.

Setting Quartz Omega Watches

Quartz models operate similarly but do not need winding:

1. Pull the crown to Position 2

2. Set the time by turning the crown

3. Set the date using Position 1 (if available)

4. Push the crown back in to start the watch again

In models with a perpetual calendar or multiple functions (like the Omega Speedmaster X-33), setting procedures may require button sequences or display toggling.

Setting GMT or Dual-Time Watches

GMT watches typically feature an independent 24-hour hand:

• Position 1 sets the date and GMT hand

• Position 2 sets the main time

Rotate the crown forward or backward depending on the direction of time zone change. The GMT hand will track a second time zone on a 24-hour scale.

Chronograph Function (For Speedmaster/Seamaster Chronographs)

• Start: Press upper pusher

• Stop: Press upper pusher again

• Reset: Press lower pusher (only after stopping)

Timekeeping and chronograph setting are separate functions. Setting the main time will not affect chronograph readings.

Cautions During Setting

• Never set the date between 8 PM and 4 AM—you may damage the date-change mechanism.

• Use dry hands or gloves to operate crowns on water-resistant models.

• Always screw the crown down securely after setting on diving models like the Seamaster to maintain water resistance.