Setting the Time

Setting the Time

How to Set the Time on NH34, NH35, NH36, and VK63 Movements

Hey there! Thank you for choosing Somerville Watch Company. Your support means the world to us. Let’s make sure you’re all set to enjoy your new timepiece.

Setting the time on any SWC watch is easy, and I’ll guide you through it step by step.

Before We Start

  • Find a Safe Spot: Hold your watch over a soft surface — just in case it slips.
  • Avoid Setting the Time Between 9 PM and 3 AM: This can damage the date mechanism.
  • Unscrew the Crown (if applicable): Turn it counterclockwise until it releases to the first position.

NH34, NH35, and NH36 Movements

Reliable and trusted, these Seiko movements are great choices. The NH34 features a GMT hand, while the NH35 and NH36 have a date and day-date complication only.

Steps to Set the Time

  1. Pull the Crown to the Right Position:
    • Fully unscrew the crown until it pops out.
    • Normal Position: Manual winding.
    • First Position: Set the date (NH35), date and day (NH36), or day and 24 time (NH34)
    • Second Position: Set the time.
  2. Set the Time:
    • Pull the crown to the second position.
    • Rotate it to move the hands. Check the AM/PM cycle if the watch has a date.
  3. Set the Date:
    • Push the crown to the first position and rotate to adjust the date (and day or 24 hour time, for NH36 and NH34 movements).
  4. Secure the Crown:
    • Push it all the way in and screw it down.

NH35 instructions

VK63 Movement (Meca-Quartz Chronograph)

This hybrid movement delivers quartz accuracy with mechanical chronograph feel.

  1. Pull the Crown to the Correct Position:
    • First Position: Adjust the date.
    • Second Position: Set the time.
  2. Set the Time:
    • Pull the crown to the second position and rotate to set the hands.
  3. Set the Date:
    • Push to the first position and turn to adjust the date.
  4. Use the Pushers:
    • Located at 2 o’clock (A) and 4 o’clock (B).
    • A: Start/stop the chronograph.
    • B: Reset the chronograph hands.

    To use: Press A to start, again to stop, then press B to reset.

    VK63 chronograph instructions

  5. Reset the Chronograph Hands (if needed):
    • Pull the crown to the second position and use pushers to realign hands.
  6. Secure the Crown:
    • Push it back in and screw it down if required.

TIP: If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to contact me or visit a professional watchmaker.

Thank you!

Thanks again for choosing Somerville Watch Company. We proudly use Seiko movements for their dependability and performance.

You’re now ready to enjoy your custom timepiece. If you ever need help or have questions, reach out — we’re always happy to assist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay any new tariffs on my U.S. order?

Unlike our competitors, we do not dropship our watches from overseas. What sets us apart is that we are a wholly U.S. owned and operated company.

If you are an American customer, that means your order will ship from Somerville, Massachusetts, and you will never have to pay any import duties or tariffs.

Where are you located?

As our name implies, we are located in Somerville, Massuchussets, USA. You can read more about our company and its founding on our About Us page.

Do you have a physical location/boutique?

We are an e-commerce only business, with no plans for opening a physical location.

For logistical reasons, we are unable to offer local pick-up from our workshop. We do however offer free shipping to all customers, regardless of their location.

Do you offer a warranty?

All of our watches are covered by a 1 year warranty for issues related to the movement or craftsmanship. If you experience issues with your watch, we will happily repair the watch free of charge.

If you are outside of the warranty period, we are still available to help you diagnose and repair any issues you may have. Just reach out to us via email!

How quickly do your watches ship?

All of our watches are in-stock, pre-built and available to ship immediately unless marked as "Pre Order."

Watches ordered before 8pm EST ship the next day, except when USPS is closed (Sunday and US federal holidays).

What are your shipping speeds and prices?

For the most accurate delivery estimates and pricing, add an item to your cart and enter your mailing address at checkout. The checkout page will then populate with real-time pricing and delivery estimates provided by our delivery partners: USPS, UPS, and DHL.

Shipments within the U.S. are FREE and arrive within 2-5 business days, depending on your location. U.S. customers can also opt for expedited paid shipping.

For international orders, we offer FREE expedited shipping to over 100 countries through FedEx and UPS. Both of these services deliver worldwide within 2-5 business days.

Do you create custom builds?

Yes we do. Please fill out a custom-build request form at this link!.

Is my payment information secure?

Our website and payments platform is powered by Shopify, which complies with all six PCI standard categories, making it among the most secure payment platforms on the web.

What is the difference between the Premium Dial and Standard Dial GMT and Submariner watches?

Despite the name difference, both of our GMT and Submariner dial options are premium and have identical quality in terms of finishing, lume, and cost. Both dials are constructed of the same high-quality copper.

The only difference is in the face of the dial itself. The Premium option includes a printed logo, and is designed as an homage to the GMT-Master and Submariner dials. The Standard dial is more understated and minimalist in terms of the amount of text on the face, and includes a metal logo instead of a printed logo.

The Standard dial the only option we carried when our website launched. When we began offering the Premium dial, that moniker was chosen simply as a way to differentiate the watch.