Knowing how to set time & date in Fossil watch models correctly ensures your timepiece remains accurate and functional for years to come. Whether you have a standard three-hand model, a multifunctional dial, or a chronograph, the process is straightforward once you identify which type of movement your watch uses.
This guide walks you through the steps for the most common Fossil watch types so you can get back to keeping time in style.
Standard Three-Hand Watches
Most standard Fossil watches feature a single crown on the right side of the case. This crown usually has three positions:
- Position 1 (Normal): The crown is pushed all the way in against the case. The watch runs normally.
- Position 2 (Date Setting): The crown is pulled out halfway.
- Position 3 (Time Setting): The crown is pulled out completely.
How to Set Time on Fossil Watch (Standard)
- Pull the crown out to Position 3.
- Turn the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise to move the hour and minute hands to the desired time.
- Push the crown back to Position 1.
How to Change Date on Fossil Watch
- Pull the crown out to Position 2.
- Turn the crown clockwise until the previous day’s date appears in the window.
- Pull the crown out to Position 3 and advance the hands until the correct date appears. This ensures you are setting the time for AM or PM correctly (the date changes at midnight).
- Push the crown back to Position 1.
Note: Avoid changing the date between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. This is when the date-changing mechanism is in motion, and forcing it can damage the movement.
Multifunction Watches
Multifunction watches display the day of the week, date of the month, and 24-hour time on separate sub-dials.
How to Set Day in Fossil Watch
- Pull the crown out to Position 3.
- Turn the crown clockwise to advance the hour and minute hands.
- Keep turning until you cycle through 24 hours. You will see the day hand move to the next day.
- Repeat this cycle until the correct day is selected.
Setting the Date
- Pull the crown out to Position 2.
- Turn the crown counter-clockwise to advance the date hand.
- Push the crown back to Position 1.
Chronograph Watches
A chronograph is essentially a watch with a built-in stopwatch. These models usually have two pushers (buttons) on either side of the crown.
How to Set Time in Fossil Chronograph Watch
- Pull the crown out to Position 3.
- Turn the crown to set the hour and minute hands.
- Push the crown back in to start timekeeping.
If the chronograph seconds hand (usually the large central hand) does not reset to zero (12 o’clock position):
- Pull the crown to Position 3.
- Press the top pusher repeatedly to advance the seconds hand until it aligns with 12.
- Push the crown back in.
FAQs
How do I know if my watch is AM or PM?
Advance the time forward; if the date changes when the hands pass 12, it was midnight (AM).
Why won’t the date change on my Fossil watch?
You may be trying to change it during the “danger zone” (10 PM–2 AM), or the mechanism needs repair.
Which way do I turn the crown to set the date?
On most models, turn the crown clockwise in Position 2, but some require counter-clockwise turns.
Can I wind my quartz Fossil watch?
No, quartz watches are battery-powered and do not require winding.
What if my Fossil watch has no seconds hand?
The process is the same; simply set the hour and minute hands as described above.