How to Set the Date on Your Legacy Collection Watch: A Quick Guide

Quick Answer

To set the date on your Legacy Collection watch, first wind it fully, then pull the crown to the first position and turn it clockwise until the correct date appears. Always do this when the watch is not between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM to avoid damaging the date mechanism.

Setting the date on your automatic watch seems straightforward, but doing it at the wrong time or with the wrong technique can harm the movement. This guide walks you through the safe way to adjust the date on your Tsao Baltimore Legacy Collection timepiece, including the Legacy 36 models.

Whether you own a Legacy Steel Raven or a Legacy Bronze Raven, the date-setting process is the same. You'll learn the correct crown position, the direction to turn, and the critical window to avoid. Follow these steps to keep your watch running smoothly for years.

Understanding Your Watch's Crown Positions

Most automatic watches, including the Legacy Collection, have a screw-down crown for water resistance. Before any adjustment, unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it pops out. You'll feel two distinct positions: the first is for setting the date, and the second is for setting the time.

For the Legacy 36, the crown is a single push crown, meaning it doesn't screw down. You can pull it directly to the date position. Knowing which position does what prevents you from accidentally changing the time when you only want to adjust the date.

• Position 0: Crown pushed in (wound and sealed).
• Position 1: Date setting (usually first click out).
• Position 2: Time setting (second click out).

The Safe Window for Date Changes

The date mechanism engages automatically between roughly 9 PM and 3 AM. If you manually change the date during this window, you risk stripping gears or causing the date to skip. This is the most common cause of date-related damage in automatic watches.

To avoid this, set the time to 6:30 first if you're unsure. Then pull to the date position and adjust. This simple habit protects your movement and ensures the date changes correctly at midnight.

• Never set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM.
• If in doubt, move the hands to 6:30 before adjusting.
• Always turn the crown clockwise for date changes.

Step-by-Step Date Setting

Start by winding your watch manually with the crown in position 0. Turn it clockwise about 20 times to ensure enough power reserve. This is especially important if the watch has stopped.

Pull the crown to position 1. Turn it clockwise until the correct date appears. If you overshoot, continue clockwise rather than turning back, as reversing can stress the mechanism. Push the crown back in and, if it's a screw-down crown, tighten it gently.

• Wind the watch fully first.
• Pull to position 1 (date).
• Turn clockwise to set the date.
• Push the crown back and secure it.

Quick Steps to Set the Date

1. Wind the watch: Unscrew the crown if needed, then turn it clockwise about 20 times to give the movement power. Checkpoint: The second hand should start moving.
2. Pull to date position: Pull the crown out one click to the first position. You should feel a distinct stop. Mistake to avoid: Pulling too far will set the time instead.
3. Turn clockwise to set the date: Rotate the crown clockwise until the correct date appears in the window. Checkpoint: If you overshoot, continue clockwise; don't reverse.
4. Push the crown back: Press the crown back in and, if it's a screw-down crown, tighten it gently counterclockwise until snug. Final check: Ensure the crown is fully secured to maintain water resistance.

Legacy Collection Models

• LEGACY STEEL - RAVEN: Only 50 timepieces will be available. Individually numbered: B2-01 / 50. Based on popular demand, we will be producing a small batch of the sold out Legacy Raven. The Legacy was built and designed to be worthy of being passed on to the next generation. With a limited run, proper date setting ensures your heirloom-quality piece stays in perfect working order for years.
• Legacy 36 - Two Tone Mother of Pearl: The Legacy 36 is an elegant, yet bold iteration of the popular Steel and Bronze Legacy models. It is perfectly sized down to 36mm, housing a very reliable automatic movement with a custom Maryland rotor that can be seen through the sapphire crystal exhibition window. The exhibition caseback lets you see the movement; learning to set the date correctly protects that visible mechanism from user error.

Setting the date on your Legacy Collection watch is a simple task once you know the safe window and correct technique. By following these steps, you'll avoid common pitfalls and keep your Baltimore timepiece running accurately for generations. If you ever feel unsure, consult the manual or contact the manufacturer.