Change of date in Datejust 41

[PavlosE]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post in the forum.

I recently (two months ago) purchased my first luxury watch, a rolex datejust 41 ref. No. 126334, 2017 model

A few days ago I noticed that the date flipped not exactly at 00:00 but at 00:05. Since I am not a connoisseur of mechanical watches I was worried so I followed the matter the next day. I noticed again that the date changed at 00:05 but this time the seconds hand was at a different position.

Is this normal? Should I be worried? Is there something wrong with my watch?

As you can understand this being my first expensive buy has really made me feel dissapointed.

I did a bit of research on-line and I found out that this matter has already been discussed in various fora but not for the model I mention above. The reason for bringing up this matter again is in case there is any updated information regarding this issue and more specifically for the 3235 movement.

If the moderators think that this matter has already been discussed more than enough, I apologize and they can remove my post if they wish.

Thank you

Pavlos

[padi56]

Originally Posted by PavlosE

Hello everyone,

This is my first post in the forum.

I recently (two months ago) purchased my first luxury watch, a rolex datejust 41 ref. No. 126334, 2017 model

A few days ago I noticed that the date flipped not exactly at 00:00 but at 00:05. Since I am not a connoisseur of mechanical watches I was worried so I followed the matter the next day. I noticed again that the date changed at 00:05 but this time the seconds hand was at a different position.

Is this normal? Should I be worried? Is there something wrong with my watch?

As you can understand this being my first expensive buy has really made me feel dissapointed.

I did a bit of research on-line and I found out that this matter has already been discussed in various fora but not for the model I mention above. The reason for bringing up this matter again is in case there is any updated information regarding this issue and more specifically for the 3235 movement.

If the moderators think that this matter has already been discussed more than enough, I apologize and they can remove my post if they wish.

Thank you

Pavlos

First you should not be concerned the date change is a purely mechanical process. Now some change a little before midnight some a little bit after.So as long as it changed by next morning and you can see its changed that's far more important.

[Annan]

Normal. My DJ41 changes at 00.04. I've owned many Rolexes over the years and none changed at 00.00. Stop worrying and enjoy your watch.

[RHIII]

The date changes from tension built up in the spring mechanism that flips the date wheel throughout the course of the day. Depending how you set your watch, wind it, wear it (movement, etc) could have an impact on when the gears that control that mechanism are engaged. This is why a good rule of thumb is don’t set a mechanical watch with a date mechanism between 9pm and 3am - as you don’t want to interrupt the ‘process’.

That’s a whole lot of information that most don’t even need. At the 10000ft level - it doesn’t matter when it changes - and it will likely NOT change exactly at 12 — these watches are mechanical. It’s not a big deal. I’ve had watches that change 3-4 mins after. No worries.

Enjoy your watch!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RHIII

The date changes from tension built up in the spring mechanism that flips the date wheel throughout the course of the day. Depending how you set your watch, wind it, wear it (movement, etc) could have an impact on when the gears that control that mechanism are engaged. This is why a good rule of thumb is don’t set a mechanical watch with a date mechanism between 9pm and 3am - as you don’t want to interrupt the ‘process’.

That’s a whole lot of information that most don’t even need. At the 10000ft level - it doesn’t matter when it changes - and it will likely NOT change exactly at 12 — these watches are mechanical. It’s not a big deal. I’ve had watches that change 3-4 mins after. No worries.

Enjoy your watch!!!

Not true with Rolex watches they use a cam system for the date change.

[Lemieux66]

I don't think I've ever seen a mechanical watch change date at exactly midnight.

I know the DD40 movement had some issues, changing over as late as 1:30am, and the DJ41 movement is pretty similar so maybe it has the same thing going on? Although 4 mins late is not really an issue IME.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not true with Rolex watches they use a cam system for the date change.

True.

Just highlighting more the generic mechanical process


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[PavlosE]

Originally Posted by Lemieux66

I don't think I've ever seen a mechanical watch change date at exactly midnight.

I know the DD40 movement had some issues, changing over as late as 1:30am, and the DJ41 movement is pretty similar so maybe it has the same thing going on? Although 4 mins late is not really an issue IME.

First of all, thank you, everyone, for taking the time to answer to my query.
All of your answers were reassuring apart from the one I quote that made me gulp! Dear Lemieux66, when you say "issues", would you please elaborate, if you have the time and if of course is not much trouble.

Thank you

[4BostonB]

I believe that the way that htis is that prior to the hands being installed, the movement is progressed forward until the date clicks over. At that point, the hands are put on in the 12:00 position - the watchmaker needs to wind the movement back a few minutes, usually, which is why it's usually a few minutes before or after actual midnight. As long as it's close, this is normal - my watch changes at 0:04.