How to Set an Analog Clock

An analog clock tells you time by moving hands to point at numbers, rather than displaying numbers.[1] Analog clocks usually use a system of dials that you turn in order to move these hands. Sometimes these dials can be hard to locate and understand. You may need to experiment in order to understand your clock a little better and change the time.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Setting a Wall Clock or Bedside Clock

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    1
    Change the battery. If you have to reset your clock, it’s likely that you need a new battery before doing so. Your batteries are usually found in a small box on the back of the clock. If there is no battery box on the back of the clock, a small rectangular hole in an indented rectangle is a good sign of a battery pack.
    • If there is no battery inside your clock, most battery packs have embossed letters inside the battery spaces telling you what size batteries to get.
  2. Image titled Set an Analog Clock Step 2
    2
    Find the dials. Dials are usually located at the back of the clock. Sometimes you may have to remove a battery cover in order to get access to the dials on your clock.
    • If your clock has an alarm or a calendar, you may find that it has many dials. Your dials may have arrows or diagrams next to them that indicate their function.
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  3. Image titled Set an Analog Clock Step 3
    3
    Learn how the dials work. You can figure out how the dials work by experimenting. Turn the dials, and then see what happens on the face of the clock.
    • You should choose a dial and put your fingers on it firmly. Then turn the clock around so that you can see the hands moving, and turn the dial to figure out which hand it is connected to. There are a number of variables that can affect the function of the dials, so try to experiment: turn them both directions, and lift them or pull them out to see if this changes which hand engages.
    • Some clocks will use one dial for each hand. Other clocks will have one dial that moves both hands. There may also be a dial to set an alarm, which is usually a smaller hand that is a different color than the other ones.
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    Set the clock. Check a phone or computer to find the current time. [2] News and weather channels often display the time as well.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Setting an Analog Watch

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    Change the battery. If your watch has stopped, you may need to change the battery. [3] You can find watch batteries at Radio Shack or Walmart, or you may want to take your watch back to the place that you bought it for a professional fix.
    • You can potentially scratch your watch if you try to replace your battery yourself. However, if you do want to pry off the back of your watch, you can do so with a small flat-head jeweler’s screwdriver. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the indentation or tab that separates the front and back of your watch. Tap it with a hammer or rubber mallet until the back comes off. You should then be able to replace the battery (use a non-metal object to remove and replace the battery) and the back of the watch.[4]
    • If your watch is solar powered or movement powered, you may need to charge it in the sun, or wear it for a day or two before it is ready to set.
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    Find the crown on your watch. This is the small knob on the side of your watch. Depending on how complicated your watch is, you may have buttons instead of a crown.
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    3
    Pull out the crown. On some watches, the crown will pull out to multiple levels. Usually, one level will change the date, and another level will change the time.[5]
    • Experiment by pulling the crown out to multiple levels and turning it. If it doesn’t affect the minute hand and hour hand, pull it out or push it in to a different level.
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    Set the time. Turn the crown until the minute hand and hour hand are pointing to the correct places.[6]
    • Usually the minute and hour hands will move together.
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    Push the crown in. This will set the time, and your watch will start running again.[7]
    • Make sure that crown is pushed all the way in. If you don’t push it all the way in, your watch will not restart.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I set the date on an analog watch?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Push the crown by 1/2 full length, rotate to set the date on the watch from 1 - 31. Experiment to figure out AM/PM.
  • Question
    Is it okay to turn the hands backward a full hour?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is okay. However, make sure that it is set for the right time.
  • Question
    How do inset an alarm on an analog, twin bell clock?
    C Grace
    C Grace
    Community Answer
    Look carefully on the back of the clock. You should see a dial which moves the small alarm hand. You should also see a knob which pulls out and pushes in. They may have a small bell carved into the metal below to indicate it woksk the alarm. Use the dial to move the little alarm pointer, then pull the alarm knob out. When the alarm goes off, push it back in.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/analog-clock-or-watch.html
  2. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/time-clocks.html
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFmV7NIjVsw&feature=youtu.be&t=51s
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFmV7NIjVsw&feature=youtu.be&t=51s
  5. ↑ https://www.seikowatches.com/instructions/html/SEIKO_6R35_D_EN/BONDSYcuynbssw
  6. ↑ https://www.seikowatches.com/instructions/html/SEIKO_6R35_D_EN/BONDSYcuynbssw
  7. ↑ https://www.seikowatches.com/instructions/html/SEIKO_6R35_D_EN/BONDSYcuynbssw

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 100,373 times.
5 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: January 12, 2023
Views: 100,373
Categories: Clocks
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