How to Change the Time and Date on a Rolex GMT-Master II (Correct Method)

The Rolex GMT-Master II is designed differently from most automatic watches.

Thanks to its independently adjustable hour hand, you can change the time and date safely without stopping the movement if it’s done correctly.

This guide explains exactly how to change both the time and the date, without damaging the watch.

Understanding the Rolex GMT-Master II

Unlike standard date watches, the GMT-Master II features:

⭐️ A jumping local hour hand

⭐️ A 24-hour GMT hand (home time)

⭐️ A date mechanism linked to the local hour hand

This means the date changes when the hour hand passes midnight, not via a traditional quickset.

Crown Positions Explained

The crown has three positions:

1. Screwed in – normal, water-tight

2. First click out – adjusts local hour hand & date

3. Second click out – adjusts all hands together

⚠️ There is no separate quickset date wheel like on a Submariner or Datejust.

How to Change Local Time (Travelling)

This is the most common adjustment.

Step-by-Step

1. Unscrew the crown (anti-clockwise)

2. Pull the crown to the first click

3. Rotate the crown to move the hour hand forward or backward

▪️ The minute and GMT hands stay still

▪️ Accuracy is not affected

4. Push the crown back in and screw it down

✅ Safe

✅ Does not stop the watch

✅ Designed for frequent use

How to Change the Date on a Rolex GMT-Master II

Unlike most watches, the date is changed by moving the hour hand, not by a separate date-set position.

Correct Method

1. Unscrew the crown

2. Pull the crown to the first click

3. Rotate the crown forward until the hour hand passes midnight

4. Each time the hour hand crosses midnight, the date advances by one day

5. Continue until the correct date is shown

6. Push the crown back in and screw it down

💡 You can move the hour hand forwards or backwards to reach the correct date faster.

Why This Is Safe (Important)

On a GMT-Master II:

⭐️ The date mechanism is disengaged during hour-hand adjustment

⭐️ There is no traditional “danger zone” like on standard date watches

⭐️ Rolex designed this system to be used at any time of day

That said:

✅ Always turn gently

✅ Never force resistance

How to Set Home Time (GMT Hand)

This is usually done once.

Steps

1. Unscrew the crown

2. Pull to the second click

3. Set:

▪️ Minute hand

▪️ GMT hand (points to 24-hour scale)

4. Push crown back in and screw down

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⭐️ Trying to “quickset” the date like a Submariner

⭐️ Using the second crown position for daily time changes

⭐️ Forgetting to screw the crown back down

⭐️ Forcing the crown when resistance is felt

Key Takeaways

✅ Date is changed via the jumping hour hand

✅ Use first crown position only

✅ No quickset date wheel

✅ Designed for frequent time-zone changes

Final Advice

The Rolex GMT-Master II is one of the most intelligently designed travel watches ever made.

Once you understand how the hour hand and date are linked, setting it becomes fast, safe, and intuitive.