Badger Mods Owner's Guide

How to Set & Care for Your Automatic Watch

Simple instructions for winding, setting, and caring for your Badger Mods automatic watch, including Seiko NH35 and NH34 movement guidance.

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Important Date-Setting Warning

Avoid using the quick-set day or date function between approximately 9 PM and 3 AM. During these hours, the movement's calendar mechanism may already be engaged. Forcing a day or date change during this period can damage the calendar mechanism. When in doubt, move the hands to around 6:00 before adjusting the date.

Start Here

Your Watch Was Built to Be Worn

Mechanical watches work differently from battery-powered watches. A few simple habits will help keep your watch running properly and looking its best.

1

Wind Your Automatic Watch

If your watch has stopped, give the movement some power before setting the time.

  • If your watch has a screw-down crown, gently unscrew it first.
  • With the crown in the normal position, turn it clockwise approximately 20 to 30 gentle turns.
  • You may feel or hear the movement winding. This is normal.
  • Wearing the watch allows the automatic rotor to continue winding the movement as your wrist moves.
2

Set the Time & Date

Crown positions can vary slightly by movement and case, but most automatic builds follow the same basic process.

  • Pull the crown to the time-setting position and rotate the hands.
  • Make sure you know whether the watch is currently showing AM or PM before setting the date.
  • Move the hands past 12 and watch for the date to change. That indicates midnight.
  • Set the correct time, then return the crown to its normal position.
3

Secure the Crown

Once everything is set, make sure the crown is returned completely to its normal position.

  • If your case has a screw-down crown, gently press the crown inward while turning clockwise.
  • Never force the threads.
  • If the crown does not engage smoothly, back it out and try again.
  • A properly seated crown helps protect the movement from dust and moisture.

Movement Guide

NH35 & NH34 Setting Basics

Many Badger Mods automatic watches use reliable Seiko Instruments NH-series mechanical movements.

NH35 Automatic Movement

The NH35 is a three-hand automatic movement with a date function. It supports hand winding and hacking, meaning the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled into the time-setting position. Use the first adjustment position for the date and the outer position for setting the time.

NH34 GMT Movement

The NH34 adds a fourth GMT hand that tracks a second time zone on a 24-hour scale. Depending on the build, the first adjustment position controls the date in one direction and the GMT hand in the other. The outer crown position sets the main hour and minute hands.

Setting AM & PM Correctly

Before setting the date, rotate the hands forward until you see the date change. That point represents midnight. Continue moving the hands forward to the correct current time. This helps prevent the date from changing around noon instead of midnight.

Never Force the Movement

Crown resistance should feel controlled, not forced. If something feels unusually tight, stop. Forcing the crown, hands, date wheel, or GMT mechanism can damage small components inside the movement. Contact Badger Mods if something does not feel right.

Everyday Watch Care

A Few Habits Make a Big Difference

Mechanical watches are durable, but they still contain hundreds of small moving parts. Treat your watch like the precision instrument it is.

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Water & Moisture

Badger Mods does not pressure-test each completed watch. Avoid swimming, showering, hot tubs, or prolonged water exposure unless you have independently verified the water resistance of your watch.

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Magnets

Strong magnetic fields can affect mechanical watch accuracy. Avoid placing your watch directly against strong speakers, magnetic clasps, tools, or other powerful magnets.

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Impacts

Everyday wear is fine, but avoid hard impacts, drops, or activities that create repeated heavy shock while wearing your watch.

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Cleaning

Wipe the case, crystal, and bracelet with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners that may damage finishes, seals, or coatings.

Mechanical Watches Are Not Quartz Watches

Small gains or losses in time are normal for mechanical movements. Position, activity level, temperature, and power reserve can all affect daily accuracy. Each Badger Mods mechanical build is checked on a timegrapher before shipment.

Common Questions

Automatic Watch Setting & Care FAQ

Quick answers to some of the most common questions from Badger Mods owners.

Why did my automatic watch stop?
Automatic watches store energy in a mechanical mainspring. If the watch has not been worn long enough or has been sitting unused, the power reserve can run down and the watch will stop. Give it approximately 20 to 30 gentle clockwise crown turns and set the time again.
Do I need to wind my automatic watch every day?
Usually not. Normal wrist movement winds the movement while you wear it. If the watch stops after sitting unused, manually wind it before wearing it again.
Why should I avoid changing the date between 9 PM and 3 AM?
During this period, the movement may already be engaging the gears that advance the calendar. Using the quick-set date function while those gears are engaged can damage the date-changing mechanism.
How do I know whether my watch is showing AM or PM?
Slowly advance the hands past 12. If the date changes, you have crossed midnight. Continue advancing the hands from that point until you reach the correct current time.
Can I swim or shower with my Badger Mods watch?
Badger Mods does not pressure-test every finished watch, so water resistance should not be assumed. Avoid swimming, showering, hot tubs, and prolonged water exposure unless the watch has been independently pressure tested for your intended use.
Is it normal for an automatic watch to gain or lose time?
Yes. Mechanical movements are affected by position, movement, temperature, power reserve, and other factors. Some daily variation is normal and is different from the behavior of a battery-powered quartz watch.
What should I do if the crown or date feels stuck?
Stop turning it and do not force anything. Move the hands away from the calendar-change period and try again gently. If the issue continues, contact Badger Mods before applying additional force.

Still Have a Question About Your Watch?

If something feels unusual or you are unsure how to set your build, contact Badger Mods before forcing the crown or movement.

CONTACT BADGER MODS →