Step By Step Guide To Setting The Day And Date On Your Dhwatches 958 With Ease

The DHWatches 958 is a reliable, stylish analog timepiece designed for everyday wear. With its classic dial, day-date window, and durable build, it’s no surprise that many users choose this model for both casual and formal occasions. However, one of the most common frustrations new owners face is incorrectly setting the day and date — especially when transitions happen mid-cycle or adjustments don’t align properly. This guide walks you through every detail of configuring your DHWatches 958 correctly, avoiding damage, and ensuring long-term accuracy.

Understanding Your Watch’s Movement

The DHWatches 958 operates on a standard mechanical quartz movement, meaning it uses a battery-powered motor to advance the hands and update calendar functions at precise intervals. The day and date change typically occurs between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Adjusting the settings outside of this window is crucial to prevent gear misalignment or strain on the internal mechanism.

Unlike digital smartwatches, analog models like the 958 require manual input via the crown — the small knob on the side of the case. This crown has two or three positions, each serving a different function: winding (if mechanical), time adjustment, and calendar correction.

“Setting the day and date during nighttime hours can lead to mechanical resistance. Always adjust before 8 PM or after 4 AM.” — Carlos Mendez, Watch Technician & Horology Instructor

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Day and Date

Follow this sequence carefully to ensure accurate configuration without risking internal damage.

1. Pull the crown to Position 1 (first click out): Gently tug the crown until you feel slight resistance. In this position, rotating the crown adjusts the day of the week.
2. Turn clockwise to set the day: Rotate the crown slowly in a clockwise direction. Each full rotation typically advances the day by one. Stop when the correct day appears in the weekday window (usually located at the 3 o’clock position).
3. Pull the crown to Position 2 (second click out): Carefully extend the crown fully. Now, turning it will move the hands of the watch.
4. Advance the hands forward: Rotate the crown clockwise to cycle through the hours. As the time passes midnight, the date should increment automatically. Continue until the correct current time is displayed.
5. Confirm day alignment: If the day did not update correctly, repeat Step 1. Some variants update the day only after passing 12:00 AM, so ensure the hands have crossed midnight once.
6. Push the crown back in: Once all settings are correct, gently press the crown flush with the case. Ensure it’s fully seated to maintain water resistance.

Tip: Never attempt to change the date between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. During this period, the date wheel is engaged and forcing changes may damage the gears.

Do’s and Don’ts When Adjusting Calendar Functions

Do’s	Don’ts
Set the date before 8:00 PM or after 4:00 AM	Adjust the date while the mechanism is changing (9 PM – 3 AM)
Use slow, deliberate turns of the crown	Force the crown if it resists movement
Double-check both day and date after setting	Expose the crown to moisture while pulled out
Keep the watch clean and dry during adjustment	Use tools or sharp objects to manipulate the crown

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users unknowingly shorten their watch’s lifespan by making simple errors during setup. One frequent issue is attempting to reverse the day or date by turning the crown counterclockwise. On most quartz movements, including the DHWatches 958, the calendar cannot be reversed — doing so creates tension in the stem and may dislodge internal components.

Another common error is skipping ahead multiple days rapidly. While the date wheel can handle gradual advancement, spinning the hands too quickly can cause skipped dates or inconsistent jumps. Always advance the time hour by hour, allowing the mechanism to register each transition naturally.

Tip: If your watch skips Sunday or shows “Tues” instead of “Tuesday,” check whether your model displays abbreviated names. This is normal and not a defect.

Real Example: Fixing a Misconfigured Watch

Consider Sarah, a recent buyer of the DHWatches 958. After receiving her watch, she tried setting it late at night, pulling the crown out and adjusting the date directly. She noticed the next morning that the date hadn’t changed, and the day was stuck on \"Wed\" despite it being Friday.

Upon consulting the manual, she realized she had adjusted the watch at 11:30 PM — right when the mechanism was preparing to shift. By interfering, she disrupted the gear train. Following proper procedure, she waited until 6:00 AM, pulled the crown to Position 2, advanced the hands past midnight twice to reset the cycle, and then corrected the time. Both day and date now updated perfectly.

This scenario underscores why timing matters. Even minor impatience can lead to avoidable complications.

Checklist: Setting Your DHWatches 958 Correctly

• ✅ Confirm the current day, date, and time before starting
• ✅ Ensure the watch has sufficient battery power (a weak battery may cause sluggish updates)
• ✅ Perform adjustments before 8:00 PM or after 4:00 AM
• ✅ Pull crown gently to first detent to adjust day
• ✅ Pull crown fully to adjust time and allow date to roll over
• ✅ Advance hands clockwise only — never backward
• ✅ Push crown back in completely after finishing
• ✅ Verify accuracy over the next 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set the date without changing the time?

No — on the DHWatches 958, there is no independent quick-set function for the date. You must advance the hands around the dial to increment the date. However, you can minimize disruption by moving the hands forward to just before midnight, setting the date, then continuing to the correct time.

Why does my day display an abbreviation like 'Th' instead of 'Thursday'?

The DHWatches 958 uses a dual-language day wheel, commonly showing English and Spanish abbreviations (e.g., 'Th' / 'Ju' for Thursday / Jueves). This is standard for international models. There is no user-switchable language option, but the pattern repeats consistently each week.

What should I do if the date doesn’t change at midnight?

If the date fails to advance, first verify that the time is correctly set. If the hour hand hasn’t passed 12:00 AM, the date won’t update. If the time is correct but the date still doesn’t change, the issue may be a low battery or mechanical fault. Replace the battery or consult an authorized service center.

Maintaining Accuracy Over Time

Once set, your DHWatches 958 should maintain accurate day and date functionality for years. However, regular maintenance improves longevity. Replace the battery every 18–24 months, even if the watch still runs, to prevent leakage and corrosion. Clean the case and crown periodically with a soft cloth, and avoid exposing the watch to strong magnetic fields, which can interfere with timekeeping.

Additionally, synchronize your watch with atomic time sources occasionally using smartphone apps or radio-controlled clocks. Even quartz watches can drift slightly over several months.

Conclusion

Setting the day and date on your DHWatches 958 doesn’t require technical expertise — just attention to timing, direction, and technique. By following these steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and treating the mechanism with care, you’ll enjoy consistent performance and reliable readability every day.

💬 Got questions about your DHWatches 958? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments — let’s build a community of informed watch owners who value precision and care.