The Ultimate Guide To Changing The Time On Your Timex Indiglo Watch Easily

Timex Indiglo watches have been a staple of reliable, affordable timekeeping for decades. Known for their signature glow-in-the-dark feature and durable design, these watches are built to last. But even the most dependable timepiece needs occasional adjustments—especially when daylight saving time shifts occur, batteries are replaced, or you travel across time zones. While the process seems simple, many users struggle with the exact sequence of button presses required to set the time correctly. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step, model variation, and common pitfall so you can confidently adjust your Timex Indiglo in under a minute.

Understanding Your Timex Indiglo: Key Components

Before adjusting the time, it’s essential to understand the basic layout of a standard Timex Indiglo watch. Most models feature three buttons:

• Top-left (A): Mode – cycles between time, alarm, stopwatch, and other functions.
• Top-right (B): Start/Stop – used in stopwatch mode; also confirms settings.
• Bottom-right (C): Reset/Lap – resets stopwatch; adjusts settings during setup.

The Indiglo light is typically activated by pressing both top and bottom buttons simultaneously, depending on the model. Knowing which button does what prevents confusion when entering time-setting mode.

Tip: Always pull the crown or press the correct button combination before attempting to change the time—otherwise, the hands or digital display won’t respond.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Time

Follow this universal method that applies to most Timex Indiglo analog and digital models manufactured since the 1990s. If your watch has a screw-down crown, loosen it gently before proceeding.

1. Enter Time Setting Mode: Press the “Mode” button (top-left) repeatedly until the display shows the current time and the hour digits begin flashing.
2. Select Adjustment Type: On some models, you may need to press “Start/Stop” (top-right) once the time appears to initiate edit mode. The seconds will stop blinking, indicating readiness.
3. Adjust Hours: Use the “Reset” button (bottom-right) to increase the hour. Each press moves the time forward by one hour. For watches with a crown, pull it out to the first notch and turn clockwise.
4. Switch to Minutes: Press “Start/Stop” again to move from hours to minutes. The minute digits will now flash.
5. Set Minutes: Press “Reset” to advance the minutes one at a time. Turn the crown if using an analog model with manual adjustment.
6. Confirm and Exit: Press “Mode” to exit the setting screen. The time will lock in, and normal operation resumes.

Note: Some newer digital models with date features require an additional step—press “Mode” again after setting minutes to adjust the date before finalizing.

Model-Specific Variations

Not all Timex Indiglo watches operate identically. Below is a comparison of common variants and their unique time-setting behaviors.

Model Type	Setting Method	Special Notes
Analog with Crown	Pull crown out, rotate to set time	Screw-down crowns must be unscrewed first
Digital (Standard)	Use Mode + B/C buttons	Hold B to fast-forward through hours
Indiglo Chronograph	Press Mode until time flashes, use C to adjust	Chrono subdials reset automatically
Weekday Display Models	Set time first, day updates automatically	Incorrect date can cause wrong weekday

“Many people force the crown or over-press buttons, leading to internal wear. Patience and precision matter more than pressure.” — James Holloway, Watch Technician & Vintage Timepiece Restorer

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful steps, problems can arise. Here’s how to resolve frequent user challenges:

• Time Won’t Change: Ensure you’re in setting mode. Flashing digits indicate edit readiness. If nothing flashes, cycle through “Mode” again.
• Watch Resets After Battery Replacement: This is normal. You’ll need to re-enter the time manually each time the battery is changed.
• Day/Date Is Incorrect: Advance the time past midnight while setting to trigger automatic day rollover. Avoid setting backward—most models only move forward.
• Buttons Feel Stuck: Clean around the buttons with a soft cloth. Dirt or moisture can impede function.

Tip: If your watch stops responding, remove the battery for 30 seconds to reset the circuitry, then reinsert and restart the time-setting process.

Real Example: Traveler Adjusts Time Across Zones

Sarah, a marketing consultant based in Chicago, frequently flies to London. After landing, she noticed her Timex Indiglo still displayed Central Time. Using the method described above, she pressed the Mode button four times until the hour began flashing. She then used the Reset button to advance the time by six hours, confirmed with Start/Stop, and cycled out with Mode. Total time: 45 seconds. Her watch synced perfectly with local time, and the date updated automatically the next morning.

This real-world scenario highlights how quick and intuitive the process becomes with familiarity—even under jet-lagged conditions.

Pro Care Tips to Maintain Accuracy

Changing the time is just one aspect of watch maintenance. To keep your Timex Indiglo running smoothly for years:

• Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures or strong magnetic fields.
• Clean the case and band regularly with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Replace the battery promptly when the seconds hand starts jumping in two-second intervals—a sign of low power.
• For screw-down crowns, always tighten after setting to preserve water resistance.

Checklist: How to Confidently Set Your Timex Indiglo Time

1. Locate the Mode, Start/Stop, and Reset buttons.
2. Press Mode until the time display flashes.
3. Use Start/Stop to select hours or minutes.
4. Press Reset to advance the selected value.
5. Press Mode to save and exit.
6. Verify accuracy against a trusted time source (e.g., atomic clock app).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set the time backward on my Timex Indiglo?

Most digital Timex Indiglo models only allow forward adjustment via the Reset button. To go backward, cycle forward through 12 or 24 hours. Analog models with crowns can usually be turned counterclockwise, but do so gently to avoid gear damage.

Why does the date change when I set the time?

The date mechanism is tied to the 12-hour cycle. When you pass midnight during setup, the date wheel advances. If you want to prevent an unintended change, avoid moving the time past midnight unless necessary.

How often should I replace the battery?

Timex recommends replacing the battery every 2–3 years, even if the watch still runs. Old batteries can leak and damage internal components. Signs of low power include dim Indiglo lighting or erratic second-hand movement.

Mastering the Basics for Long-Term Reliability

Your Timex Indiglo is more than just a tool—it’s a companion through daily routines, travels, and milestones. Taking a few moments to properly set and maintain its time ensures it continues serving you accurately. Whether you own a vintage 1990s model or a modern digital variant, the principles remain consistent: know your buttons, follow the sequence, and handle with care. Once mastered, adjusting the time becomes second nature.

💬 Got a tricky Timex model not covered here? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments—our community of watch enthusiasts is ready to assist!