How do I set the time on my Jaguar Type E watch ?
Setting your watch made from a Jaguar Type E bonnet is a straightforward process once you know which crown position to use. The Sellita SW300-1B movement in the AJ-003 has no date function, which makes the whole operation faster than on most other automatic watches.
The crown: the only adjustment point
Everything is done through the crown, which is semi-integrated into the case. It has two useful positions for setting the time: one for manual winding, and one for time-setting, where the second hand stops thanks to the movement's hacking seconds function. It's this second position that allows precise synchronisation, down to the exact second.
How to set the time
- Pull the crown out gently to its furthest position, which stops the second hand via the hacking seconds function.
- Turn the crown in the direction needed to bring the hands to the exact time you're aiming for.
- Wait, if possible, for your time reference (an official clock, a synchronised phone) to reach that same minute exactly.
- Push the crown back in firmly the moment the reference second lands, to restart the second hand at the right moment.
- Check a few minutes later that your watch shows the same time as your reference.
Why this level of precision matters
The Sellita SW300-1B is COSC certified, meaning it was tested individually to a strict Swiss protocol before casing. Getting the most from that accuracy starts with a precise initial setting. Synchronising only to the nearest minute leaves part of what the certification offers unused.
What to do if the watch has stopped
If the watch has stopped because it hasn't been worn, wind it manually before setting the time, by turning the crown in the intermediate position until you feel light resistance. Our winding guide covers this step. Once the movement is running again, go through the setting steps above.
Mistakes to avoid
Never force the crown if it resists when pulling or turning: this can damage the winding stem. It's also worth knowing that on watches with a date function, setting the time between 9 pm and 3 am can damage the date-change mechanism. This doesn't apply directly to the AJ-003, which has no date, but it's a useful habit to carry across if you own other automatic watches.
A second hand that sweeps rather than jumps
Once the setting is done, watch the second hand: at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it moves in steps so rapid they read as a smooth, near-continuous sweep, the opposite of the sharp tick of a quartz watch. The hacking seconds function lets you keep that fluid motion synchronised to the exact second, rather than allowing gradual drift.
When travelling across time zones, simply advance or move back the hands via the crown as normal. This movement has no dedicated GMT function, so no special manipulation is needed beyond a standard time adjustment.
One last useful habit before wearing the watch after setting it: check that the crown is pushed fully back against the case. That position restores the full 5 ATM water resistance; a crown left even slightly in an intermediate position reduces protection against water and dust.
If you own several automatic watches, get into the habit of setting the one you wear least often last, just before putting it on. A movement wound and set several days in advance without being worn can drift slightly before you put it on.
In summary
Setting your Type E watch comes down to pulling the crown, synchronising the second hand with the hacking seconds function, then pushing it back at the right moment. For a deeper look at how the movement works, our guide to the movement explains in detail how this COSC-certified automatic calibre maintains its accuracy day to day.