How to Regulate an Automatic Wristwatch - Watch and Learn #25

In today's video, we demonstrate how to regulate an automatic or mechanical wristwatch. First, we explain the difference between regulation and adjustment. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have quite different meanings. Regulation simply means slowing down or speeding up the movement.
We will use a timegrapher to assist in timing the watch, but it is not necessary. All you truly need is a pointy tool and something to remove the caseback. If you have a well running watch, you can regulate it to be more accurate if desired. Or, if you just want some knowledge on how to do it, this video will help you.
Lastly, we will put a Rolex Yachtmaster on the timegrapher to show you how an adjusted movement performs.
Please visit our store at: www.longislandwatch.com

[@nunomc2815]

Becoming one of my favourite "Real World"' pragmatic and "middle class oriented" watch channel 😊👌

[@tutututu81]

If we could have less talk at the beguining it should be perfect

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@islandwatch]

I get carried away at times, but try to keep the banter pertinent.

[@chnacr2]

@@tutututu81 I wonder why so many watch channel videos here have 2 to 6 minutes of pointless intro and banter that waste time . Ironic

[@WesternEclectic]

Hi Marc, thanks for posting this. About a year ago I bought my beloved Orient Bambino (from Long Island Watch, of course!), one of my first mechanical watches. It has consistently run about +23 s/d. It never bothered me too much, but after viewing your video I decided to try regulating it. I don't own a timegrapher, so I did an iterative process combined with some good old fashioned trial and error. My watch is now running at -1 s/d! I would never have attempted this without your video. Thanks again!

[@tristandauod]

Good to hear that it's easily doable without a timegrapher. It just takes a bit longer. I'm going to give it a shot on my Orient Kamasu!

[@WesternEclectic]

@@tristandauod Good luck! Just take your time and be careful. 😉

[@syedtajudeen1760]

6

[@Gasmaska69]

@@tristandauod There is an app from Play Store that does the same thing. Just place your watch near your phone mic and it really works !

[@dustins.4666]

im 22 but you made me get into watches, my dads been a mechanical engineer at parker hannifin for over 20 years, you made us buy 2 j model skx's

[@edmundkanther]

Hi Mark, I am in the process of searching/liking a watch for myself to wear it every day and your videos helped me a lot to understand the inner workings of a mechanical watch and what to look for. Thank you so very, very much for your effort and sharing your knowledge with the world!

[@RassBrass]

Mark, thanks for these instructive videos. I got into automatic watches during the pandemic shutdown of summer 2020. I must have watched over a hundred of videos on watch reviews and watch repair/ maintenance. This is by far my favorite channel. No BS, no spin, straight forward. ✌️ Peace!

[@DeezSkates]

Hi Mark. I just wanted to come back and thank you for making this video. I got a Seiko Alpinist a year ago that had HORRIBLE accuracy from the factory at -40 seconds per day.. I do not have a time graph machine so I was prepared to spend a few days regulating it back and forth to get it right, but after watching how you did this, I got my watch to -40 per day to +1.5 seconds per day on the first try. And finally, I can wear my Alpinist with setting it minutes ahead or having to reset it every other day.

[@rickjames1405]

Thank you for the never ending knowledge!! I'll be regulating an nh36 that's been acting up, and feel more confident because you teach us something every day! Thanks again!!

[@peterbenko6685]

Great video Mark. I regulated my SW200-1 from 12 seconds fast to 1 second a day fast. Thanks a bunch!

[@zepp3lin]

Searching on KZbin and I found your old video. I decided to regulate a 3 years old Seiko that is about 45sec per day. Thank you for the explanation. Definitely, a lesson to learn.

[@pierrezapata90]

You are exceptional at these watch and learn videos. I've learned quite a bit from you that I can't and don't get from anywhere else. You do things at the level that a truly enthusiastic hobbyist enjoys, but also works for someone getting into the hobby as well. Not so horribly bogged down by professional level details that I couldn't do at home if I were really looking to make alterations. Keep up this tremendously good work.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it, and are enjoying the series!

[@GarudaPhoenix]

Excellent tutorial and presentation. Many thanks for taking the time to educate us lesser knowledgeable out there and promoting the hobby of collecting timepieces and caring for them.

[@frankbruno7122]

I enjoy your work Mark.. I'm a guy born in Astoria.. grew up in Flusing, went to St. John's and NYIT.. now live in Boulder, Colorado.. saving my watch budget to pick up an Islander.. did lots of field work on the North Shore for my undergraduate degree, and that is in my heart! Thanks for all you do! Frank in Colorado

[@stevarnos]

I would like to add a comment about the 4R36 caliber in My new Turtle. I have had my watch now from new for around 3 months. I wear it every day and I love It. When I received the watch it was keeping good time up until around a week after, then started losing a few seconds a day, which then stayed very consistent in its settled state. I then after this wonderful review decided to calibrate it myself as I live in the UK and it wasn't calibrated for the UK and for the way I wear this watch. My first attempt was a slightly bigger nudge on the main spring tension lever than I wished for and the watch then was gaining 3 mins a day lol. I then with far more of a delicate touch over days and weeks found what I consider to be the perfect adjustment for me. Now during the day it will gain between 1 second to 4 seconds a day, depending on my activities, I'm a builder by trade. And at night I sit it face down whilst I'm asleep, I wake up check the watch with my preferred atomic clock, and it is back to perfect time, give or take a minus second or 2. then during the day again it catches up and so on. It is in a state of self regulation depending on how I rest it at night. My movement for a mass produced product is far more accurate than my brietling ever has been. I take my hat off and give a bow to Seiko. They certainly know how to create a time piece that keeps amazingly consistent and reliable time. Thank you all 😊 over and out 👍

[@davefortenberry366]

Can tell you how much I love, enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. I have learned sooo much from you. Thank you immensely Mark.

[@DD-ix3bm]

Thanks Mark! My ball was about 30 seconds slow per day so I'm working on getting my time regulated thanks to your video! :)

[@deanwaller8283]

Recently took the plunge and regulated my beloved SKX 007 (bought from long Island watches btw)...and took it from -11seconds a day to +3 a day....all thanks to this video, Thanks Marc

[@sanjursan]

Super video Mark! I regulated my NH35A Seiko (housed in the 8926 Invicta) without the timegraph. Gotta tell ya, the lever is nano sensitive! Now I know why the spec on the NH35A is +35/-25 sec/day: So they can ship them without the extra expense of fine regulation! Anyway, you have become one of my most trusted sources of information in this complex hobby, so a big THANKS.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, thank you!

[@MatChouMibu]

Merci Marc, from Paris. I just regulated my Alpinist thanks to you. What an amazing youtube channel... I've learned so much 😱

[@itsalgud1459]

Thanks a lot Mark, for another very informative and interesting presentation. I doubt I’ll ever try this (I tried replacing the battery in my iPhone last year, and ended up taking it to a repair man) so I think I’ll leave this to the experts. Still, it’s very good to know how it’s done and to be more informed about how these mysterious mechanical masterpieces that reside on my wrist function. 👍

[@Nibbz23]

Very informative!! I love these videos where u share ur extensive knowledge on watches. Keep em comin!! 👍👍👍

[@FrankLagendijk]

Regulating a watch always sounded intimidating but your helpful videos like this one takes the mystery away. I didn't know I needed a timegrapher but I do want one now!

[@islandwatch]

Haha, its a nifty tool.

[@TerminusVox]

Awesome. A simple answer to a simple question. Makes me wonder why it took me so long to find this information. Thank you!

[@robertpaulis439]

Hey Mark. Such a treat, both informative and concise. A video with out the, and ums, ahs, ahs, uh, umm.... etc. etc. Most enjoyable!

[@donp2166]

Great video, and a valid reason why many people prefer a quartz movement.

[@shawneedog1]

You do a great job on these vids. Thanks for your enthusiasm and hard work.

[@CallFor911]

I really like your Videos. Very educational. Finally found a video who explains easy how this adjustment works. Have a friend who has a Rolex GMT and he told me that it's normal for Rolex that they go after 48h +5min just like his. Did not beloved him and you showed how precise this watcher are. Hope to see more from you, please don't stop!

[@jmfa57]

This is the most informative video on this subject I've found yet. Many thanks! (Subscribed as of watching this)

[@jediblack1981]

Thank to this video I successfully regulated a couple of watches. Thank you!!!

[@islandwatch]

Nice work.

[@oba6281]

I own an SKX007, and I check it every night before taking it off, if its running slow or fast. If its fast, I place it dial up or down. If its slow, I place it on its side, crown up or down. With this method the watch is running very precisely, very close to 0 s/d. :)

[@islandwatch]

Great idea! "free" regulation!

[@mrgoldindex]

Does there ever come a point where I should have my SKX007 over hauled by a watch maker or is that even worth it?

[@jensrb50]

mrgoldindex If you wear it everyday then every 5-6 years .If you wear it very little then when its not keeping time anymore

[@snakebite0503]

Marc you're the best! Been thinking about having my SKX regulated lately. Just purchased your Ray II yesterday as it's such a great deal!

[@diogohra]

It should be the other way around

[@artl52]

Another great video, Marc. Thanks. You have a talent for explaining things well

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@Patrick-857]

I used a phone app that uses the built in mic to pick up the ticking of my Seiko SARB. The app told me that it was running at about 21601.5 bph, or 1.5 bph fast. I extrapolated that over 24 hours and it works out to be about 6 seconds fast per day. This is very consistent with what I'm actually getting, and as it's much better than spec, and consistent with what everyone seems to get with this movement, I'm happy with it. Considering I get different times on and off wrist, I don't feel it's worth trying to get 0.0 seconds per day, it's just not realistic even with the most expensive movements.

[@michaelcorleone287]

Do you remember the name of the app?

[@gpg2694]

Watch & learn, SO informative & helpful! Couldn’t agree more with Nino MC 👌

[@robertgoidel]

Excellent explanation. Good teacher for those of us willing to learn. Thanks for your video.

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Very informative, Mark. Thanks... I wouldn’t dare opening a watch myself but it’s surely nice to know what’s going on when a watch is regulated. I think especially the advice concerning regulating the watch to your personal wearing habits are valuable. Now I can say to my watchmaker: “I want it to go 5 seconds slower pr. day. I don’t really care what your time grapher says. What I know is that when I check it out once every day, it’s 5 seconds fast...” Service aimed at the user - what more could you want😆

[@davidbigwood8450]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for doing them.

[@FFHB]

I have 3 watches with NH35 movement. Two of them was running late a few seconds, so I adjusted them with a mobile phone app (not too pro, I know). But it worked! I keep them on a winder, when not worn. One runs +3 sec per day, but the other ... well the lever stuck at one point, I used force, the spring got deformed, so I messed up the whole thing. Fortunately it was a cheap Chinese watch. So I approve that this operation requires very delicate movements and high precision. Super informative video btw! Thank You, Sir!

[@danpetrea]

Wanted you to do this video for a long time. Thanks!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for your patience.

[@jajo63]

Thanks Marc, such a great video. Learned alot about regulation.

[@robertbelliottjr5773]

Terrific tutorial. Your videos are informative and also very interesting. I’ve learned so much from watching your channel. Thanks again.

[@danilobadua7775]

Marc, just stumbled to this video. And because of it, I've decided that an automatic watch is NOT for me. At my age, I don't have the patience needed for this kind of watch movement care/maintenance. I grew up in the 1960's and from back then I've had nothing but automatic and mechanical watches. With those watches, it was the norm to have them periodically cleaned, regulated, and adjusted. Time marches on so to speak, and quartz became the mainstream. I appreciated the relative accuracy, ruggedness, and minimal maintenance that quartz watches offered. Lately however, I was feeling nostalgic for the " good old days "and thought of getting an automatic. This video convinced me to stay with quartz. Thank you for this video, you've spared me some serious money.

[@bigbob3772]

Definitely understand, but there is just something very special when I put on one of my automatic watches-Breitling Skyracer raven, Colt Chronograph, etc. A watch person would understand what I mean.

[@0xAhmedAli]

This video is very highly valuable ... Thanks alot

[@AnthonyStara]

It's very interesting video, well explained and pleasant... 👍 I'm a noob in automatic watches and I'm learning many interesting things with your videos so thank you and bravo for your channel!

[@domenicfp]

Very well explained and thank you.

[@mikec912]

Great info, Mark. I absolutely value your opinion on all things horological!

[@darrensmith6999]

Fascinating Video Mark . Thank you

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

Thanks Marc. Awesome as always.

[@CarloDimacali]

Thanks Mark! My Mako XL was running anywhere from +12 to +15, but thanks to your, and just blue fish's video, I decided to regulate it for the first time. According to the app I've downloaded it's now running around -1 sec/day. I know this is not an accurate representation, but at least I have a baseline to compare and might help me tune it over time. Thanks again, cheers!

[@islandwatch]

Nice work and congrats!

[@japudjuha]

Fantastic series Mark, very informative. Love this series, thanks😜

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@nrs6956]

Incredible detailed info. Thanks.

[@mikestone9129]

Great info, you explained so that even an old fart like me feels confident enough to regulate the timing on a watch, just ordered a time grapher.

[@jussipseppala]

This was an excellent basic tutorial on regulating. Gonna give it a try on my SKX031J running too fast tomorrow.

[@jmand63]

Thank you so much Marc for this great video! As a end user, I only knew how to adjust my Jaeger-LeCoultre ATMOS clocks which have the same system of time adjustment that are so big that they cannot be missed. As we know, we have - as "mechanical watch aficionados" - to show some tolerance. Because those who are looking for a "atomic" precision should buy quartz or radio controlled watches. I give my mechanical watches as my dogs the possibility to sometimes not be so perfect but very much alive.

[@javiermurcia5053]

Excelent! It is great to learn something new every time I check your channel. I definitely need one of those time graphers.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@3KAlexander]

I appreciate these necessary essentials that you video for the hobbyist/novice. This video helped me better understand the timegrapher and its importance or moderate importance (one on order). Lift angle is still a bit ambiguous but... Thanks for this concise look-in.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mGARANDEUR1]

Great info. Some youtubers will say never to regulate a watch. But then again, I only paid $45 for the watch I'm wearing. I'd like it to run on time without constantly having to take it to a watchmaker. Vintage watches have a hard time keeping the same rate over the years.

[@gunnerman1880]

Learning a lot from you didn't realise there was so much to a mechanism do many variables but interesting thanks! I will subscribe 👍

[@jacc88888]

Extremely clear to follow - thanks. I’m new to automatic watches so didn’t understand the difference between position adjustment and regulation.

[@jacc88888]

Long Island Watch Yes I do.... at last - thank you! Love your vids

[@FinFu509]

Awesome instruction. Very educative!

[@wigennazarov6009]

Great video, learnt so much. Thank you!

[@Daviddome]

thanks...excellent lesson in adjusting and regulating . ... and how the adjusting separates the high end from the low end cost watches . My wife is saying " " are you watching about watches again ?".... usually at the most interesting bit !

[@StreamHottieSuperSimp]

Hi Marc, your video's are great! Keep them coming!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevebumstead9840]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@ewanoffshore]

Fascinating video, learned a lot here. Thank you Marc!

[@islandwatch]

Awesome!

[@captainstablemdr113]

Appreciate this video,,,, actually learned something about my automatic watch /Seiko turtle prospex. Thank You future customer.

[@pavelzomarev4602]

"... unless you know what you are doing. but if you know what you are doing - you are probably not watching this video anyway" :))

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Very informative! Thanks Marc!

[@charlesg1150]

Marc, you have a good knowledge base for not being a watchmaker. A note here is the timegrapher is set at a default lift angle of 52°, making your Rolex show it's actual amplitude but not other watches which do not have the same lift angle. The beat error and rate displays will be true for all mechanical watches regardless of lift angle.

[@MrKkramme]

Good informative video! Thanks 🙏

[@vinceberry4017]

Mark what an awesome Lear I got video. Thanks. I am going to pick up a time graph to monitor my watches every so often but have a watch maker do any adjustments. I’m just afraid to screw up the movements if I did it myself LOL. Thanks again for the great information. Good luck with the business.

[@matsleandersson1243]

Thanks for yet another great video.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@DaveZula]

Fascinating stuff, Mark. Thanks for posting!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@ebutts5929]

many watchmakers will be thanking you for this video

[@markrocks692]

Really interesting video Marc, many thanks...

[@cristiclaudiu]

Thanks for these videos Mark! You got me as a customer for sure.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@stevedixon9409]

Great stuff Mark !😊

[@davidbaird1898]

Great tutorial! Thank you.

[@Audittr2108]

Tried this on a SKX 007 a couple of years ago. Trashed it and ended up getting a whole new movement!

[@ajotech]

What an amazing video thank you so much Marc!

[@tristandauod]

Excellent information and well presented! This is exactly what I was looking for. That timegrapher is nifty! Geez, that's a huge amount of adjustment! 9 minutes!?!?😮 Don't flinch..😂😂

[@N7492]

This video gives the best watch regulation instructions on the web, IMHO. I just managed to regulate my NH35a movement (Yep, the Invicta Pro Diver). When Marc says move the lever tiny amounts, he's not kidding. If you saw it move, say 1/4 mm, it's too much. Firm but TINY nudges are best. Even so, mine bounced back and forth several times between -14 s/d and +18 s/d. I finally settled on -3 s/d. We'll see in a couple of days how well I really did.

[@N7492]

It seems to have settled down to 0 sec per day. Sheer unadulterated luck, of course, but how nice!

[@fandi465]

Useful and informative video. Good work!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@beefbottom]

Really cool video thanks Mark!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@coffeeisgood102]

Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@boblowe2850]

Very informative, thank you!

[@mitchellsumpter4807]

Excellent vid. I’ll just reset every so often using my atomic watch

[@cobba_licious]

This is so interesting. Thanks for making these vids!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@banjopete]

Great knowledge, well expressed.

[@normcote270]

Great learning experience, thanks for a great tutorial Mark!!

[@alext9067]

What a great teacher.

[@islandwatch]

Wow, great compliment, thank you.

[@richardmorholt1175]

My Dad was a watchmaker thanks to the GI bill after ww2. He did everything with NO electronics. He used his skills as a side line since he got a civil service job as a cop. I was fascinated with his work. You reminded of those days. Yep, I would never touch the back, no way.

[@jkstdstang]

Great video! I just purchased my first automatic watch today (orient tristar) that i got a really good deal on btw after wearing a quartz (fossil diver) for 15 years. Im learning more about watches now and Im excited for my new piece to be delivered and timing its performance. I really like the orient blue ray 2 also and it may just be my next purchase. Im an oilfield electronics technician and an ex auto mechanic so the mechanical watch movement is fascinating to me. Your videos are very informative and explained in a way that is easily understood. Thank you!

[@markcoveryourassets]

chris doyle, I was really impressed with that watch when I did a hands modification to make it look like an Omega for a friend’s birthday. Very nice fit and finish, handsome movement. Go for it.

[@rabtab9495]

Hi. I have two Orient watches, an Explorer and a World Timer, and they both keep _really_ good time. I'm very happy with them.

[@grahamfield6173]

thanks for this, it was very interesting

[@theemersonexperience7282]

Oakland, CA represent. Jack London Square/Otto Frei. Just bought some tools from them....

[@mattscoggin514]

Super cool thanks so much for showing!!

[@mattfinleylive]

Really enjoying your channel. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me regarding a spinnaker Fleuss. Keep on Keepin' on!

[@Younk13]

Very informative, thank you Mark

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@nim205]

Thank you! I learned a lot

[@BikerJim74]

I learned a lot from this video! Thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@UXXV]

Superb video! Learned a ton

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@tcirillo]

Fantastic video!