The basic steps to set or adjust the time
Most Shark watches use a crown — the small knob on the side of the case — to adjust the time. Pull the crown out to the middle position (not all the way), and the second hand will stop. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise until the hour and minute hands show the correct time, then push the crown back in. The watch resumes normal operation immediately.
Some Shark digital watches have buttons instead. Look for a button labeled "Mode" or "Set" on the side or back of the watch. Press and hold it for two to three seconds until the display begins to flash. Use the other buttons to navigate to the time setting, then adjust hours and minutes separately. Press Mode again to confirm and exit.
If your watch has a screw-down crown (common on dive-style models), unscrew it counterclockwise first before pulling it out. This prevents water from entering the case. Screw it back down firmly after you finish adjusting the time.
Key Takeaways
- Pull the crown to the middle position to stop the second hand, then rotate it to set the correct time on analog Shark watches.
- Digital Shark watches usually require pressing and holding a Mode or Set button, then using other buttons to change hours and minutes.
- Screw-down crowns must be unscrewed before you pull them out, and screwed back down after adjusting the time.
- Push or screw the crown back in completely to resume normal timekeeping and restore water resistance.
Analog watches with a standard crown
The crown is the small metal knob positioned at the 3 o'clock side of the watch case. To adjust the time, grip it gently between your thumb and forefinger and pull it straight out toward you. You will feel it stop at the middle position — this is the time-setting mode. Do not pull it all the way out; that position is for changing the date on watches that have a date window.
Once the crown is in the middle position, rotate it slowly. Turning it clockwise moves the hands forward; turning it counterclockwise moves them backward. Watch the hour and minute hands as you turn, and stop when they align with the correct time on the dial. Be precise — even a few minutes off will throw off your timekeeping throughout the day.
After you set the time, push the crown back in firmly until you hear or feel a small click. This locks the crown back into place and restores the watch's water resistance. If your watch is water-resistant, pushing the crown in all the way is essential to maintain that protection.
Digital watches with buttons
Digital Shark watches typically have two to four buttons on the case. One is usually labeled "Mode," "Set," or "Adjust." Press and hold this button for about two to three seconds. The display will begin to flash, usually starting with the hour digits. This tells you the watch is in time-setting mode.
Once in setting mode, use the other buttons to navigate and adjust. One button usually increases the value (hours or minutes), and another decreases it. Press the increase button repeatedly until the hour is correct, then press Mode or a navigation button to move to the minutes. Adjust the minutes the same way. Some watches also let you set seconds; if yours does, continue the same process.
When all values are correct, press Mode one more time to exit the setting screen and return to normal timekeeping. The display will stop flashing and show the time you just set. If you do not press Mode to confirm, the watch may revert to the previous time after a few seconds.
Screw-down crowns on dive watches
Shark dive watches and some sport models have a crown that screws down for extra water resistance. Before you can pull this crown out to adjust the time, you must unscrew it. Grip the crown gently and turn it counterclockwise — usually three to five full rotations — until it stops. Do not force it; it will come free with light pressure.
Once unscrewed, the crown pulls out just like a standard crown. Set the time using the same method: pull to the middle position, rotate to the correct time, and push back in. After you push the crown back in, screw it down clockwise until it is snug. You should feel slight resistance, but do not over-tighten, as this can damage the threads.
Leaving a screw-down crown unscrewed defeats the water resistance of the watch. If you plan to wear your watch in water, always screw the crown back down after adjusting the time. Check it periodically to make sure it has not loosened during normal wear.
What to do if the crown is stuck or damaged
A crown that will not pull out or turn may be stuck due to dirt, salt, or corrosion. Do not force it, as this can break the internal stem. Instead, soak the watch in lukewarm fresh water for 15 to 30 minutes to loosen debris. Gently try to pull and turn the crown again. If it still will not move, take the watch to a jeweler or authorized Shark service center.
If the crown is cracked, stripped, or missing, the watch cannot be adjusted without replacement. A jeweler can order and install a new crown, though the cost varies depending on the model. Until then, the watch will keep whatever time it was last set to, but you cannot change it yourself.
Screw-down crowns that are cross-threaded (the threads are misaligned) will not screw down smoothly. If you feel grinding or resistance while screwing, stop immediately and have it serviced. Forcing a cross-threaded crown can damage the case permanently.
Keeping accurate time after you set it
Shark watches vary in accuracy. Quartz models (battery-powered) typically lose or gain a few seconds per month, which is normal. Mechanical models can vary more widely depending on how often you wear them and how you position your wrist. If your watch consistently runs fast or slow, note the rate and adjust accordingly when you set the time.
If your watch stops entirely, the battery may be dead (on quartz models) or the mainspring may need rewinding (on mechanical models). A dead battery requires a jeweler to open the case and replace it. A mechanical watch that has stopped should be wound by rotating the crown clockwise in the fully-pushed position, or by wearing it and moving your wrist naturally to wind the spring.
Check your watch's time against a reliable source — a phone, computer, or atomic clock — every few weeks. This helps you spot if the watch is drifting and needs adjustment. Keeping a log of how much it gains or loses per month makes future adjustments easier and more accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pull the crown all the way out instead of to the middle?
Pulling the crown all the way out engages the date-setting mode on watches that have a date window. The hands will not move. Push the crown back in and pull it out only to the middle position to adjust the time instead. If your watch has no date window, pulling the crown all the way out may not do anything, or it may disengage the crown entirely.
Can I change the time while the watch is on my wrist?
Yes. You do not have to remove the watch to adjust the time. However, it is easier to see the dial and turn the crown accurately if you take the watch off and place it on a flat surface. This also reduces the risk of accidentally damaging the crown or case.
Why does my digital watch not respond when I press the buttons?
The battery may be low or dead. Try pressing the buttons several times in succession, as a weak battery may respond slowly. If the display is completely dark, the battery needs replacement. Take the watch to a jeweler or authorized service center for a new battery.
How do I know if my watch is water-resistant after I adjust the time?
Water resistance depends on the crown being pushed or screwed in completely. If you have pushed a standard crown all the way in or screwed a screw-down crown until it is snug, the watch should maintain its rated water resistance. If you are unsure, avoid submerging the watch in water until you have confirmed the crown is secure.