Expert: Michael Radi - 2/12/2009

Question
How do I adjust the timing of the watch? It gains approximately one half (1/2) minute per day.

Answer
I'm really a clock guy, not an expert in watches but I'll tell you what I know. If it is a battery operated watch, the movement is controlled by a quartz crystal and there is no adjustment.
If it is a mechanical (wind up) watch the adjustment will be inside the back of the watch. The timing adjsutment is never on the outside, you have to remove the back cover. There will be a lever just off the side of the balance wheel. This is the wheel you can see oscillating back and forth. The lever is directly above a flat metal piece. On that flat metal piece there will be a + and a - on either side of the lever. You move the lever toward the + to speed the watch up or toward the - to slow it down.
It's pretty simple but if you can't or don't want to open the back of the watch you can stop by a jewelry store and ask them for help. If you find a nice person who wants you future business he or she might open it for you at no charge.
You can email me or one of the other experts if you need any more help.
Michael