Photos show example finishes. Confirm your model and movement before choosing a guide.
Automatic watches
Your movement winds as you wear the watch. If it stops after time off the wrist, use the starting and setting instructions for your model.
Automatic · NH35
A-11 Tom Rice / U.S. Army A-11 Automatic
Read the quick-start guide
For the NH35 versions of Tom Rice, U.S. Army A-11 Automatic and A-11 Service Watch. The Tom Rice Hand-Painted Edition uses a different movement; contact us for its guide.
With the crown in its normal winding position, turn it clockwise to start the watch. These manuals suggest approximately 30–40 turns.
Pull the crown to the time-setting position (position 2 in the manual), where the seconds hand stops.
Turn the crown to set the time, then return it to its normal position.
Wearing the watch adds winding. If it has stopped after being left unworn, wind and set it again. Follow your model’s crown instructions; do not force a crown that is secured.
For the NH35 versions of Tom Rice, U.S. Army A-11 Automatic and A-11 Service Watch. The Tom Rice Hand-Painted Edition uses a different movement; contact us for its guide.
With the crown in its normal winding position, turn it clockwise to start the watch. These manuals suggest approximately 30–40 turns.
Pull the crown to the time-setting position (position 2 in the manual), where the seconds hand stops.
Turn the crown to set the time, then return it to its normal position.
Wearing the watch adds winding. If it has stopped after being left unworn, wind and set it again. Follow your model’s crown instructions; do not force a crown that is secured.
For Rec Spec watches fitted with the NH36, including the NH36 Night Vision and EX versions.
Read the quick-start guide
With the crown in its normal winding position, turn clockwise to start the watch.
To set the time, pull the crown to position 2, turn to set the hands, then return the crown to position 0.
For day/date adjustment, use position 1: turn counterclockwise for the date and clockwise for the day. Return the crown to position 0.
Day/date caution: Do not use the day/date quick-set while the watch indicates a time between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. Read the full NH36 manual before adjusting the calendar.
For the L24 automatic version only. Newer quartz DD-45 watches use different instructions.
Read the quick-start guide
For the DD-45 automatic with the 6UHR / L24 movement only.
Wind: With the crown fully pushed in, turn it clockwise. The manual recommends approximately 30–40 turns; less winding is needed if you begin wearing it immediately.
Set the time: Gently pull the crown out until the seconds hand stops. Turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to set the hands.
Finish: Push the crown fully back in. Wearing the watch adds winding through the automatic movement.
PDF note: The text and diagram use different numbers for the time-setting position. This guide follows the manual’s instruction to pull the crown until the seconds hand stops. If your crown does not behave as described, do not force it; contact us for help.
These mechanical watches are wound using the crown. Wearing them does not wind the mainspring.
Manual-wind
A-11 Type 44
Wrist movement does not wind this watch. It needs winding by hand.
The current Type 44 generation uses the Landeron L21. Previous-generation models used the P024 and were discontinued in October 2024. The manual references both generations; follow the instructions for your movement.
Read the L21 quick-start guide
For the current A-11 Type 44 with the Landeron L21 manual-wind movement.
Wind: Keep the crown fully pushed in (position 0) and turn it clockwise to wind the mainspring and start the watch.
Set the time: Pull the crown out to position 1. The seconds hand stops. Turn the crown clockwise or counterclockwise to set the hands.
Finish: Push the crown back to position 0 after setting the time.
This watch needs winding by hand; wearing it does not wind the mainspring. If it stops after time unworn, wind and set it again.
This quick-start guide is for L21 models only. For the previous P024 generation, refer to the PDF manual.
These watches run on a battery and do not need winding. Choose your exact model and version before setting the time.
Quartz · TMI VH31
Jungle Field Quartz — VH31
For Jungle Field quartz watches with the VH31 movement, including Arctic Field and Desert Field variants. Use this shared guide for all three. Jungle Field Automatic 38 and DD-45 Desert Field are different models and are not covered here.
Read the time-setting guide
When the seconds hand reaches 12, pull the crown to position 1.
Turn the crown in either direction to set the time.
Push the crown back to its normal position (0).
This version is battery-powered. It does not need winding.
For Jungle Field watches fitted with the Ronda 763 movement. This movement was discontinued in the Jungle Field collection in December 2024. Check your order or supplied documentation to distinguish it from the VH31 version.
Read the time-setting guide
Pull the crown to position 1, where the seconds hand stops.
Turn the crown in either direction to set the time.
Return the crown to its normal position (0).
This version is battery-powered. It does not need winding.
DD-45 Midnight, Desert Field, OG, Field Olive and Khaki Field are listed as quartz models. Do not use the older automatic DD-45 manual for these watches.
Start with the model name on your order confirmation. Some families, including Jungle Field and DD-45, have more than one movement type.
If the version is unclear, send us your order number, approximate purchase date and photos of the dial and caseback. You do not need to open the watch or identify the movement yourself.
Crown operation, water resistance and strap care vary by model. Follow the instructions for your particular watch and contact us if something does not match.
