How to Set the Time on a Digital Watch: Step-by-Step for Skmei, Naviforce, Poedagar and More

By Robert · 21 October 2026 · 8 min read

Digital watches are easy to read and packed with features, but setting one for the first time can be confusing. Four buttons, no labels you understand, and a display that flashes when you least expect it. The good news is that almost every affordable digital watch, including Skmei, Naviforce and Poedagar, follows one of two simple patterns. This guide shows you how to set the time and date, switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time, set the alarm, and fix the most common problems.

Step 1: Learn the Four Buttons

Most digital watches have four buttons, two on each side. The labels are printed on the case, often in small letters next to each button. They are usually arranged like this:

The exact layout can differ between models, so check the labels on your own watch before you start. The model number, which you need if you want the full manual, is usually printed on the back of the case.

Step 2: Set the Time and Date

Try Method A first. If nothing flashes after 3 seconds, use Method B.

Method A: Hold to enter setting mode

This is the most common method on Skmei and many other brands.

1. Start in normal time display. If you're not sure, press MODE until you see the time.
2. Press and hold RESET (or SET/ADJUST) for 2 to 3 seconds until the seconds start flashing.
3. Press START to reset the seconds to 00. Do this exactly when the seconds on your phone reach 00, and your watch will be perfectly in sync.
4. Press MODE (or RESET, on some models) to move to the next item. The order is usually: seconds, hour, minute, year, month, date.
5. Press START to change the flashing number. Hold START to scroll through the numbers quickly.
6. When everything is set, press RESET (or SET) to save and exit. Most watches also exit automatically if you don't press anything for a minute or two.

Method B: Press MODE to reach the setting screen

Some models, such as the Skmei 1100, use the MODE button to reach the setting screen.

1. Start in normal time display.
2. Press MODE repeatedly (usually 3 to 4 times) until the time digits start flashing.
3. Press START to increase the flashing number.
4. Press RESET to move to the next item: hour, minute, date, month and so on.
5. Press MODE to save and return to the time display.

Tip: you don't need to set the day of the week on most digital watches. It is calculated automatically from the date, so set the year, month and date correctly and the day will be right.

How to Switch Between 12-Hour and 24-Hour Time

On most digital watches, there are three ways to do this. Try them in order:

1. In normal time display, press START once. On many watches this toggles between 12-hour and 24-hour time, and you will see "24H" or "H" appear.
2. In setting mode, while the hour is flashing, press START until you reach a 12H/24H screen, or until the hour shows past 12 in 24-hour format.
3. In setting mode, look for a separate 12/24 item in the sequence after the seconds or hour.

In 12-hour mode, a small P or PM symbol shows afternoon and evening times. If your alarm goes off at the wrong time, check that you set it to AM or PM correctly.

How to Set the Alarm

1. Press MODE until you reach the alarm screen, usually marked AL or ALM.
2. Press and hold RESET (or SET) until the alarm hour flashes.
3. Press START to change the hour, then MODE or RESET to move to the minutes.
4. Press RESET to save.
5. Back on the alarm screen, press START to turn the alarm on or off. A small bell or ALM symbol shows it's on. On many watches, the same button also turns the hourly chime (a short beep every hour) on or off.

To stop a ringing alarm, press any button.

How to Set an Analog-Digital Watch (Naviforce and Similar)

Analog-digital watches, such as the Naviforce 9095, Naviforce 9278 and Naviforce 9230, have hands and a small digital screen. The two are set separately.

Set the hands with the crown:

1. Pull the crown (the knob on the side) out to the last position. The hands will stop.
2. Turn the crown to set the hands to the correct time, checking the digital screen or your phone for AM or PM.
3. Push the crown back in firmly. This is important for water resistance.

Set the digital screen with the buttons: follow Method A or Method B above. On most analog-digital watches, the buttons only control the digital screen and don't move the hands.

How to Set a Normal Analog Watch with a Date

If your watch has hands and a date window but no screen:

1. Pull the crown out to the first position and turn it to change the date. On some watches, one direction changes the date and the other changes the day.
2. Pull the crown out to the second position and turn it to set the time. Move the hands past 12 o'clock to check whether the date changes. If it does, you are at midnight; if not, you are at noon.
3. Push the crown all the way back in.

Avoid changing the date between about 9 pm and 3 am. During those hours, the date mechanism is already moving, and forcing it can damage some watches. Move the hands to 6 o'clock first, then change the date.

Troubleshooting: Common Digital Watch Problems

The screen is faint, blank or shows strange symbols

This usually means the battery is low. A digital watch battery typically lasts one to three years. Our guide to watch battery replacement in Nairobi explains what to look for.

The time keeps resetting

A weak battery is the most common cause. If the battery is new, there may be a loose contact inside. Bring it to our watch repairs team.

A button is stuck or doesn't respond

Dust and dried sweat can make buttons sticky. Gently clean around the button with a soft, dry toothbrush. Never press the buttons while the watch is wet or underwater, as that can let water in.

The watch beeps every hour

The hourly chime is on. Go to the alarm screen and press START until the chime symbol disappears.

The time is right but the date is wrong

Check that you set the year and month, not just the date. An incorrect year also makes the day of the week wrong.

There is fog or water under the glass

Stop pressing the buttons and bring the watch in as soon as you can. Our guide to common watch problems explains what causes fog and how it is fixed.

Still Stuck?

Every model is slightly different. If none of these steps works for your watch, message us on WhatsApp with the model number from the back of the case and a photo of the buttons, and we'll talk you through it. If you bought your watch from Roberts Collections, we're always happy to help you set it up.

Looking for a new digital or analog-digital watch? See the Poedagar Digital Watch E126 (KSh 3,999), which has an alarm, a full calendar and a strong backlight, or compare models in our Naviforce vs Curren and Skmei watches guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set the time on a Skmei digital watch?

On most Skmei models, hold the bottom-right button (RESET) for about 3 seconds until the seconds flash. Press START to change the value, MODE to move to the next item, and RESET to save. If that doesn't work, press MODE repeatedly until the digits flash instead.

How do I change my digital watch from 24-hour to 12-hour time?

In normal time display, press the START button once. If that doesn't work, enter setting mode and look for a 12H/24H option, or press START while the hour is flashing.

Why does my digital watch keep losing time?

A weak battery is the most common cause. If the battery is new and the watch still loses time, have it checked by a watch repairer.

Can I set my watch underwater or in the shower?

No. Pressing buttons or pulling out the crown while the watch is wet can let water inside, even on a water-resistant watch.