Quickset date

Quickset date is a feature that lets the date be changed directly by turning the crown in an intermediate position, instead of turning the hands around through each day.

Most modern watches with a date have it. Many movements have a window, often overnight, when the date mechanism is engaged and quickset adjustments should be avoided, as specified by the manufacturer.

Check that the date advances cleanly and that the change happens around midnight rather than midday, which tells you the time is set on the correct half of the day.

Checking it at intake

Pull the crown to each position and confirm it does what the reference should: date in one position, time in the next. Then run the time through midnight and watch the date change cleanly.

A date that won't advance, skips, or changes halfway through the day can mean the quickset was used at the wrong time and something in the date mechanism is damaged. That's a movement repair, not a setting problem, so it belongs in your buy price and in your condition report. Ask the seller whether the date has ever stuck before you agree a number.