An automatic watch behaves differently to whatever you were wearing before, especially if your last watch was a quartz. None of it is complicated, but the first week goes smoother if you know what to expect.

Winding It for the First Time

The Ironside 200's Seiko NH35 movement needs roughly 30 to 40 manual crown turns to get started if it's been sitting still. After that, normal wrist motion keeps it wound through the day, automatics don't need a battery, but they do need to be worn or wound regularly.

Setting the Time and Date

Pull the crown to the second position to set the time, and to the first position to set the date. Avoid changing the date between roughly 9pm and 3am, the date-change mechanism is mid-cycle during those hours and forcing it can damage the movement.

What Accuracy to Expect

The NH35 typically runs within about -20 to +40 seconds per day, which is normal and well within Seiko's own spec. It's not chronometer-grade accuracy, but it's the standard for a mechanical watch at this price, and small daily variation is expected rather than a fault.

The Short Version

Wind it by hand the first time, set the date only in daylight hours, expect a few seconds of drift a day. After the first week it becomes routine.