Is it OK to Turn the Hands Counter Clockwise?

[cklim]

When i was young, my parents n friends always tell me not to adjust the minutes hand counter clockwise to prevent damage to its mechanism. However i noticed most watch manuals never mentioned about this  .
Perhaps some experience sifus here could shed some lights?

[hanz079]

I don't read manuals.
I turn the hands clockwise and also counter clockwise at times.
I think it should be ok. 

[hilfi.b]

I think this depends on the movement...for example...to change date on my vostok amphibia...i need to move the time from 12-8 counter clockwise and then clockwise...to change the date,however this doesnt effect the movement with regards that it can get spoiled...however i have read some movement like old winding watch, the movement are kinda tricky and can get spoiled...but i never experienced it b4...maybe other sifus got better explanation

[chrisyen]

it will be hard to give correct answer without mention the specific movement and watch model

i will say
most eta movement is ok to turn anti clock wise for the setting time ( non destro )

however for movement without hacking mechanism, i do agree its better to turn the clock wise ( non destro )or forward only 

[Everdying]

i always thought for eta u shouldnt turn it backwards until it changes date? ie. go backwards past midnight.

[cklim]

To change date for my Junkers (Poljot 3133 movement), i also have to turn counter clockwise from 1am backward to 11pm, then turn clockwise again to 1am. I guess most Russian movements are having similar mechanism (correct me if i'm wrong)?

Anyway i just found this short article:
http://www.quora.com/Is-it-wise-to-turn-a-watch-counter-clockwise-to-correct-the-time-or-does-that-damage-the-internals-of-the-watch

It seems that turning counter clockwise between 8pm n 3am for most mechanical movements with day/date indicator is NO NO  !!

[hilfi.b]

Yupz, i stumbled this sort of article b4 but i dont understand and care much...hahaha...anyway thanks for refreshing me...

[meoramri]

A horology urban myth.

Watches that have a mechanical crown mechanism to adjust (may it be quartz or mechanical) work on gears. Watches with multiple complications have more gears. Either direction you turn the crown mechanism (or turn the hands), the gears will be engaged - wear & tear - inevitable.

The best way to minimise wear & tear is to reduce the stress on the gears by turning the crown slowly in any direction that you feel comfortable.

[Timeless]

Depends movement, usually turn clockwise which more advisible to those common brand

[chrisyen]

i always thought for eta u shouldnt turn it backwards until it changes date? ie. go backwards past midnight.

eta hv many movement...
from different origin
many handwind no date...

[jetstrim]

Hmm... i have turned the hands on my ETA watches both directions for as long as I can remember .So far so good.Also on my 3135,3186,lemania even..urban myth. Hwever,I do agree that you should not do a 100m dash while doing so

[Everdying]

i always thought for eta u shouldnt turn it backwards until it changes date? ie. go backwards past midnight.

eta hv many movement...
from different origin
many handwind no date...

hence i said date.

[ATFSeiko]

I try not to turn them counter clockwise, only occasionally did it. So far no problem.

[artyca]

I don't. I'd rather spend a bit more time adjusting the time

[cklim]

The best way to minimise wear & tear is to reduce the stress on the gears by turning the crown slowly

I do agree that you should not do a 100m dash while doing so

Alamak... I always like to turn the crown fast especially i'm in hurry 

Lesson learned here... thank a lot for the input 

[mparame]

I've did that to the hand of the clock but not to the date hand. The date gear only work clockwise. This maybe a precaution measure by Seiko to prevent any damage to the movement.

Seiko solar owner

[hidden830726]

So far, all my watches is fine

[Timeless]

I believe is not advisable