Calibre 563 — the first quickset date

In brief

Until 1966, setting the date on one of these meant running the hands round through 24-hour cycles. The 563 put a stop to that: it was the first in the family with a quickset date. Standard grade, 17 jewels, no certificate.

Short history

Three calibres carried the change in 1966: the 563, the 564 and the 565. Between them they brought the quickset date to the 5xx family, and retired the old routine of turning the hands through cycles of 24 hours to reach the right day.

Why it matters

One thing to watch if you own one: on the quickset calibres, never set the date while the hands are between 21:00 and 01:00. The mechanism is delicate and it can break.

Watches that used it

• Seamaster automatic with date (late 1960s)