Polar sports watches do much more than keep time -- a heart rate monitor keeps track of your pulse while you exercise, while a stopwatch function monitors your workout. Although the exact features vary, setting the time on your Polar watch ensures the watch serves as an accurate timekeeping device when you are not exercising. You might need to set the time when you first unpack your watch or when you change time zone. Exact instructions vary depending on your model.

Press the "Setting," "OK," "Up" or "Down" button. The watch enters setting mode. The "Setting" button is red and located beneath the screen on some models. The "OK," "Up" and "Down" buttons are on the right side of the watch on other models.

Tap the "Setting" button or the "Up" and "Down" button on some models until "Time Set" appears. Press the "Up" or "Down" arrow button on the right side of the watch. The watch switches between 12 and 24 hour time. Press the "Setting" button.

Tap "Up" or "Down" to switch between a.m. and p.m. if you selected 12 hour time in the previous step. This option doesn't appear if you select 24 hour time. Press the "Setting" button to confirm your choice.

Tap the "Up" and "Down" buttons to scroll the hours forward or backward. Press the "Setting" button when the correct hour appears on the display.

Tap the "Up" and "Down" buttons to scroll the minutes forward or backward. Press the "Setting" button when the correct minute appears on the display.

Press "Stop" on the bottom left side of the watch. The clock exits setting mode. The time is set.