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# setDate(_:)

Changes the start time for the timer.

```
func setDate(_ date: Date)
```

## Parameters

`date`

The new starting time for the timer. Specifying the current date or a date in the past causes the timer to count upward from that time. Specifying a date in the future causes the timer to count down to the specified time.

## Discussion

This method updates the target value but does not automatically update the timer display. You must call the timer’s [`start()`](/documentation/WatchKit/WKInterfaceTimer/start()) method to begin updating the text it displays. When you do, the timer text is updated based on the time you set using this method.

## See Also

  [App Programming Guide for watchOS](https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/General/Conceptual/WatchKitProgrammingGuide/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40014969)

[`start()`](/documentation/WatchKit/WKInterfaceTimer/start())

Begins updates to the timer’s display.


---

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