The invention provides a method and system for calibrating an instrument pointer driven by an electric motor against a mechanical stop without using feedback control. According to the invention, the system for calibrating said instrument pointer comprises a pointer (8) engageable with the electric motor (2) including an intermediate gear (3) for driving the pointer (8). A stop means (5) is positioned at a desired reference point where, in a first powered state, the motor (2) is accelerated at a maximum torque for a first predetermined radial distance to move said pointer (8) towards a position whereat said stop means (5) is engaged. The motor (2) is then re-accelerated at a reduced torque for a second predetermined radial distance, whereby the pointer (3) is caused to be moved and held against the stop means (5).