Magnetism is the enemy of watches. Learn about the symptoms of magnetism and how to deal with it.

A major cause of problems with watches is magnetization. Also known as magnetization or magnetization, magnetization is a condition that can reduce the accuracy of a watch's time display and pose a risk of internal damage. We will look at the differences between magnetic force and magnetic field, as well as the causes of magnetization in watches. We will also introduce the need for and methods of demagnetizing a watch.

Learn about magnetism

While modern luxury watches are less likely to become magnetized, antique watches are more susceptible to magnetism, which poses a risk of serious damage such as internal breakage.

First, let's look at what magnetism is and how it affects mechanical and quartz watches differently.

What is magnetism?

When a magnet comes into contact with iron, the iron takes on magnetic properties, and retains these properties for a while even after the magnet is removed. This force that a magnet possesses is called "magnetic force," the property that attracts metals is called "magnetism," and the space in which magnetic force exists is called a "magnetic field."

"Magnetization" occurs when metal behaves like a magnet due to the influence of a magnetic field. Many movement parts are made of "ferromagnetic" metals that are easily magnetized, and a magnetized watch's escapement function is impaired, making it prone to losing accuracy.

Differences in impact depending on the type of watch

Many parts of modern mechanical movements are made from non-magnetic materials such as brass and plastic, making them less likely to become magnetized.

The mainspring and the balance spring, made of Invar or Enriver alloy, are particularly susceptible to magnetization. When these come into contact with a magnetic field, their power control is easily impaired, causing the hands to speed up or slow down.

In a quartz movement, a quartz oscillator sends current to a drive coil at a precise pace, turning the stator into an electromagnet that causes the rotor to swing in a pendulum motion.

For this reason, quartz watches are not affected by slight magnetism, but if they are near a strong magnetic field with a magnetic force greater than that of the drive coil, the rotor will stop moving or its pace will be disrupted, causing the accuracy of the watch to be affected.

Magnetic products and symptoms of magnetic attraction

As such, magnetism can cause the accuracy of time displays to be affected, but magnetism and magnetic fields are invisible.

Here we will explain what types of products are prone to magnetizing watches, how symptoms vary depending on the drive system, and how you can check for magnetism yourself.

Magnetic products

In modern society, many things around us emit magnetic fields. Smartphones and tablet devices are two examples. The strength of the magnetic field weakens in inverse proportion to the square of the distance, and if the device meets the JIS standard for resistance to magnetic influence, it will be barely affected if you are more than 5 cm away.

However, be careful as smartphone speakers, which use powerful electromagnets to directly vibrate permanent magnets, are likely to be activated near a wristwatch.

Avoid bringing bags, wallets, and tablet covers that use "strong magnets" into close proximity to your watch.

Other appliances that generate strong magnetic fields that can have an effect even if you are more than 5cm away include induction cookers.

Symptoms of magnetic attraction

In a magnetized mechanical watch, the operation of the balance wheel, which is linked to the hairspring, is constantly unstable, which causes the watch to run slow or fast.

Analog quartz watches are far less likely to lose or gain time than mechanical watches, but a common magnetic effect is when the stator is unable to switch between the north and south poles, causing the watch to temporarily stop.

Digital quartz watches do not have a mainspring or motor, so the time display will not be affected. However, models equipped with a compass function may no longer show the correct direction.

How to check for magnetism

A simple way to check for magnetism that you can do yourself is to use a compass. A magnetized watch has the properties of a magnet, so if the magnetism is strong enough to affect the accuracy of the watch, it will show some kind of reaction when you bring a compass close to it.

However, this is only a simple diagnostic method: to check for magnetism in detail, you would need to have the manufacturer or a specialist disassemble the movement and measure the magnetic force of each part.

Learn about demagnetization

The symptoms of magnetism vary depending on the watch's drive system, but antique watches, which use many parts that are easily magnetized, are more seriously affected.

Let's take a look at how to demagnetize your precious watch to protect it from the effects of magnetism.

What is demagnetization?

A watch that has become magnetized and is no longer accurate needs to be demagnetized. Depending on the magnetized part, if it has become strongly magnetized or if internal parts such as the balance spring have become magnetized, the magnetism may remain for a long period of time, so some method of demagnetization is required.

This process is called "demagnetization" or "demagnetization." Because magnetism is invisible, it is necessary to first diagnose it using a residual magnetism measuring device.

Use a magnetic remover

One way to remove magnetism at home is to use commercially available "demagnetizers," also known as "demagitants" or "demagnetizers." These come in a variety of types, from inexpensive handheld models to commercial-grade stationary models.

How to use it depends on the demagnetizer, but basically, you can demagnetize your watch by simply touching it to the demagnetizer and turning it on. However, since it cannot measure residual magnetism, it is a good idea to check the residual magnetism by bringing a compass close to it.

Ask a professional to demagnetize the magnet

To ensure that your precious watch is demagnetized properly, we recommend that you ask the manufacturer or a specialist.

If it is a used item without a warranty, you can take it to a specialist watch repair shop, but if it has a warranty, it is safer to ask the manufacturer.

Protect your precious watch from magnetism

A magnetized watch will lose accuracy in its time display and will not be able to perform at its full potential unless it is demagnetized.

Be careful to keep your watch away from electronic devices that have speakers that use powerful magnets or products that have magnetic opening and closing systems.

In recent years, many wristwatches have become highly magnetically resistant, but antique watches can suffer serious damage if their gears become misaligned.

If you suspect that your watch may be magnetized, have it demagnetized by the manufacturer or a watch repair shop.