Automatic Watches
How to Magnetize and Demagnetize a Watch - And Why It Matters
By Argos Watches
More than a timepiece, a watch is a mechanical work of art that demands fine engineering to offer accurate service. One of the most common yet untended flaws affecting mechanical watches is magnetization. If your watch runs too fast or too slow, it may be that a magnetic field acted on it. Understanding how to magnetize and demagnetize your watch correctly can be important to keeping the accuracy and longevity of the watch intact.
What is Watch Magnetization, and Why Does it Matter?
Magnetization is a process in which the metallic parts of a mechanical watch, particularly the hairspring, are affected by a magnetic field. The coils of the hairspring then stick together, which shortens its effective length and disrupts the accuracy of the movement of the watch. Thus, a magnetized watch may gain or lose minutes per day, rendering it unreliable.
With modern technology surrounding us—smartphones, laptops, speakers, and even airport security scanners—mechanical watches are more vulnerable to magnetization than ever before. Even new watches may arrive magnetized due to storage and shipping conditions. Fortunately, magnetization is reversible with the right tools and techniques.
With modern technology surrounding us—smartphones, laptops, speakers, and even airport security scanners—mechanical watches are more vulnerable to magnetization than ever before. Even new watches may arrive magnetized due to storage and shipping conditions. Fortunately, magnetization is reversible with the right tools and techniques.
How to Tell If Your Watch is Magnetized
A common symptom of a magnetized watch is a sudden and extreme deviation in accuracy—often gaining or losing more than a minute per day. To confirm whether your watch is magnetized, try these simple home tests:
Compass Test:
Place a small compass near your watch. If the compass needle moves erratically, the watch is magnetized.
Smartphone Magnetometer Apps:
LEPSI (iOS) or Physics Toolbox Magnetometer (Android) apps can detect changes in magnetic strength. Hold your phone away from the watch, then bring it close to check for noticeable fluctuations.
If your watch shows signs of magnetization, it's time to demagnetize it.
If your watch shows signs of magnetization, it's time to demagnetize it.
How to Demagnetize a Watch
You can demagnetize a watch very quickly and easily if you have the right tools. A watch demagnetizer is a gadget that neutralizes the magnetic field that affects your timepiece. Here's how to use it efficiently:
Using a Stream-Type Demagnetizer
- Switch on the demagnetizer by pushing the button.
- Slowly drag the watch into the middle of the device's loop while holding the button.
- Slowly retract the watch from the loop while still holding the button.
- Release the button and wait to see that the watch operates within normal variation.
Demagnetizing with a Pulse-Type Demagnetizer
- Place the watch over the demagnetizer.
- Engage the push button to send a pulse.
- Rotate the watch 90 degrees, then press the button again.
- Keep repeating until normal variation returns to the timepiece.
How to Magnetize a Watch (If Needed)
In rare cases, watchmakers or hobbyists may intentionally magnetize a watch for specific purposes, such as adjusting the balance of certain vintage watches. To magnetize a watch:
- Place the watch near a strong magnet (such as a neodymium magnet) for a few seconds.
- Move the watch slowly away from the magnet to ensure even exposure.
- Test with a compass to confirm magnetization.
Preventing Future Magnetization
To prevent your watch from unwanted magnetization:
Avoid keeping it near electronic devices with strong magnetic fields, such as:
- Speakers
- Microwaves
- MRI machines
- Airport security scanners
- Smartphones and laptops
- Store your watch in a case or a designated watch box away from magnets.
Conclusion
Magnetization can significantly impact a watch’s accuracy, but it is both preventable and easily reversible. By learning how to test, demagnetize, and protect your watch, you can ensure it remains in optimal condition. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting with mechanical watches, understanding magnetism will help you maintain precision and reliability for years to come.
Keep Your Watch Running Accurately
Magnetization can disrupt your watch’s accuracy, but the good news is—it’s preventable and reversible! Whether you need to demagnetize your watch or protect it from strong magnetic fields, taking the right steps will keep it ticking precisely.
Ensure your timepiece stays reliable, explore precision-engineered watches at Argos Watches!
Ensure your timepiece stays reliable, explore precision-engineered watches at Argos Watches!
