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You own a mechanical watch and you noticed a malfunction or inaccuracy in the time display? Your timepiece may be magnetized. In this guide, we will see how to detect if your watch is affected by magnetization and what are the tips to fix it.
What is the magnetization of a mechanical watch?
The magnetization of a mechanical watch is a phenomenon that occurs when certain internal components of the movement, in particular the springs and the gears, are exposed to magnetic fields. These can come from various sources such as electronic devices, speakers or even magnets in bags and wallets.
When a mechanical watch is magnetized, its performance may be impaired, causing delays or advances in the time display. In addition, it can irreversibly damage certain parts of the watch, which requires professional repair.
How do you know if your mechanical watch is magnetized?
There are several methods to check if your watch is magnetized, here are some tips:
- Use a compass: place a compass next to your mechanical watch and watch the hand. If the latter is attracted by the watch or changes direction when you approach or move away from the timepiece, it means that your watch is magnetized.
- Trust the symptoms: if your watch shows an abnormal delay or advance (several minutes a day), there is a good chance that it is magnetized.
- Using a smartphone app: some free apps can detect magnetic fields using the built-in sensor in your smartphone. Simply place your phone near the watch and check the values indicated by the application.
How to remedy the magnetization of a mechanical watch?
If you have determined that your mechanical watch is indeed magnetized, there are several solutions to fix this problem:
- Demagnetize the watch: use a specific demagnetizer for mechanical watches, available from certain watchmakers or on the internet. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly degaussing your timepiece.
- Move the watch away from sources of magnetic field: Avoid placing your watch near electronic devices, magnets, or speakers. Also remember to remove any magnets from your bag or wallet.
- Consult a watchmaker: if the previous solutions do not work, it is best to consult a professional who can determine the origin of the problem and carry out a repair if necessary.
How to protect your mechanical watch from magnetization?
To prevent your mechanical watch from being magnetized, here are some precautions to take:
- Keep it away from sources of magnetic field: As mentioned earlier, keep your watch away from electronic devices, magnets, and speakers. Also, avoid wearing your watch while using power tools or medical devices such as MRIs.
- Opt for an anti-magnetic watch: certain mechanical watches are designed to resist magnetic fields thanks to specific materials or particular constructions. If you work in an environment where magnetic fields are common, this may be a suitable solution.
- Store your watch in a safe place: when you are not wearing your watch, store it in a place away from sources of magnetic field.
In summary
The magnetization of a mechanical watch can lead to malfunctions and inaccuracies in the time display. To find out if your watch is magnetized, you can use a compass, observe the symptoms or use a smartphone application. To solve this problem, demagnetize the watch, keep it away from sources of magnetic field or consult a watchmaker.
Finally, to protect your timepiece from magnetization, adopt good habits regarding storage and exposure to magnetic fields, and consider purchasing an anti-magnetic watch if necessary.
