Magnetism can have a negative impact on watches, causing them to gain or lose time. It is crucial to avoid leaving a watch near magnetic items for extended periods. These days, magnetic items are all around us. These products’ induced magnetism has the potential to impact watch movement components negatively. Magnetism is less powerful if you keep your watch more than 5 cm away from magnetic objects.
Due to essential components’ inability to interact as they typically would inside the movement’s framework, magnetized watches perform poorly. If the magnetic field is powerful enough, the result is a watch that may run swiftly, erratically, or stop entirely. What can you then do? Here is a comprehensive blog that will guide you through the magnetized watches, their effects, symptoms, causes, and fixing methods. So, let us get started.
What Happens If Your Watch Gets Magnetized?
When a metal comes in contact with magnetic material, magnetism produces either an attracting or a repelling force. You can either create magnetism naturally or intentionally. Compasses are an excellent example of this because the needle in them guides the north and south poles thanks to the earth’s magnetic fields. Even analog watches have their uses in some situations.
Unfortunately, unlike compasses, watches can suffer damage from being constantly exposed to magnetic forces. More particularly, it can make the movement erratic, causing it to move more quickly, more slowly, or not at all. As a result, the watch’s accuracy declines, defeating the device’s original intent.
What Can Magnetize a Watch?
We frequently wear watches without a second thought, but they are more delicate than we realize. Have you ever questioned why your reliable timepiece started acting strangely, running quickly or slowly? Magnetism may be the real problem, closer than you think.
Now, you may wonder, “Where on earth is my watch encountering magnets?” The solution is all around us! Many everyday objects contain magnetic elements, including your laptop and the innocent-looking purse clasp. Using electronics or passing through security gates can expose your watch to magnetic fields.
Some typical causes are listed below:
- Electronic Devices: You can use your smartphone, tablet, or speakers to magnetize a watch.
- Magnetic Closures: Items with magnetic clasps, such as bags, wallets, and jewelry, can act as covert sources.
- Medical Devices: Watches should never be used with MRI machines!
- Security Systems: Are those airport security gates? Yes, they can also impact your watch.
How to Test for Magnetization?
Magnetism can act as a covert saboteur, impairing your watch’s functionality without your knowledge. But how can you be sure if this phantom force has harmed your watch? Magnetization may be to blame if your timepiece suddenly runs too fast, too slowly, or has abruptly stopped, even though you are sure it has not been physically damaged.
The second hand’s movement may be where you first notice these inconsistencies. It might miss a beat, pick up speed, or slow down. But you need more than just a keen eye to be sure. Here are three easy ways to check whether your watch has been magnetized:
The Lepsi App for iOS Users:
- From the App Store, install the Lepsi app.
- Hold your watch near the detection area on your phone’s screen after installation.
- The app will quickly let you know if your watch is magnetic. Do not worry; your watch will not become even more magnetic after this quick test!
The Compass Test
- Lie a typical needle compass flat on a surface.
- Bring your timepiece up against the compass.
- Magnetization is definitely present if the compass needle moves in time with your watch.
Consult a Professional
- After performing the at-home tests, you should consult a professional if you still need to decide.
- Visit a nearby watchmaker or a certified service facility. They have specialized equipment for precisely identifying watch magnetism.
Knowledge is a powerful tool in the field of horology. Your watch will continue functioning flawlessly and in top condition if you check for magnetization.
