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In our modern world, invisible magnetic fields are everywhere, from our smartphones and laptops to speakers and kitchen appliances. While harmless to us, these fields can wreak havoc on the delicate heart of an automatic mechanical watch: the hairspring. When a watch becomes magnetized, its precision is compromised, often causing it to run erratically fast. Understanding how to detect and resolve this common issue is crucial for any watch owner looking to maintain their timepiece's accuracy and longevity.

How to Detect If Your Watch Is Magnetized

The most common symptom of a magnetized watch is a sudden and significant gain in time, sometimes minutes per day. If your watch's performance changes drastically without any physical impact, magnetization is the likely culprit.

The Compass Test: A Simple Diagnosis

 You don't need fancy equipment to get a good indication.

1. Lay a traditional analog compass flat on a table.
2. Once the needle is stable, slowly bring your watch close to it.
3. If the compass needle moves or deflects as your watch approaches, your watch is magnetized.

For a more precise reading, you can also use a smartphone app designed to detect magnetic fields, though a simple compass is often sufficient.

The Science of Demagnetizing a Watch

Demagnetization, or degaussing, works by exposing the watch to a strong, alternating magnetic field that gradually decreases in intensity. This process scrambles and neutralizes the residual magnetic charge that has built up in the watch's movement, particularly in the steel hairspring, allowing it to oscillate freely again. The procedure is perfectly safe and, when done correctly, is the standard, preferred remedy for magnetization.

Step-by-Step Guide to Demagnetizing Your Watch at Home

With a small investment in a watch demagnetizer, you can easily perform this task at home. These devices are widely available online.

1. Power On the Demagnetizer: Plug in your device and press the activation button. You will often hear a slight hum.
2. Position Your Watch: Place your watch on the center of the demagnetizer's surface.
3. Slowly Lift Away: While holding the activation button, slowly and steadily lift the watch straight up and away from the device, moving it about one meter away before releasing the button. This gradual removal from the field is the key to the process.
4. Re-Test: Use your compass again to check if the magnetism is gone. If the needle still moves, repeat the process, perhaps rotating the watch to a different position.

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How to Prevent Future Magnetization

Prevention is always the best strategy. While you can't avoid all magnetic fields, you can minimize exposure.

• Mind Your Electronics: Be mindful of placing your watch directly on laptops, speakers, tablets, or near strong magnets like those on refrigerator doors or clasps.
• The iPhone Issue: Modern phones, especially iPhone 12 and later models with MagSafe, produce a magnetic field. While normal use at a typical distance (over 10cm) has a negligible effect, you should avoid direct contact between your watch and the back of the phone or a MagSafe charger.
• Know Your Watch: Some brands (like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Tudor with in-house movements) offer superior anti-magnetic properties. Others, particularly those using certain ETA-based movements, can be more susceptible. Omega's Co-Axial movements (8500 series and above) are highly resistant.
• Protective Storage: The most reliable way to protect your timepieces is with proper storage. A high-quality watch box or a dedicated watch winder safe provides an essential shield against accidental magnetic exposure.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your watch continues to run poorly after several demagnetization attempts, or if you own a particularly valuable or vintage timepiece, it's best to consult a professional watchmaker. They can perform a thorough demagnetization and also check if there are other underlying issues affecting its performance.

Conclusion: An Empowered Watch Owner

Magnetization is a common and thankfully reversible problem. By learning to detect it with a simple compass and demagnetize it with the right tool, you can resolve one of the most frequent causes of inaccuracy in mechanical watches. Paired with smart prevention habits and quality storage solutions from Driklux, you can ensure your collection remains precise, reliable, and protected for years to come.