Methods to Fix and Prevent Magnetism in Mechanical Watches

Your watch mechanism is composed of small components that work together to ensure the accuracy of every tick. Seiko watch parts are composed of metals, alloys, ceramics, and other high-quality materials that provide their accuracy and durability. However, no matter how expensive or complex your watch mechanism is, it is no match for magnetism.

Magnetism can ruin the intricate balance of these small components, which can slow down, speed up, or stop your watch mechanism altogether. This article will run you through the methods for fixing a magnetised watch and preventing magnetisation.

Investing in a Demagnetiser

If you are a watch enthusiast, you may want to consider investing in a demagnetiser. These are tools used by watchmakers and is a tested solution for magnetised watches.

It may cost you quite a bit initially, but you can keep using it in the long run, and it is best for use if you own a collection of mechanical watches.

Demagnetisers are simple to use. You lay the demagnetiser on a flat surface and place your watch on top of it. You press and hold the button for 10 seconds and move the watch upwards away from the demagnetiser without removing your finger from the button.

This process removes the magnetism from your watch.

Magnetic Resistant Watches

Magnetism is not a recent problem brought about by technological advancements. The watch industry has been racking up innovations to solve the magnetism problem throughout the years. 

An anti-magnetic pocket watch was introduced as early as 1915 and later an anti-magnetic wristwatch in 1930. These watches made use of palladium for the balance spring instead of the usual steel. Some made use of nickel-iron and similar alloys to combat magnetism.

One of the primary solutions to the problem was to protect the internal parts with a faraday cage. The material attracts magnetic field lines, but it does not stay magnetised after removing the magnetic source.

This method can withstand up to 1000 gauss levels of magnetic fields, making them ideal for the exclusive use of scientists of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in 1956.

In the early 2000s, silicon material was used in the escape wheel to combat magnetism which gave it a superior advantage over the previous methods. In 2012 this silicon was combined with magnets which changed the metallic movement of watches into anti-magnetic materials.

Seiko can now produce timepieces with a minimum magnetic resistance of 60 gauss, ideal for divers’ watches.

Anti-magnetic Mods

You can mod or upgrade your watch with anti-magnetic properties to save you the time and trouble of demagnetising. There are Seiko parts built with ISO standard anti-magnetic resistance and shock-absorbent properties with impact resistance.

These modifications not only complete the set of aesthetics but also offer functionality and sturdiness to your timepiece.

Conclusion

Magnetism can negatively affect the precise movements of your watch mechanism, no matter how expensive and complicated your watch is. Throughout the years, watchmakers have come up with various methods to fix and prevent this problem on your timepieces.

Are you looking for Seiko mods for sale in the UK to give your Seiko watch anti-magnetic resistance? We at Seiko Mods offer a wide selection of genuine and high-quality watch mods and parts. Check out our shop to customise your Seiko watch today!