Push & Pull – Fixing Magnetism in Watches

Watches are marvels of horology that make you think about how engineers cram the tiniest pieces into a working device. The world of watches is continuously evolving, and the art of creating mechanical watches is dying out. With timepieces going the “smart” direction, fewer people are interested in mechanical watches, which are an exquisite field of the arts.

Thankfully, Seiko is unphased and continues to produce superb watches, along with the rest of the luxury brands around the world. Many people take their timepieces when traveling worldwide to tell the time with style, and there is no doubt that it looks better doing an old school wrist glance over anything else.

Magnetism In Watches

Due to the increasing number of electronic devices in today’s world, mechanical watches are suffering from the risk of magnetism. Airport scanners, mobile phone contact, and other electronics can cause the watch to magnetize, making the mechanism go haywire. Traveling often with a mechanical watch can be the source of why the time is inconsistent, and fixing this will require your piece to be demagnetized.

Magnetism is a common occurrence, so don’t be surprised if it is happening to your beloved timepiece. Whether you are running a Seiko SKX007 or a Rolex Submariner, their similar metal internals become a prime candidate for the forces of magnets. One particular component that gets stuck is the hairspring, which causes lapses in a watch’s accuracy when stuck. When there is a gap caused by a shortened hairspring, the watch typically runs quicker or even slower in some instances.

A fun fact is that Rolex has created a watch model that is anti-magnetic, coined the Milgauss, which was developed for scientists working in heavy electronic environments. Otherwise, watches exposed to light magnetic fields can be easily reversed and turned back to regular programming.

Is Your Timepiece Magnetized?

Before running a demagnetizing process, testing the watch first using various methods to determine if it is suffering from a magnetic pull will save plenty of time. One way that always works when testing is to put a compass near a watch and see if the needle pulls towards the body. If the needle pulls easily, this is a sign of magnetization.

Some modern smartphones that are capable of magnetic detection have various applications available in their respective stores. The primary method will always be more reliable, especially since most phones do not prioritize this feature’s accuracy.

Demagnetizing a Watch

Unfortunately, demagnetizing a watch requires a special tool to do so. However, the upside is that these tools can demagnetize a watch in a few seconds to a minute. The devices work by generating randomized fields that disrupt the magnetic field shrouding the metal components. Different models exist, with some having a center hole where a stream will send a watch polarization signal to restore its functionality.

Other tools involve sending pulses out that use a button that disrupts any forces that are pulling the watch in strange ways. Following the instructions of the demagnetizer purchased will ensure that your timepiece is restored for accuracy.

Conclusion

Whether you own a top-of-the-line Rolex or a Seiko mod, these are both going to be subject to the field of magnets. When it comes to telling time, having the watch ticking in an accurate fashion will prevent mechanical watches from being damaged due to faster movements. Investing in a demagnetization tool is a great way to stay safe and ready when a timepiece starts acting up.

SeikoMods can help you personalize your Seiko timepiece with a premium selection of Seiko mod parts. With our products, you can be sure to have a one-of-a-kind piece, no matter if you got it brand new or pre-owned. Take a glance at our catalog for a Seiko watch made by you, for you!