What are the dangers of magnetic fields to mechanical watches?

　　Many friends who have purchased mechanical watches will find that sometimes the watch suddenly keeps time poorly, with errors reaching as much as half an hour; this situation is mostly due to the watch being magnetised. So, what are the dangers of magnetic fields to mechanical watches? How can a mechanical watch be demagnetised? Below, we explain the dangers of magnetic fields to mechanical watches and methods for demagnetisation for your reference.

　　The dangers of magnetic fields to mechanical watches

　　Many consumers in daily life find that their watches suddenly keep time poorly, sometimes with errors of up to half an hour. What is going on? In such cases, it is usually because the watch has become magnetised. In today's highly developed technological era, electronics support all aspects of our lives. Things that were originally manual have been digitised, and technologies we rely on heavily—such as mobile phones, televisions, magnetic cards, and computers—all generate magnetic fields. However, Swiss watches, which still adhere to traditional mechanical watchmaking techniques from hundreds of years ago, have some 'conflicts' with today's electronics-filled life. Electronic products all carry magnetic fields, and these fields affect your beloved watch to varying degrees. How can mechanical watches coexist harmoniously with modern society?

　　According to historical records, the magnetic phenomenon was first discovered around 600 BC by Thales, the founder of ancient Greek Western philosophy. The compass, invented by the Chinese around 300 BC, also utilised magnetic properties, so magnetic objects are not a product of modern technology. However, the magnetic field of natural magnetite is quite weak and does not have a significant impact on watches, but man-made magnets are different. In the early 19 century, scientists studying how to increase current discovered strong magnetic fields. The most important scientist here was Faraday, and the world thus began the initial development of modern electronics, leading to the birth of power plants, electric motors, telephones, telegraphs, and semiconductor radios, which propelled a great leap forward in human civilisation.

　　In the mid-20 century, watches gradually became integrated into everyone's life. In China during the 50s, the 'three big items' for men—a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a watch—were the goals pursued by an ordinary Chinese family at the time. If a young man owned these three items when getting married, it was more impressive than buying a house before marriage today. The status of the watch is evident. The problem of watch magnetisation gradually became widespread. How to avoid and defend against watch magnetisation? Earlier mechanical watch hairsprings were made of steel metal, so they were easily affected by magnetic fields. Initially, to prevent magnetisation, watches not being worn were placed in wax-coated iron boxes, but this method could not protect watches while being worn.

　　In 1920, the Swiss scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics, Charles Édouard Guillaume, discovered a brand-new material—invar (nickel-steel alloy). This material has excellent ductility and is the best choice for anti-magnetic watches. Invar was quickly applied to watchmaking, replacing early steel alloy balance springs. This material can, to a certain extent, avoid the influence of magnetisation and is not affected by temperature changes, maintaining precision. The use of this alloy and stainless steel in watch cases effectively helped solve the calibration problems of ordinary watches. However, to truly prevent a watch from being completely unaffected by magnetic fields, one still needs to be careful during daily wear. For example, one should avoid placing watches on loudspeakers, televisions, computers, or radios that contain strong magnets. Also, be aware of magnets when opening refrigerator or cabinet doors; even brief contact is enough to magnetise a watch. Indeed, when you wear your beloved watch, you need to take meticulous care of it; a cautious attitude in life is what allows your watch to last forever. Although a magnetised watch can be demagnetised, quick demagnetisation is often ineffective; true, thorough demagnetisation is a very cumbersome process that requires taking the watch apart and demagnetising each metal component in the movement individually, so one must be extra cautious when wearing a watch in daily life.

　　How to demagnetise a mechanical watch

　　1. Use a ready-made watch demagnetiser, which costs around several tens of yuan per unit (internally consisting of a coil with an iron core in the middle, connected to 50HZ alternating current to generate an alternating magnetic field for demagnetisation), or you can make one yourself.

　　2. Place the watch on a non-magnetic iron plate for a few days; the magnetism will conduct into the iron plate. Naturally, the larger the volume of the iron plate, the greater its magnetisation capacity and the better the effect.

　　3. Slowly pass the watch through a non-magnetic iron ring, and the magnetism will remain in the ring.

　　[NOOB Factory V7 Edition] Rolex Sea-Dweller Series 116660-98210 Blue Dial Watch Gradient Blue Deepsea

　　Latest release from NOOB factory, blue gradient dial, limited special offer

　　Series:Sea-Dweller collection

　　Movement: replica ETA2836 movement, Swiss ETA2836 movement, replica Rolex 3135 movement

　　Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet

　　Case: Stainless steel

　　Bezel: Standard

　　Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass

　　Diameter: 44MM

　　Water resistance: 100 metres

　　After-sales: 2 years free warranty, lifetime technical support

　　Review: The latest Rolex Sea-Dweller series gradient blue Deepsea from NOOB factory. The 44MM case diameter is suitable for a man's wrist, giving a rugged, masculine feel. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel, a sapphire crystal lens, and is available with three movement options: a replica ETA2836 movement, a Swiss ETA2836 movement, or a replica Rolex 3135 movement, making it a high-quality replica that rivals the genuine product.

　　Conclusion:The above is about the dangers of magnetic fields to mechanical watches and methods for demagnetisation. I hope the above content is helpful to you.

Related reading:

Vacheron Constantin: I have tonneau cases and stories

How much is the cheapest Vacheron Constantin watch?

Which is better, Vacheron Constantin or Patek Philippe? Which is more suitable for a wealthy, elegant woman?

What are some classic minimalist watches? Longines simple and stylish watch recommendations