Demagnetisation of watches

      Mechanical watches contain many steel components, such as wheels, escapement wheels, gear pivots, bearings, screws, and hairsprings, making them highly susceptible to magnetisation. Once a mechanical watch is magnetised, the first impact is an increase in timekeeping error; in severe cases, it can cause the watch to stop. While quartz watches do not have magnetisation issues, they can stop in strong magnetic fields.

How to determine if a watch is magnetised:

      If a watch that was previously running well suddenly develops a large timekeeping error, the first suspicion should be magnetisation. The method to check is to place a sensitive compass flat on a table and move the watch quickly and repeatedly over the compass at close range, changing the orientation of the watch. If the compass needle moves, the watch is magnetised.

Treating a magnetised watch:

      Dealing with a magnetised watch is very simple. Take it to a service centre or a watchmaker; they can demagnetise it using a demagnetiser without opening the case, restoring normal timekeeping in 2 seconds. If you wish to demagnetise it yourself, Watch Home has summarised some online tips for your reference.

1, find an unmagnetised iron ring, place the watch inside the ring, and pass it back and forth slowly. After a few minutes, the watch will be demagnetised and restored.

2. The effective area of an induction hob is generally circular, with coils underneath. If a sufficiently large steel object is not placed on it, it usually will not start due to automatic protection. It is best to find a steel cup (indicated by a red circle) filled with water, or another steel container, ensuring it does not cover the centre of the hob but is sufficient to trigger it. Then, turn on the induction hob, preferably at maximum power, and move the watch or tool to be demagnetised from the far left side, close to the surface, across the centre, and out to the far right. Repeat this several times, ensuring you enter from one direction, which provides an effective demagnetisation effect.

PS: Remember to move it quickly; the time taken to pass over the surface should be about 2 seconds. Staying for a few extra seconds will cause rapid heating.