What Should I Do if My Watch Becomes Magnetized?Updated 5 months ago
If your watch suddenly starts running much faster than usual, it’s likely that it has become magnetized. This can happen if the watch has been exposed to strong magnetic fields from electronic devices like laptops, smartphones, household appliances, or speakers.
To check if your watch is magnetized, try using a compass. Slowly move your watch near the compass (a digital compass or an app on your phone works too). If the compass needle moves noticeably when the watch gets close, it’s a sign that your watch is magnetized.
To fix this, you’ll need a demagnetizing tool, which is something a local watchmaker can usually provide, or you can buy one for around £10/$15.
How to Use a Demagnetizer:
First, make sure your watch is not running. Allow the power reserve to deplete, and pull out the crown to stop the movement.
Hold the watch about half an inch (1 cm) above the smooth surface of the demagnetizer.
Press and hold the button on the demagnetizer, and the light should indicate that it’s working.
While keeping the button pressed, slowly lift the watch until it’s about a foot (30 cm) away from the device, then release the button.
This process completes one demagnetization cycle. Afterward, use the compass to check if the watch is still magnetized. Repeat the steps if necessary until the watch is fully demagnetized.