In the modern world, your mechanical watch is constantly under siege from an invisible influence: magnetism. While a timepiece is designed to withstand the physical knocks of daily life, it is often the silent, unseen magnetic fields emanating from our technology that cause the most frustration for owners. For a precision instrument built on the laws of physics, even a brief encounter with a magnetic source can throw a carefully regulated movement into chaos.
The Science of the Hairspring
To understand why magnetism is so disruptive, one must look at the heart of the movement—the hairspring. This coil of wire, often thinner than a human hair, expands and contracts with rhythmic consistency to regulate the release of energy. When a watch becomes magnetised, the coils of the hairspring can physically stick together. Instead of the spring breathing fully, the active length of the coil is shortened. This causes the balance wheel to oscillate much faster than intended, leading the watch to gain significant amounts of time—sometimes minutes or even hours per day. In more severe cases, the magnetic charge can be strong enough to stop the movement entirely.
Modern Culprits
A century ago, a watchmaker might only worry about heavy industrial machinery or medical equipment, but today the sources are much more domestic and harder to avoid. Handheld electronics such as tablets and smartphones contain powerful speakers and sensors that can easily affect a mechanical calibre. Magnetic clasps on handbag fasteners or “Milanese” watch straps with magnetic closures are also frequent offenders. Even the kitchen is not entirely safe, as the powerful electromagnetic fields used in induction hobs can interfere with a watch if the wearer’s wrist is held too close to the surface for an extended period. Furthermore, office tech like laptop speakers and the magnets used to keep lids closed are perfectly positioned to interact with your timepiece while typing.
Identifying and Remedying the Issue
If you notice your watch has suddenly started running very fast, magnetism is the most likely culprit. A simple home check involves placing a traditional compass near the watch; if the compass needle deflects or spins as the watch moves past, the metal components are likely holding a charge.
Fortunately, magnetism is not a permanent failure for a movement. It does not cause lasting mechanical damage, though it does require professional intervention to resolve correctly. A watchmaker uses a device called a demagnetiser (or “greissing” tool). By subjecting the watch to a rapidly alternating magnetic field that gradually diminishes, the tool resets the alignment of the atoms within the steel parts, effectively neutralising the charge.
Professional Standards
While consumer-grade demagnetisers are available online, they can be unpredictable. Professional servicing ensures that the watch is not only neutralised but also re-tested for regulation and timing. At W.E. Clark, every timepiece passing through the workshop is checked for magnetism as a standard part of the intake process, ensuring that the precision you expect is restored without the need for a full overhaul. Protecting your investment is often as simple as being mindful of where you rest your watch at night—keeping it away from your phone or tablet is the easiest way to ensure it remains a reliable companion.